Early Summer Update

May is one of my favourite months, the weather is getting warmer, the nights are lighter and it brings with it the Nantwich Bead Fair!. This year there were more stalls than ever and despite strict instructions to myself I did go a bit mad. In keeping with my aim to bring something different to what I do I bought quite a few handmade lampwork pieces. As they are all so lovely and unique I have decided to create a separate section for all pieces using lampwork.

For those who may not know the term lampwork here's a brief description. Lampwork beads are handmade by skilled artisans who work with glass rods and a torch to create molten glass. This can then be wrapped around a mandrel to create the desired shape. Several colour rods and finishes may used to create a single bead. Once the bead is created it is annealed. This process involves the beads being fired in a digitally controlled kiln over several hours to remove stresses and help prevent cracking. 

As you will appreciate this process means that each bead is never exactly the same (though earrings pairs are matched as closely as possible) and also explains why the beads are more expensive - but definitely worth it. I hope you like these new pieces which I will be adding to as and when I source new beads.