Glass Beadmaking Class
Last week, I tried something new! Friends & I took a 4-hr. private lesson in beadmaking at Diablo Glass School here in Boston. We learned how to make lampwork (flame work) beads. What an awesome way to spend the day!

We had a great teacher named Peter who showed us some basic techniques. At first it seemed a bit tricky to melt the glass rod in the torch with one hand and turn the mandrel with the other hand at the same time, but this just takes lots of practice. You also have to remember to keep the glass in the flame to keep it hot, otherwise it can crack right on the mandrel! :/

Here are the first lampwork beads I made. I was bummed the bumpy bead on the right broke in the kiln, because it was perfect when I put it in. I am happy with how the others turned out for my first attempt at working with glass.

I do plan to go back and make more beads. There's definitely something about working with an open flame that makes you forget all about life's worries.. And, I now have a greater appreciation for those who choose to make lampwork beads for a living. Working with glass is not easy, as the final product is the result of bit of luck & and a lot of magic! :D
Also, just a reminder to those in the Boston area, you are invited to join me for an artist reception this Thursday at Boston Bead Company in Harvard Square from 6:30-8pm. Please click HERE for more info! Hope to see you there! :)