Where do I start???

Submitted by dogmama45 on Thu, 02/21/2008 - 19:22.

Hi,
I want to learn lampworking, and am curious about what kit to buy, or what kind of glass to start with. I would appreciate any input on where to start. I've been doing quilting, sewing and embroidery for years, so I'm used to working with small things and crazy angles!! HELP!!
Thanks!!
dogmama45

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Ooooh thanks for the links

Submitted by Quartz on Sun, 05/04/2008 - 11:51.

Ooooh thanks for the links :)
Although I'm in Germany and the classes will not help - (I've found my own classes in the area - see [url=www.carlee.de]HERE[/url] for inspiration.

The websites are always good for the curious :)

Hm....

Submitted by lampworkart on Thu, 02/21/2008 - 20:04.

I just went snooping around on the ISGB website and couldn't find their list of classes anymore. Sigh. Here's another one: Mid-Atlantic Glass Beadmakers, but it's only for the region.

Also, sometimes people post their classes at Lampwork Etc. or on Wet Canvas.

Hi. :)

Submitted by lampworkart on Thu, 02/21/2008 - 19:51.

Honestly, I'd try to find a lampwork class somewhere close by. It's much better to try it out with someone else's equipment which can be a rather large investment. The International Society of Glass Beadmakers usually has a list of classes.

If that doesn't work for you, go grab a copy of Cindy Jenkin's Making Glass Beads. It'll explain the basics and get you started. I also like Corina Tettinger's Passing the Flame: A Beadmaker's Guide to Detail and Design.

The type of glass you will use depends on what you want to do. If you like the bright colors then go with a soft glass like Moretti, Lauscha, or Vetrofond. If you're more attracted to the opalescent things and/or want to do larger sculptural pieces, go with Borosilicate. But a class in either glass type will give you a good head start.

Does that help? Feel free to ask more. :)

Well, I got started finally!!

Submitted by dogmama45 on Tue, 05/13/2008 - 15:48.

Hi!
Thanks so much for the great information! I'm sorry that I didn't get back to you before now, but I was in the middle of making about 15 costumes and 10 costume alterations at the time you sent me your message. I was exhausted when i finished them, but the ballet was great, and people loved the costumes!!
I got a copy of "Passing the Flame", "the Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking", "More than you ever wanted to know about lampworking", "Beads of Glass", and "Creating Lampwork Beads for Jewelry"! Yep, I went a little nuts here and there! LOL I also rented some Smartflix DVDs on lampworking; they were really great! Lots of good info there!
I also bought a Nortel Mega Minor torch and an oxygen concentrator and lots of soft and hard glass. I rented a large tank of oxygen for use until my concentrator arrives, but I think I'll keep it around to see if I need the tank as a backup for the concentrator! Now all I need is to make lots and lots of beads till I get good at it!!
Thanks again for the great advice! I did what you said and I'm glad I've had a chance to see the different brands and colors! I just got some posters yesterday from Wale apparatus for both boro and soft stuff! The posters seem to have all the major companies glass on them! the posters were free when I ordered some "Creation-is-Messy" samples!
I'm going to have to slow down for a while! My DH is a really great dude, but he keeps seeing all the little boxes coming in and I think he's getting a little nervous!!
God bless you!
Carol
dogmama45

The LORD has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers. EXODUS 35:35