Handmade Lampwork Beads

Handmade lampwork beads are a thing of joy to behold. They are also fun to make most days. Then again, there are days that every bead is hard-won. For me, that happened to be yesterday.

The Joys and Tribulations of Lampworking

Sometimes ideas, glass and coordination all line up and beads seem to make themselves. Other times, coordination or ideas are lacking, making the lampwork beads a struggle to create.

I'm not exactly sure what was lacking yesterday (probably the coordination), but the beads didn't flow like they normally do. Well, maybe I do know. Half-way through my session I had to go and grab my reading glasses! And let me tell you, it's not fun to wear two sets of glasses (the others being the AUR-92 for the lampworking).

But after I did put the reading glasses on, "Otherworld" (bead to the right) was born. I was able to see well enough to lay down the goldstone and make it sparkly. Once I got everything all encased, I then added the SIS on top. I'm a lousey photographer, but the bead has some wonderful depth to it.

I also ended up with "Blue Planet" (to the left). Kind of the same general design as "Otherworld", but still somewhat different. I liked this one so much that I went out today and made a set to go with it! Right now, they are cooling down in the kiln. Can't wait until they are cool enough to take out!

Handmade Lampwork Beads and Experiments

On days when I can't seem to make two beads the same (or even vaguely alike), I will many times make test beads. By that I mean try different colors together, maybe a different shape or size from normal.

I decided yesterday was a good time to run some tests! So I played with some of the lampwork shards I've bought lately. One, called "Dragon's Breath" holds some promise. Another, "Cherry Blush" was pretty. Two more I don't think I've got the hang of!

It used to be that when I was having a bad day at the torch, I would keep on trying to make my sets, regardless of how bad I was doing. Now, I use my bad days to experiment and try new things.

In another month os so, I'll be opening back up my Etsy store, and will be listing beads here and there on ebay. But if you are in need of beads right now, here are some pretty blue beads from ebay, for your viewing pleasure.