How Do I Make a Glass Bead?

The below videos show how I make basic lampwork beads using just heat and gravity to shape the glass.

Making a Basic Lampwork Bead

Before you start melting glass you must make sure that you have a safe, well ventilated working area, and have all your glass and tools close at hand.
In this video you will see:
  • The application and drying of bead release on the mandrel
  • The slow melting of a glass rod
  • Glass being applied to the mandrel
  • Glass being shaped into a round bead through simple turning

Adding Dots To a Lampwork Bead

Patterns, layers and surface decoration are all added by layering different coloured glasses onto the bead whilst it is hot in the flame.  Once glass is added, you can choose whether to leave the design raised or melt it flat onto the bead surface.
In this video you will see:
  • A quick base bead being made
  • The application of dots onto the bead
  • Dots being melted into the surface of the bead
  • Layering of dots upon each other

Removing The Bead From a Mandrel

Once the glass has been slowly cooled, the bead and mandrel are dipped in water and agitated to wash away the protective layer of Bead Release, this action should allow the bead to break free from the mandrel.
After the metal mandrel has been removed, the hole can be cleaned of any remaining Bead Release and it is ready to go!