annealing

LAMPWORK BEAD MAKING:

This class I teach you how to make your own handmade lampwork or flamework glass beads. Glass rods are melted under an open torch and formed into glass beads. You will learn about expansion of glass, about compatible glasses, how to anneal your beads, and much more. $100.00 includes all supplies and use of all tools (you take home your finished beads). This is a one secession class, 5 hours long. The class is limited to two students.

Classes are available by appointment only:

Due to limited space available for teaching, my Classes are limited to 1, 2 or 3 students per class depending on the class. This makes my classes very individualized providing you the one-on-one instruction that you will not receive in a larger class setting. This also allows me to be flexible in my teaching schedule.

Classes are generally weekday evenings, or Saturday during the day or evenings. I can also work with you to fit your class around your schedule. I can arrange a weekday afternoon class if that is the only time you have available. I thoroughly love teaching, so click here to see a list of other classes I teach: http://creationsbychristina.net/?page_id=913

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After I make the beads, I put them in my kiln and fire them. The process is called annealing. It strengthens the glass so the bead will not crack and break. The glass has gone through severe thermal shock in the making of the bead, starting with the glass at room temperature to the very hot flame of the torch, about 2000 degrees, then slowly cooling again back to room temperature. Annealing them takes the glass up through all the temperature ranges slowly, allowing the glass to slowly acclimate and strengthen. I hold the kiln at 940 degrees for 30 minutes, which is called soaking, further strengthening beads before slowing cooling the kiln down. This process takes about 3 1/2 hours.

My kiln is an older model, I have been using it since the 1980’s when I bought it new, but I love it. I usually spend several days making about 75 to 100 beads. When I have enough beads to cover the kiln floor, then I anneal them all at once.

In creating a piece of jewelry I will be selling to the public, I want a finished bead that I know will endure. I don’t want to have a bead crack in half while someone is wearing the jewelry.

Christina

Category: annealing

Classes I teach: Lampwork Bead Making

LAMPWORK BEAD MAKING:

Classes are available by appointment only:

Like this:

Making Glass Beads, Part 2

My kiln is an older model, I have been using it since the 1980’s when I bought it new, but I love it. I usually spend several days making about 75 to 100 beads. When I have enough beads to cover the kiln floor, then I anneal them all at once.

In creating a piece of jewelry I will be selling to the public, I want a finished bead that I know will endure. I don’t want to have a bead crack in half while someone is wearing the jewelry.

Christina

Like this:

LAMPWORK BEAD MAKING:

Classes are available by appointment only:

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My kiln is an older model, I have been using it since the 1980’s when I bought it new, but I love it. I usually spend several days making about 75 to 100 beads. When I have enough beads to cover the kiln floor, then I anneal them all at once.

In creating a piece of jewelry I will be selling to the public, I want a finished bead that I know will endure. I don’t want to have a bead crack in half while someone is wearing the jewelry.

Christina

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