I make my glass beads and art using an oxygen and propane torch. For beads, I start by melting the tip of a colored glass rod into the flame. I then roll it around a metal mandrel that I keep turning to model the glass into a nice shaped bead.
Different techniques are used to create patterns, colors and small sculptures. Some metals like gold, silver or copper can be included as well. All my beads are cautiously handmade. I need to work fast to keep the bead hot enough during all the flameworking period. Some beads will take up to 90 minutes of flameworking.
Once the bead is finished, I put it into a kiln at 960°F for a minimum of 30 minutes (time is based on the size of the bead) and then allow it to cool slowly during a period of 6 hours. This procedure called annealing removes stresses in the glass therefore solidifying the bead.
The last step consists in removing the bead from the mandrel and cleaning the middle hole to remove the bead release paste preventing the glass from sticking permanently to the metal of the mandrel. The beads are now ready to make pendants, earings, or any piece of jewelry.
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