To make glass beads, one needs a torch, a mandrel, and glass rods. The mandrel is a metal rod that shapes the melted glass into a bead. Glass beads are annealed in a kiln heated between 900-1100°F. The beads go through a slow cooling cycle called "batch annealing". Different glass types need different cooling cycles.
Lampwork Technique
Lampwork beads are made by winding melted glass around a mandrel. Gravity helps shape the bead as the mandrel twists. The mandrel leaves a hole through the middle of the bead.
Setting Up and Crafting
Set up the work area with equipment in easy reach. Prepare and check the mandrels if using bead release powder. Turn on the torch gas. Glass rods can be fused into other glass projects when heated.
Today lamps, torches and chemicals color heated glass rolled into beads. Craft stores globally sell mass produced glass beads. With some basic tools and safety measures, beginners can make their own lampwork glass beads.
Yes. To make glass beads, one needs glass rods, a torch, and a mandrel. Glass beads anneal between 900-1100°F in a kiln. The beads undergo "batch annealing", a slow cooling cycle.
With basic tools and safety, beginners can make lampwork glass beads. Craft stores globally sell mass-produced glass beads.