Process of Making Glass Beads

The process of glass beads making is approximately 2000 years old

. The process has seen several changes as a result of constantly changing technology. The techniques were kept as trade secrets until the early 17th century. However, later these secrets were shared with the rest of the manufactures and the process of glass bead making became a common practice. One of the most commonly prevalent processes of glass bead making has been described below. However, before you start you must prepare your work area by clearing it for any flammable objects and by keeping all the necessary equipments easily accessible.

Bead Making Process

Prepare the metal rod to be used for making the beads called mandrel by rubbing it with a piece of wool. After that, coat the mandrel with a fireproof material in order to enable the beads to be released easily.

Put the propane torch that is to be used greatly for making the beads in a secure heatproof or its designated stand. And then, light the torch.

Start heating the mandrel by keeping it under flame and constantly bring it out on becoming too hot.

Heat the rod slowly by moving it in and out for preventing it from getting overheated and blowing.

As the glass rod starts glowing, bring it inside the flame towards the much hotter area.

Keep on rotating the glass rod as the glass starts melting until a blob is formed. The molten glass form would resemble thick and consistent honey.

Rotate the mandrel in order to coat the melting glass onto its surface.

Now, in order to separate the bead from the rest of the body, gently pull the glass rod away from the wounded glass. This will detach the newly formed bead from the melting hot rod.

Start rotating the new bead in the hotter section of the flame until it forms an even surface without any irregularities.

Rotate this new bead against a heatproof flat surface made of ceramic, metal or graphite, known as a marver in order to give the desired shape.

Keep the mandrel into constant rotation until the rod doesn't lose its glow.

Put the new bead into a fiber blanket or heated vermiculite allowing it to stay there for about 30 minutes in order to cool it down.

Grasp the mandrel with pliers and the bead with your hand and pull out the bead by twisting it a little in order to separate the bead from its attachment.

Finally clean the bead from the surface and from within the bead hole to give the final touch.

You are done now. Make as many glass beads as you can, use them in your bead making process and have tons of fun.

Process of Making Glass Beads

By: Roberto Gentles

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