Quality Lampwork?
What makes a quality lampwork beads? This is something to consider even if you don’t ever want to make them. In fact, if you buy lampwork beads, then it is even more important to consider this because you want the best quality beads included in your strung designs. And, as some who has made some pretty funky glass beads in my time, trust me when I say there are some bad beads out there.
- One important item to check into is if the beads have been annealed or not. After glass heats up, it needs to cool down slowly or it will become brittle and break. Most experienced lampwork artists use a kiln to slowling bring the temperature down after they make their beads, sort of a like a warming oven affect.
- Shape is another consideration. If they are meant to be round, are they perfectly round or sort of wabbly looking?
- Check the holes to make sure they are clean of any kiln residue and are smooth so they won’t cut into your beading string (beading wire is what I normally use).
What do you look for in a lampwork bead? I’m sure this list is not complete.
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POSTED IN: Lampwork & Fused Glass
1 opinion for Quality Lampwork?
terrilynn
Aug 15, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Sometimes the lampwork beads have glass swirls, dots or other designs applied to the surface of the bead. Check to make sure there are no rough, sharp or broken edges which will slice or scratch the delicate skin of your neck, wrist etc. I run my fingers over the surface to feel for these imperfections which can be present in handmade work.
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