What is Lampwork? TOP
A variant of the wound glass bead making technique, and a labor
intensive one, is what is traditionally called lampworking. In the
Venetian industry, where very large quantities of beads were produced
in the 19th century for the African trade, the core of a decorated bead
was produced from molten glass at furnace temperatures, a large-scale
industrial process dominated by men. The delicate multicolored
decoration was then added by people, mostly women, working at home
using used an oil lamp or spirit lamp to re-heat the cores and the fine
wisps of colored glass used to decorate them. These workers were paid
on a piecework basis for the resulting lampwork beads. Modern lampwork
beads are made by using a gas torch to heat a rod of glass and spinning
the resulting thread around a metal rod covered in bead release. When
the base bead has been formed, other colors of glass can be added to
the surface to create many designs. After this initial stage of the bead making process, the bead can be further fired in a kiln to make it
more durable. I don't see my team colors, can you make them? TOP
Yes, most of the time it's possible to create your team colors without an issue. Glass is a little different in that every version of every colors is not always available. Please send me an image or a website where I can see an example of the colors you are looking for.
Do you offer custom work? TOP
Yes, I offer custom work upon your request of color combinations along with any design requirements. Please email your request with as much information as possible.
Do you guarantee your work? TOP
Yes, under normal conditions I guarantee both my glass beads and
jewelry. I include a self addressed padded envelope (with every
purchase) in case for some reason you have an issue with your jewelry. What type of metal do you use in your jewelry? TOP
I use sterling silver unless otherwise indicated. Accessories such as zipper pulls, cell phone charms, key chains, etc. do not get sterling silver since it is much softer and likely to break under normal conditions.
Do you make both the jewelry & glass beads? TOP
I handcraft each piece of jewelry and create virtually all of the glass beads in my home studio. From time to time I work with Maureen McRorie at Flametree Glass here in Roswell Georgia on beads. Maureen is an accomplished lampworker who has been featured in multiple publications for her glass work. Please visit their website for more information or if you are interested in glass classes in the local area - www.flametreeglass.com
Are your glass beads kiln annealed? TOP
Absolutely! I kiln anneal all of my glass beads to guarantee their
durability. Glass beads are NOT unbreakable. Please treat them as you
would any precious glass. Is express shipping an option? TOP
Yes, please email me direct to get express shipping options. Can I get an identical item? TOP
I can typically replicate beads and jewelry in general, however it's rare to get the exact same identical result when it comes to melting glass into beads. The great and exciting thing about glass is that it can react a little bit different each time creating a unique characteristic every time.
Do you offer bulk discounts? TOP
I do offer discounts on custom orders if you are purchasing multiples of the same item (ie; 8 pairs of the same earrings for a group or team). Please contact me directly if you have questions regarding any potential discounts.
How do you ship? TOP
I ship via USPS direct from my computer so that your item(s) get out ASAP. If you require a different shipping method please contact me in advance. Shipping is a flat $1.99 for as many items as you order. Items are packed properly and shipped in a secure padded envelope
What is the "Etching"? TOP
"Etching" is nothing more than a mild acid bath for glass beads. Just a dip in an etching solution for a few minutes removes the "shine" from a bead creating a unique matte finish.
| 
