FAQ and Policies

Things to Know About My Beads

I make each of these glass beads using a process called lampworking. I have a shed studio and use a dual fuel (propane/oxygen) torch to melt glass rods over a mandrel and form them into the basic shapes listed below. A strong ventilation system removes the chemicals that are part of coloring the glass that aren’t good for me to breathe when I’m melting the glass. Then the beads are soaked and annealed overnight in a digitally controlled kiln to slowly reduce the molten glass back down to room temperature to remove internal stresses and toughen the beads.

GLASS WARNING: I’ve made thousands of beads and I make a lot of jewelry using my own beads. I’m pretty rough on my jewelry and it has held up well. However, I will always caution that glass beads have the potential to break, so please be careful with the beads. Also, please exercise caution around children so they aren’t a swallowing hazard for them.

GLASS MANUFACTURERS: I use a mix of glass from Creation is Messy (China), Lauscha (Germany), Vetrofond (Italy), and Effetre/Moretti (Italy). All are high quality glass in 104 COE (soft glass). I use these three manufacturers because of the range of colors available. 

Made to Order

I keep a small inventory on hand. The designs are made-to-order and will be shipped within a week of placing your order.