Lampworking -- how do I... where do I....

I'm not a very organised person at the best of times, and as I have been asked this question a few times, and answered each email individually, I thought it would be easier to compile it all in one place. 

I taught myself lampworking from books, online and interacting with other glass beadmakers.  I started in Oct/November 2002. Coincidentally, in the Ebay 'world', nina*star*/ Stephanie Timms,  2cats / Sue Booth and greengeckobeads  /Loretta Anderson all started around the same time! alchemy glass / Geoffrey Porter had been selling for some time, same with Marie Claude Chapman and Lorraine Allen.

The first book I had was "Making Glass Beads" by Cindy Jenkins. Excellent resource. Cindy has a 2nd book out which is pretty good too, half of it pics & bios on lampwork artists, other half techniques. Great eye candy!

Book number 2, pricey but more detailed, is "Passing the Flame" by Corina Tettinger. In Australia, look at my links page, there's a few retailers listed.

Aussie glass beadmaker's forum and newsgroup have resources, ask questions, etc. on setting up, teachers....

http://www.katfysh.com/forums/index.php forum

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/glass_bead_makers/?yguid=110577524  newsgroup you need to sign up 

Wet Canvas is invaluable! This link will take you to the showcase for lotsa eye candy. http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=89

Then there's Lampwork, Etc

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/index.php?

Beading forum dot com dot au

http://beadingforum.com.au/phpBB2/index.php

International Society of Glass Beadmakers has a forum too!

http://www.isgb.org/forum/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php

There's lots of other stuff on the web, tutorials, lapidary journal is great, Bead & Button mag feature a glass artist.... the world is at your fingertips with the media. I have a few links in my LINKS page.

Different story in Oz.

I started with a welder's torch, not advised but possible. Then a hothead torch that ran off an LPG bottle. Now I use a Bethlehem Bead Burner with one oxygen concentrator. 

Now Australia has several good sources of glass, tools, etc, check out my links page (again!)

Um.... mandrels from steel welding place, buy by kilo, cut and sand ends a LOT cheaper. Kiln wash for separator. Fibre blanket for cooling beads from local stained glass place. A hunk of wood or a brick or whatever for a rod rest. A steel plate thingy for a marver. I used to set up at the kitchen table for the first few months and it had some nice burn marks -- ceramic tile is good base.

Tools - picked up a pottery tool with a stainless point and scapula at the other end.... $1 at a crazy clarke type store. Get me another one and I'll love you for life. You can adapt many easily available tools / items for glass work.

Annealing beads - kiln is needed but I happily anneal beads for you if you include a pre-stamped and addressed envelope. Email me.

Safety is important -- ventilation -- fire extinguishers.... look into it! Be safe! Eyewear is another issue, there are several to consider. Look into it properly and be responsible for your health!

Um think I have it pretty well covered as a jumping point to a highly addictive yet satisfying artistic expression :)) Be prepared to make some ugly beads while you learn, and waste some glass.... but once you get it, there's no looking back!!!!!!

Compiled by Donni Hakanson Sept. 2003.Updated March 2005.

Website: http://www.impopia.com/

Email:  Donni (at) impopia.com or one I check every week or two or three (hate spam) Brolga@hotmail.com