My new studio!! Here's a view, from the door, of my bench.

View of studio from the window. This shot shows my kiln and tower of glass.

View from the bench. This is where I assemble jewelry, do wire work, and photograph.

Me at the torch.

Winding clear glass onto the hollow vessel mandrel.

Applying more glass.

Blowing out a vessel.

One more of me at the torch just so you know that it's really me making this stuff!

I normally torch in jammies and with bed head but you really don't want to see that so....

This view was taken with a didymium lens exactly like the glasses I wear when I torch. These remove the bright yellow soda flare which is harmful to your eyes (over time) and difficult to see through.

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My new studio!! Here's a view, from the door, of my bench.

 FAQs

How did I get started?

I was at the local craft shop for some reason and saw a lampworking kit that promised “you can be making glass beads this weekend.”  Liars!  I did make some interesting glass lumps.

When did I get started?

April of 2004 while laid off.  Thank you corporate America.

Where do I buy supplies?

Mostly online.

What equipment do I use?

The glass I mostly use is the most common Moretti or Effetre.  I now use a Nortel Minor Burner surface mix torch.  I use propane in BBQ tanks and I have an oxygen concentrator that supplies by oxygen instead of tanks.

 What classes have I taken?

I have taken classes with Lucio Babucco and Michael Barley.

What would I recommend for someone wanting to learn lampworking?

Take up heroin, it’s cheaper.  Seriously, check out books from the library and drop into Wet Canvas.  Wet Canvas is a cyber artist community and the glass art area is full of people who can help you make smart decisions since most have already tried the dumb ones.

SOURCES

HELP

Wet Canvas – Cyber artist community and forum.  No membership (or personal info) required to lurk n’ read, only to post questions or comments.

ISLAGA - Indiana Society of Lampwork and Art Glass artists.

ISGB – International Society of Glass Beadmakers.

Mid-Atlantic Glass Beadmakers – Another source site with some great tutorial links.

SUPPLIES

Jodel Glass

Robin Koza's Glass Diversions

OTHER ARTISTS

One stop source for many incredible artists:  Glass Artists

The amazing Tink and her wonder vessels. 

Lisa Atchison's Touch of Glass Designs

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