Lampworking is a form of glassworking using a torch to melt and shape molten glass. Although the technique dates back to ancient times, it truly flowered in the 14th century in Murano, Italy.

Early lampworking was done in the flame of an oil lamp, with the artist blowing air into the flame through a pipe. Times have changed, and the practice is now also known as torchworking, or flameworking, as torches burning propane, or natural gas, mixed with air or oxygen are mainly used to work with the glass.

Simply put, lampworking involves rods of glass being melted by the heat of a torch. The molten glass is then, in the case of bead making, wrapped around a steel mandrel which is coated in a clay based solution. Tools such as a titanium pic and a graphite paddle are used to move and shape the glass, which must be kept at a near molten state while being worked with.

Once the glass piece has been created, it is placed in a digitally temperature controlled kiln to cool off slowly over 6-8 hours. This process is called annealing, and is essential for the relief of internal stresses while the piece is cooling. This process stops the glass from cracking, and strengthens the piece so that you should be able to enjoy it for a lifetime.