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Handmade lampwork bead sets, jewelry creations
"Santa Fe" - a signature bead set
- SANDRA HELM
- I've been making lampwork beads in my Ann Arbor studio since I got my first torch for Christmas 2000. My passion is making fun, affordable beads for other jewelry designers. A set of my beads was used in BeadWork Magazine's Challenge feature in the Feb/March 2010 issue. My beads are always available at Stony Creek Bead in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Twice a year (March & October) I participate in the Bead Bonanza sponsored by the Great Lakes Bead Workers Guild. I'm treasurer of Northern Lights, a group of lamp work artists. We've had a booth at the Bonanza since March 2003.
A Bit About Lampworking
I use glass known as soft glass (or soda lime) from Italy, the United States, and China.
The glass is melted in the torch until it reaches approximately 1400 Deg. F. then melted around a mandrel to form the base bead. Shaping is done with a combination of heat, gravity, and tools. Decoration is achieved by adding more glass, glass frits and powders, or even thin metal foils. The possibilities are endless.
All of my finished beads are annealed and cooled at a controlled rate in my kiln, which removes internal stresses and enhances durability. Beads that haven't been annealed are prone to cracking, and even shattering, and should be avoided.
Below, in my postings, are photos and prices of bead sets for sale. I'm happy to recreate most any set you see on my blog, with more or less main beads or spacers. Just ask!
The glass is melted in the torch until it reaches approximately 1400 Deg. F. then melted around a mandrel to form the base bead. Shaping is done with a combination of heat, gravity, and tools. Decoration is achieved by adding more glass, glass frits and powders, or even thin metal foils. The possibilities are endless.
All of my finished beads are annealed and cooled at a controlled rate in my kiln, which removes internal stresses and enhances durability. Beads that haven't been annealed are prone to cracking, and even shattering, and should be avoided.
Below, in my postings, are photos and prices of bead sets for sale. I'm happy to recreate most any set you see on my blog, with more or less main beads or spacers. Just ask!
To Buy My Beads or Jewelry
You can purchase my beads locally at Stony Creek Bead & Gallery. A visit to this fabulous bead store is well worth it!
If you're outside the southeast Michigan area, you can contact me at sandrahelm@comcast.net.
If you're outside the southeast Michigan area, you can contact me at sandrahelm@comcast.net.
Black White
...always in style
Dots & Chain Maille
...great with blue jeans
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