Welcome to the wonderful world of Rockpooljewels handmade Lampwork beads.
I thought it may be interesting to share a little background information on how I create my beads.
Lampwork beads are made using a gas torch, which produces a hot flame, this allows me to wind long coloured glass rods onto a steel rod known as a mandrel. This is the basis for all lampwork beads....made that sound easy didn't I? the skill and art of this ancient craft comes from years of practice, and part of the joy of this craft is that every day you learn something new....it's wonderful.
I usually begin my day by making a few sketches and notes on beads I wish to try, sometimes I use photo's or magazine articles as my inspiration, other times memories of a place or a flower, or some beach treasure.... often I will just grab some glass rods and experiment, but each bead has some significance, they are always named, and are always unique. Anything I make, be it jewellery or beads, begins with a story, then becomes reality, I name everything because I want you to wear a piece that has a background and meaning and isn't just churned out in a sweatshop somewhere, this really is my life, I put my heart and soul into it and I hope that shines through in my art.
Because they are kiln annealed*, and thoroughly cleaned of their bead release**, then polished to a high shine, all Rockpool beads are gorgeously strokeable :)
*The importance of being kiln annealed cannot be stressed highly enough, this gives the bead a strength and durability which unannealed beads just do not have. They should last forever....but as with all things in life, glass is sometimes a mystery, occasionally a bead can crack months or years after birth!!! if this happens to any bead you buy from me, then I will either issue a refund for that bead, or will replace it with one as similar as possible, if it is part of a piece of jewellery and cracks, then simply send it back and the entire piece will be remade for you! It is unlikely this will happen, but it's better to know that on the rare occasion it can.
**Cleaning the beads: again this is vital. I make beads on mandrels dipped in a thick liquid called bead release, this is powerful and potent stuff, many mass produced beads still contain this dried powder when they are sold. Under no circumstances should any bead still have this within it, Any bead maker worth their salt will ensure that their beads are spotless inside and out!
