THE PROCESS

Each bead is handmade in the torch using canes of Italian, Lauscha, Vetrofond, or Double Helix glass melted onto a steel rod. Layers of glass are blended, twisted, coaxed, dotted and 'painted' onto the growing bead, and when the shape and design is complete, the bead is strengthened in a kiln. The high temperature allows the glass to move and realign on a molecular level, thereby releasing stress from the glass and strengthening it.        

The kiln is to my left as I'm working. I found this great old

metal top kitchen table to set my kiln on. I also use two very old kitchen tables as jewelry

benches.

   The reading corner is filled with books on glass, jewelry making and catalogs.

   The antique pine cupboard is perfect for holding canes of glass and related supplies. This old

   lounge chair doesn't really fit my decor, but it's oh-so comfortable! It's time to put the bird

   houses outside, although I do love them here.

Here's a very messy jewelry bench!  The small drawers are filled with silver charms,

and jewelry findings. The drawers below those have files, and hammers, silver wire, a dapping      block, saw and other tools. The tall drawer case has vintage fabrics, semi-precious stones, vintage beads and the like. Things I plan to use in my jewelry.   

     Here is my hot glass and torch bench.     

     And that's the cleanest my torch area has ever been!

   February 2007. We had quite an pretty month!

                                                          Springtime at the Studio