Making Glass Beads

by Cindy Jenkins

This volume shows crafters how to make glass beads, using a small, portable torch, some purchased glass rods, and a few household tools. It also includes dozens of techniques for decorating the beads and easy directions for assembling the beads into earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pins.

Genres: Jewellery, Crafts, Reference

112 pages, Hardcover

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.