Learning all about Double Helix Glass

On a stormy Friday afternoon in January 2016, I packed my bags and headed down to Mango Beads in Barnstaple, Devon.  I was booked in to enjoy a two day course with Anouk Jasperse learning all the secrets to Double Helix, Goldstone, Crystals and Glitter...

Double Helix glass was the main point of the class as it is a very expensive, silver saturated glass that is worked in very specific lampwork flame conditions and, if not treated with care, can turn brown and muddy with ease!

I had struggled with this glass for some time and had used very little of the 4 rods I excitedly purchased back in 2012.  However, since this lesson from Anouk, I am now confident to buy some more and get experimenting at the torch again.

Super hot bead in flame

Hot bead going into kiln

Cool bead still on mandrel

Three final stages of creating a Double Helix and Goldstone Lampwork Glass bead.
As with many colours of glass, Double Helix does not show its true tones until it has been through the kiln and is completely cold.

Due to the fickle nature of Double Helix glass, each bead will be entirely unique and I can not guarantee that the same colours will appear each time however, it is this unpredictability that excites me and pushes me to experiment more!

As I discover new designs and colour combinations I will keep you updated but for now, I am off to the torch!