Making Glass Beads

by Cindy Jenkins

“There is enough detail to make unsuspecting readers into addicts. An excellent introduction.”— Booklist

Beads that are multicolored, grooved, feathered or foiled, and decorated with spots, dots, eyes, and stripes: no matter which of these designs in glass you choose, the results will be beautiful. Detailed instructions and magnificent photos, along with scores of valuable tips and tricks, guide crafters through an awesome array of techniques, making this the best guide to glass beading ever. The creative journey begins with making a simple bead; proceeds to easy variations, such as overwraps and raked patterns; and ends exquisitely with beads shimmering with different metals and featuring millefiori, sculpting, and hollowing.
The author lives in Skokie, IL.

Genres: Jewellery, Crafts, Reference

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no accident that I have tried creating glass beads: I have read every word in this book--yes, in order--twice. There may be a thing or two left out, particularly for the intermediate to highly experienced bead-maker, but everything you need to know to start making glass beads is contained in the pages of this book. The illustrations are colorful, exciting, and persuasive--I thought, "I'll bet even I can learn to do this." So I bought the book, of course.

Knowing the material Jenkins covers made my first attempt easy. While I decided to take a lesson with a bead-making professional, I believe I could have begun on my own except for one thing I was lacking: confidence. Who, ME?!--wielding a white-hot torch and trying to turn a mandrel at an even speed with my left hand? Between the flame and the molten-hot glass, NOT setting the house on fire? ME??? The first-rate klutz of any dance class?

Nothing ventured, nothing learned, and that is no way to live a pleasant life. I now have a necklace that features vivid-colored glass beads that I made, most of them only a LITTLE lop-sided. I can't wait to try making more. But perhaps not in the house. It would be such an embarrassing shame to burn it down.

[Arlene]

In Bead books box

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE BOOK that got me into lampworking and making glass beads. I knew nothing about working glass in a flame until I received this book from m wish-list as a surprise. I got hooked and immediately purchased a kit to try it on my own.

Studying this book is where I learned some of the most important basic skills. 6 years later I still find myself going back to refer to something in that book.

[Lanzamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great first book for anyone interested in lampworking. Lots of great instruction and inspiration.

[Cathy Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book for both old and new lampwork artists. A must have for your shelf.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful primer on starting lampwork bead making.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and helpful.