What is Lampworking

The term "lampwork" refers to the process of shaping and decorating glass in flame.  Though the original oil burning lamps that lent their name to the process have been replaced by modern oxygen and propane torches, the name lampwork remains. Madison and Main lampwork beads are hand-crafted by melting glass with a torch. 

Individual colored glass rods are used to create the colors and designs that you see in lampworked glass beads.  There are several manufacturers of glass rods from a handful of countries. Not all glass is compatible because of its individual coefficient of expansion (COE), which is the rate in which the glass contracts when its cooling. Using glass with different COE's to create a bead will produce stress cracks when the bead has cooled to room temperature.

Rods of soda-lime glass (Effetre, Czech and/or Lauscha glass) are melted in the flame of an oxygen-propane torch and then twirled onto a stainless steel rod, called a mandrel. 

When the bead is completely shaped and decorated, it is then put into an annealing kiln to cool very gradually.   The bead is held at an annealing temperature just below the melting point for the particular type of glass, and then gradually taken down to room temperature.   Annealing is necessary to remove internal stress from the bead which may cause cracking.  After the bead is annealed, it is removed from the mandrel and the hole is cleaned with special tools.  The bead is now ready to be incorporated into many different styles of jewelry and enjoyed for many years.  Please keep in mind, the beads are still glass, and if they break or crack, please discard the bead properly.

When making a bead the REAL first steps are to have the proper equipment, tools, and safety material.
Always wear protective glasses and clothing.
Have a fire extinguisher available at all times and cool water for any burns.
Have your work area properly ventilated and covered with the appropriate non flammable surfaces.
 

If you would like to learn lampworking, we recommend finding a class in your area,

read as much as you can on the lampworking process, and practice, practice, practice!!
Most of all listen to some great music and HAVE FUN!!!