I have admired lampwork beads for as long as I've been beading and knew a little about how they are made, etc.  However, I recently took a trip to the Corning Glass Museum in Corning, NY. www.cmog.org   It is the origin of glass making, etc.  While there, you can choose to make something (for a fee).  I chose to make a bead.  It really was an education.  My bead came out really nice - probably because I had some idea of what I wanted and had some knowledge of mixing colors.  It was a lot more involved and much harder than I ever imagined. 

I just wanted to pass along that this experience made me appreciate the genuine artistry, patience and knowledge that producing really great lampwork beads takes.  Thanks to all of you who do this and make beads for the rest of us who can't or don't have the means to invest in this aspect of the art world.

Rose

Thank you Rose!!! :D

hey rose

 my dad and step mom went to corning this weekend they made pumkins and flowers.. lol

my dad is hooked he keeps calling me each night asking me all these questions like can u use this or that.. ect.. and i am currently packing him up a box of my old tools and supplies so he can set up a bench..

its quite funny i been in the glass bizz for like 9 yrs now.. and this is really the first time they have totally understood what i do..

so its quite cool to be able to now share the glass addiction as i call it, with them.. lol

happy beading..

show us your bead you made..

annie

Hey there!  That is too funny.......  but I can understand the fasination.  As I said, I had no idea of how much work it was......  I'll be taking a picture of my only bead and posting it as soon as I learn how to post it!

Great to hear from you......

Rose