I am a lampwork artist based in the Chilterns and my workshop is located on the site of an old fruit orchard.

Using the ancient technique of lampworking I create each bead by melting glass rods using a dual fuel torch with oxygen and propane. After the bead is formed it is fire polished and placed in a digitally controlled kiln to be annealed. This process allows the glass to cool and harden slowly, removing stress from the glass. This gives the bead strength and durability. Many mass produced beads do not go through this process.

I use Italian, American, and German glass rods along with pure silver and gold foils, dichroic glass, vitreous enamels and zirconium stones.

Even though the beads are annealed to give strength and durability, they are nevertheless made of glass, and can break if not treated with care. Glass beads are not suitable for children.

For advice on the care of your beads and for a guide to measuring your wrist for a bracelet, please go to the Care of Jewelry page.

 

About Lampwork Beads

 

Lampwork beads are crafted by hand and each bead is unique.

The beads in a set may all be created with the same glass and decorated with the same techniques and design, but by the very nature of the art there will be a slight variation. This is the charm of the hand crafted item.

This variation can be more obvious in earring pairs, especially those with complex designs.

Although I make every endeavour to match the beads used for earrings there will be slight variations. This may be more noticeable when they are viewed close together. When they are being worn they will usually appear to match perfectly well.

 

Ordering

 

To pay for an order you can use Paypal, or use a credit card which will be securely processed by Paypal. You do not need to have a Paypal account. Postage rates shown on the shop page are for the UK only. Non-UK purchasers will need to contact me by email for advice of shipping cost before making payment via Paypal. Shipment will be made using a 'signed for' insured service.

 

Thank you for visiting my web site. I will post new work regularly, so please come back soon. If you have any comments I would love to hear from you.

Barbara Spong

Photographs by Peter Spong who retains copyright.