|
Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips |
2018-05-22, 6:24am
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 28, 2015
Posts: 42
|
|
The good ole days......
Being new to lampworking - I look around a lot for tips, tutorials, just general knowledge and inspiration. I find some of the most beautiful beads - crazy talented artists - just makes me drool, my head spins around and my eyes bug out.
The more I dig though, the more I get the feeling that I missed "IT" or most of "IT" - so many tutorials I have call for glass that doesns't exist anymore - links that I find for beadmakers are no longer live. I have been a lampwork lover and collector for many years so I'm not new to the art, just really surprised to discover that it seems be fading away or at least not near what it once was? Just wondering what you veterans have to say? Are there any new good ole days ahead?
June
|
2018-05-22, 7:42am
|
Lisa Berczel
|
|
Join Date: Feb 11, 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 45
|
|
I'm not a veteran lampworker (been burning glass for about 3 years) but, I am a veteran in several other creative fields... and I see a consistent pattern across all the mediums. There's a real bandwagon-then-bust cycle. One that is exacerbated if a craft becomes popular enough to get reality tv shows (Cake Wars, Biker Build-Off). But, there is always a steady underpinning of skilled artistans that keep chugging along.
|
2018-05-22, 11:31am
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 20, 2014
Location: Laramie, Wyoming
Posts: 113
|
|
I learned some basic lamp working skills a few years ago -- and at that time, this forum was very active. I only had a hothead though, and I realized that I would need an dual gas torch to do what I wanted to do -- so I put it on hold for a few years.
Long story short --we are moving, and I'm hoping to get back into it in my new location. I came back to 'take a look around' and catch up -- but it seems very very quiet on the boards.
Plus --I've noticed that some of the glass companies have stopped making canes. (Specifically some of the 96). I've been fusing glass, so I know that there was a major shift in the glass industry due to increased regulations and the sale of some companies.
I guess I've been wondering if lamp work is a fading art -- or if the conversation has moved to somewhere else? In our location hunts --I've noticed that many bigger cities now have actual glass studios - so that's an exciting discovery.
|
2018-05-22, 1:27pm
|
|
Cheesehead Packer lover
|
|
Join Date: Jun 27, 2005
Location: Frozen Tundra
Posts: 652
|
|
My sister and I started 14 years ago with our first class. There was a lot of information and eye candy on the forums, but it seems that many of the great beadmakers that I used to follow are not as active as they used to be.
I still love it however and try new things all the time. The key is doing it because you love it and just keep trying to improve your skills. Corina Tettinger's book, Passing the Flame is a book I still look at, also Bluffroads Glass had a drool-worthy book.
Please keep going, if for no other reason than melting glass is a magical experience!
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Cherie
Sisters Beads
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague
|
2018-05-24, 10:41am
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 17, 2009
Location: Back in Tucson for good
Posts: 354
|
|
I too believe the craft is in transition. I've been torching about 10 or 11 years.
I'll do it til I die.
Recently I found a stained glass shop that had some System 96 rods and I bought almost all he had. The new manufacturer is producing sheet and frit only and do not have a published plan of when they will. They are Glassline in Mexico
|
2018-05-24, 4:21pm
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 28, 2015
Posts: 42
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by beadgal
My sister and I started 14 years ago with our first class. There was a lot of information and eye candy on the forums, but it seems that many of the great beadmakers that I used to follow are not as active as they used to be.
I still love it however and try new things all the time. The key is doing it because you love it and just keep trying to improve your skills. Corina Tettinger's book, Passing the Flame is a book I still look at, also Bluffroads Glass had a drool-worthy book.
Please keep going, if for no other reason than melting glass is a magical experience!
|
Yes absolutely will continue - though it is frustrating, at times I feel like I just wasn't meant to be a beadmaker - encountering one issue after another related to my lack of technical skills - then I take a break - study some more and try again. Having bead release woes at the moment - when I have not had problems before - release is flaking off and beads are not holding in place. Not sure what is going on .... hope I can find a solution soon. I have a new jar maybe that will help.
Just checked out your site - wow you make GOREGOUS beads!! Very drool worthy too.
|
2018-05-24, 4:41pm
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 28, 2015
Posts: 42
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladypainter
I'm not a veteran lampworker (been burning glass for about 3 years) but, I am a veteran in several other creative fields... and I see a consistent pattern across all the mediums. There's a real bandwagon-then-bust cycle. One that is exacerbated if a craft becomes popular enough to get reality tv shows (Cake Wars, Biker Build-Off). But, there is always a steady underpinning of skilled artistans that keep chugging along.
|
You know, that is true - all types of arts / crafts come in and out of the lime light. There is a network of skilled beadmakers still carrying the torch, sharing and teaching so that's something to be gratful for.
|
2018-05-24, 5:56pm
|
|
Slogan Challenged...
|
|
Join Date: Mar 21, 2009
Location: Maricopa, Arizona
Posts: 6,286
|
|
I'm surprised no one mentioned Facebook. Many of us migrated over there, and there are quite lively discussions and lots of postings. Please check it out. Here is a good start https://www.facebook.com/groups/lampworkbeadmaking/
It seems there has been a resurgence of interest, lots of newbies starting up. I think it does wax and wane. I miss all the old beadmakers too!
