About Flamework

ABOUT FLAME WORKED BEADS.

The art of making glass beads, known as flame worked or lamp worked is an ancient art dating back more than 3000 years.  Glass beads date back as early as 1400 BC where they have been found in Egypt.  For many centuries glass beads have played a key role in many cultures throughout the world, not only used for adornment but also in trade and various religious ceremonies.  For many years there has been a cloud of secrecy surrounding this ancient art form and the techniques used.  Now that the cat is out of the bag, flame workers around the world have embraced this beautiful art form and are creating many beautiful pieces for the world to enjoy.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Basically the art of making glass beads is done by winding molten glass around a stainless steel rod or mandrel, which has been coated in a ‘bead release’ mixture, to allow the easy removal of the bead on cooling.  The glass, usually in the form of a rod is heated in a flame of pure oxygen and propane.  Once the desired size, shape and colours are  achieved the bead is placed into a kiln, where the process of annealing may take place.

ANNEALING.

This is the process of slowly reducing the temperature of the hot glass.  The temperature of the glass needs to be equal through out the entire mass, for instance, a piece of glass that is 50mm x 50mm is likely to be far cooler on the outside than it is on the inside.  To enable the glass to ‘equalize’ in temp we use the kiln to hold the glass at the required temp ( this varies for different types of glass) and we soak or hold at that temp for a set period of time.  Again the time will vary depending on the size of the glass we are working with.  Once this soak period is completed the kiln is allowed to cool down at a very slow rate until it reaches room temperature.

WHY ANNEAL?

Glass that has not been annealed will have stress in it, which means that on a molecular level, the glass will be unstable, and environmental factors such as drastic temperature changes – hot water/cold water etc, or simply being knocked or dropped, will cause cracks, stress fractures or clean breaks in the glass.

Lamp worked glass beads are definitely one of a kind.  To reproduce any two pieces and have them identical is almost impossible.  The artist that designs the glass bead is usually designing from the soul.  To make a single bead can be a very long process, but as with any art the satisfaction of the completed piece is very rewarding.  This ancient form of lamp worked beads is now widely available throughout the world, and each bead of glass that you are lucky enough to own, you can be certain that it was make with a high level of skill, creativity and love.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.