Introduction to Lampwork - Part Two
Published On: 11-11-2011 05:26am
Comments: 0 - Hits: 63
Category: All About Lampwork Glass
Lampworking is the art of melting glass in a controlled way to form a shape. The most commom product of lampworking is beads. Part two of this introduction to lampwork is all about the common terminology that you will generally see in lampwork bead listings.
Annealing - The most important part of the process after making the beads. Glass is very susceptible to thermal shock and needs to be cooled slowly to remove any stress in the glass that may cause it to break. Annealing is done in a kiln and beads go from the torch flame into a pre-heated kiln. After a lampworker has finished a session the kiln is then programmed to hold the temperature for an hour to two hours dependant on the size of the largest piece of work in the kiln then 'ramp down' and slowly bring the beads from the annealing temperature (520c for soft glass) to room temperature. For soft glass this takes around 5 hours.
Bead Release - A clay substance that mandrels are dipped in before making beads on them. This stops the glass fusing to the metal rod so it can be removed. Dried bead release can be harmful if inhaled so it is fully cleaned from the beads before being offered for sale.
Big Hole Beads (BHB) - The common name for a bead made on a mandrel that is 4mm in thickness or greater (the most popular being 5mm) these are the beads that fit add a bead charm bracelets such as Pandora. I will go more into the different sizes for each of the different bracelet systems in a later guide.
Cabochon - These can be made on or off mandrel typically they don't have holes and are used for setting or wrapping. Artists with good off mandrel control will often make cabochon on the end of a rod of glass, ones made on mandrel are easier to control and shape, they will have a slight indention in the back. Some cabochon are made from beads that have split and are melted down in the kiln.
Off Mandrel - This type of lampworking is generally used for sculpted glass works and things like marbles. many off mandrel pieces have a glass loop added to the design for hanging the piece on a chain or pendant.
On Mandrel - Beads made on a mandrel are the ones with holes, you will often see in a lampwork listing the size of mandrel used which is directly related to the size of the hole.
SRA - Very often you will see this acronym on an artists bead listings. SRA stands for Self Representing Artist. An SRA artist has been approved as only selling beads that they have made themselves so you know you are buying from an artist and not mass produced beads. Each SRA artist has a number that can be checked on the SRA website.
Missed the first part? read about the different types of glass.
Stay tuned for part three all about techniques.
Annealing - The most important part of the process after making the beads. Glass is very susceptible to thermal shock and needs to be cooled slowly to remove any stress in the glass that may cause it to break. Annealing is done in a kiln and beads go from the torch flame into a pre-heated kiln. After a lampworker has finished a session the kiln is then programmed to hold the temperature for an hour to two hours dependant on the size of the largest piece of work in the kiln then 'ramp down' and slowly bring the beads from the annealing temperature (520c for soft glass) to room temperature. For soft glass this takes around 5 hours.
Bead Release - A clay substance that mandrels are dipped in before making beads on them. This stops the glass fusing to the metal rod so it can be removed. Dried bead release can be harmful if inhaled so it is fully cleaned from the beads before being offered for sale.
Big Hole Beads (BHB) - The common name for a bead made on a mandrel that is 4mm in thickness or greater (the most popular being 5mm) these are the beads that fit add a bead charm bracelets such as Pandora. I will go more into the different sizes for each of the different bracelet systems in a later guide.
Cabochon - These can be made on or off mandrel typically they don't have holes and are used for setting or wrapping. Artists with good off mandrel control will often make cabochon on the end of a rod of glass, ones made on mandrel are easier to control and shape, they will have a slight indention in the back. Some cabochon are made from beads that have split and are melted down in the kiln.
Off Mandrel - This type of lampworking is generally used for sculpted glass works and things like marbles. many off mandrel pieces have a glass loop added to the design for hanging the piece on a chain or pendant.
On Mandrel - Beads made on a mandrel are the ones with holes, you will often see in a lampwork listing the size of mandrel used which is directly related to the size of the hole.
SRA - Very often you will see this acronym on an artists bead listings. SRA stands for Self Representing Artist. An SRA artist has been approved as only selling beads that they have made themselves so you know you are buying from an artist and not mass produced beads. Each SRA artist has a number that can be checked on the SRA website.
Missed the first part? read about the different types of glass.
Stay tuned for part three all about techniques.
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