__________________
Kristin ~
Facebook: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Etsy: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2018-06-28, 5:38pm
|
|
WildBird Beads
|
|
Join Date: Jan 24, 2007
Location: Olympia Washington
Posts: 377
|
|
So glad you brought this issue up! I started in 2005 but over 5 yrs ago i had some serious injuries to wrist and R hand, so I sort of just drop out for 5 yrs. Just today got back on this site to see what I could see, and couldn’t believe the reduction in activity. I am going to retire from my real job in about 11 months, so i wanted to refresh my knowledge and see what was new. I will always love beads and glass and hope that the art doesn’t fade away.
|
2018-06-28, 8:32pm
|
|
Newfoundland lover!
|
|
Join Date: Sep 03, 2005
Location: south shore, Mass.
Posts: 979
|
|
Hi gang. I am back. I had to take a break and have just started after 4 years. I have been rereading lots of old threads. Nice to see you guys here. I am doing this for the love of it too!
__________________
-Merilee
Lynx, tanked propane, M-10 oxy and refurb oxy -5.
|
2018-06-29, 8:46am
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 28, 2015
Posts: 42
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by KJohn
I'm surprised no one mentioned Facebook. Many of us migrated over there, and there are quite lively discussions and lots of postings. Please check it out. Here is a good start https://www.facebook.com/groups/lampworkbeadmaking/
It seems there has been a resurgence of interest, lots of newbies starting up. I think it does wax and wane. I miss all the old beadmakers too!
|
Yes this is true - found several lampworking groups on facebook - seems to be lots of selling groups as well. I like FB for connecting to Like Minded folks.
|
2018-06-29, 4:12pm
|
|
Must..have..more...glass
|
|
Join Date: May 05, 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 52
|
|
Also check out the International Society of Glass Beadmakers page on Facebook. There are still a lot of great beadmakers out there making wonderful stuff.
__________________
Kay Teeters
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Facebook: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2018-06-30, 1:43pm
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 10, 2016
Location: Leicester, UK
Posts: 88
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsknow4445
Having bead release woes at the moment - when I have not had problems before - release is flaking off and beads are not holding in place.
|
That might be because your release has thickened up a bit - try adding a little water. Tap water or mineral water is fine, but not softened water, which will ruin it.
|
2018-07-02, 10:26am
|
|
Lover of all things color
|
|
Join Date: Nov 25, 2007
Location: Lawrenceville, GA
Posts: 1,791
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsknow4445
Being new to lampworking - I look around a lot for tips, tutorials, just general knowledge and inspiration. I find some of the most beautiful beads - crazy talented artists - just makes me drool, my head spins around and my eyes bug out.
The more I dig though, the more I get the feeling that I missed "IT" or most of "IT" - so many tutorials I have call for glass that doesns't exist anymore - links that I find for beadmakers are no longer live. I have been a lampwork lover and collector for many years so I'm not new to the art, just really surprised to discover that it seems be fading away or at least not near what it once was? Just wondering what you veterans have to say? Are there any new good ole days ahead?
June
|
June, I think the "good ole days" started to die in 2008 with the crash of the housing market. Bead sellers found that people just weren't buying beads. Expendable income disappeared and with it sales. Jewelry makers had to be conservative and the trickle down affect was that we all had to tighten out belts.
Now, there are probably many other reasons, either associated with above or not. For me, personal life just got in the way. I haven't been down to torch in two years. I got two new puppies and lost my husband so between those three things I just haven't gotten back to the torch, even just for the enjoyment of it.
I'm sure there will be a whole new "good ole days" you just have to be willing to engage and make it happen.
Jan ( a very old timer)
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
GTT Lynx-M10 Oxy-con
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2018-07-02, 2:47pm
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 31, 2006
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 2,215
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by simvet02
I'm sure there will be a whole new "good ole days" you just have to be willing to engage and make it happen.
Jan ( a very old timer)
|
That, exactly! The good ole days you see here did not happen because everyone sat back and watched. People participated and it had a life of its own because everyone pitched in.
__________________
Kathy
|
2018-07-30, 2:18pm
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 15, 2017
Posts: 5
|
|
Being one of the newbies, I’d like to chime in with appreciation for those of you that have experience and still post tips for others. It appears the forums have been around quite awhile and, like I’ve seen in other types of forums, people come n go... on those sites (not glass related), I have found myself longing for some posters that that had once been great contributors, valued online friends & sources of advice.
I look forward to all the encouragement, tips & techniques, reading/information sources everyone has to offer!
Thanks!
Alli
|
2018-08-02, 1:53pm
|
|
da General
|
|
Join Date: Oct 05, 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 13,002
|
|
I thought like you until recently. I started a Lampwork 104 Silver Glass group three months ago and we already have 700 members!
__________________
Hayley
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
2018-08-02, 6:26pm
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 31, 2018
Posts: 5
|
|
Yup
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:47pm.
|