Lampworking is an art that became popular in Italy in the 14th century. It eventually spread throughout Europe and to the rest of the world. Lampwork bead artists from many countries make their living today by practicing this art. Their beads are available from many online stores where one can compare items, prices, shipping costs, payment and return policies.
The beads produced by these lampworkers are often quite unique. Each item is crafted individually using different color combinations, techniques and styles. They take great pride in their work and are usually prepared to give guarantees of quality to buyers. Some have developed a particular, well recognizable style from many years of experimenting with making beads.
They use many different types of glass but the most commonly used are soft soda-lime glass and hard borosilicate. Borosilicate does not crack easily and is more forgiving but it requires a higher temperature and therefore use of larger torches and oxygen instead of air. It is also more expensive and a smaller range of colors are available.
Unlike glass blowers who require a furnace, these artisans use torches. A torch may be attached to a bench for a more stationary flame whilst a hand held one offers heat that can be maneuvered. A wire called a mandrel is used and it is coated with a substance that prevents the glass from sticking to it. A pick made of tungsten allows holes to be bored in beads and a reamer made of graphite is used to enlarge them. A kiln is necessary for annealing the beads.
A glass rod is gently introduced to a flame or it cracks from thermal shock. As it melts it is wound round the mandrel which has also been heated. Shaping of a bead is achieved with the use of the heat, gravity and tools like graphite paddles.
Decorating and embellishing of the beads comes next with many different materials and techniques used for this. Gold, silver and other metals may be applied in forms such as metal leaf, mesh or wire. A technique called striking is used to apply colors with a silver base. The surface may have fibers of glass melted onto it.
Beads are also embellished once they have cooled down. They may be sandblasted, polished or etched with acid giving a matte finish. They can even be faceted by using a grinder. The process of annealing glass in a kiln is necessary as if it is cooled too slowly it undergoes stress. This means it breaks immediately or it can do so in the future. Many mass produced items are not put through this step at all or it is not done properly.
The beads produced by these artisan lampworkers are quality items that have been cleaned, annealed and finished off properly, unlike many mass produced products. These products often still have remnants of releasing agents producing a hazardous dust and the holes are roughly finished. The beads made by an artist are more costly but they are well worth the extra price and the jewelry made from these beads is worth more.
The beads produced by these lampworkers are often quite unique. Each item is crafted individually using different color combinations, techniques and styles. They take great pride in their work and are usually prepared to give guarantees of quality to buyers. Some have developed a particular, well recognizable style from many years of experimenting with making beads.
They use many different types of glass but the most commonly used are soft soda-lime glass and hard borosilicate. Borosilicate does not crack easily and is more forgiving but it requires a higher temperature and therefore use of larger torches and oxygen instead of air. It is also more expensive and a smaller range of colors are available.
Unlike glass blowers who require a furnace, these artisans use torches. A torch may be attached to a bench for a more stationary flame whilst a hand held one offers heat that can be maneuvered. A wire called a mandrel is used and it is coated with a substance that prevents the glass from sticking to it. A pick made of tungsten allows holes to be bored in beads and a reamer made of graphite is used to enlarge them. A kiln is necessary for annealing the beads.
A glass rod is gently introduced to a flame or it cracks from thermal shock. As it melts it is wound round the mandrel which has also been heated. Shaping of a bead is achieved with the use of the heat, gravity and tools like graphite paddles.
Decorating and embellishing of the beads comes next with many different materials and techniques used for this. Gold, silver and other metals may be applied in forms such as metal leaf, mesh or wire. A technique called striking is used to apply colors with a silver base. The surface may have fibers of glass melted onto it.
Beads are also embellished once they have cooled down. They may be sandblasted, polished or etched with acid giving a matte finish. They can even be faceted by using a grinder. The process of annealing glass in a kiln is necessary as if it is cooled too slowly it undergoes stress. This means it breaks immediately or it can do so in the future. Many mass produced items are not put through this step at all or it is not done properly.
The beads produced by these artisan lampworkers are quality items that have been cleaned, annealed and finished off properly, unlike many mass produced products. These products often still have remnants of releasing agents producing a hazardous dust and the holes are roughly finished. The beads made by an artist are more costly but they are well worth the extra price and the jewelry made from these beads is worth more.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق