How Glass Beads Are Made

A handmade lampwork bead goes from a plain rod of glass to a glowing little object in about six steps.

Step by step

  1. Heat the glass. A rod of Murano glass is warmed in the torch flame until the tip melts.
  2. Wind the bead. The molten glass is wound around a metal mandrel coated with separator, forming the core of the bead.
  3. Shape it. Gravity and gentle rotation make the bead round and even.
  4. Decorate. Thin strands of coloured glass add dots, lines and patterns.
  5. Anneal. The bead rests in a kiln for several hours so internal stress is released and it will not crack.
  6. Finish. Once cool, the bead is removed from the mandrel and cleaned — ready to wear.

Because of the annealing step, beads made in a workshop are usually ready to collect a few days later.

Try it yourself

The best way to understand it is to make something with your own hands. Join our glass bead making workshop in Moscow — beginners welcome, all materials included. Questions? Email info@glassbaker.art, WhatsApp or Telegram.