Lampwork Glass Artistry, Regina brings her refreshing creativity to this centuries-old craft. All glass art, lampwork, and sculpted pieces have been kiln-annealed for maximum strength and durability. Using semi-precious and precious stones, copper, sterling silver, gold vermeil, pearls and original handmade lampwork beads and sculpture, the artist brings you original pieces of jewelry for you to pass down and enjoy for years to come. *****WE NEVER USE SILVER PLATE OR BASE METALS THAT CONTAIN LEAD*****
What are Lampwork Beads?
Lampworking is glassworking using a torch to melt and shape the glass. It is also known as flameworking or torchworking, as the modern practice no longer uses oil-fueled lamps. Although the art form has been practiced since ancient times, it became widely practiced in Murano, Italy in the 14th century. In the mid 19th century lampwork technique was extended to the production of paperweights, primarily in France, where it became a popular art form, still collected today. Early lampworking was done in the flame of an oil lamp, with the artist blowing air into the flame through a pipe. Most artists today use torches that burn either propane or natural gas for the fuel gas, with either air or pure oxygen (which can be produced by an oxygen concentrator) as the oxidizer.
General methods After designing a piece, a lampworker must carefully plan how to construct it. Once ready to begin, the lampworker slowly introduces glass rod or tubing into the flame to prevent cracking from thermal shock. The glass is heated until molten, wound around a specially-coated steel mandrel, forming the base bead. It can then be embellished or decorated using a variety of techniques and materials. All parts of the workpiece must be kept at similar temperatures lest they can or shatter. Once finished the piece must be annealed in an oven to prevent cracking or shattering.
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