Dabbling with Lush Lampwork . . .

Last Friday I headed to the hills, the beautiful Malvern hills to be precise - no, not for a hike with the two most-adorable-pups-in-the-world, but to spend the day with my lovely friend Clever Alice (she of the oh-so-fabulous Purple Pepper that I have mentioned previously here) and do an oh-so-much-fun workshop with Julie at Lush Lampwork.

Now, to be honest, I'd not ever even heard of the term "lampwork" (should I hang my head in crafty-shame or am I not alone?) until Clever Alice suggested we might enjoy a workshop that involved actually making our own glass beads.  Well, you never have to ask me twice when it comes to learning a new craft - just count me in - and oh how we enjoyed it  : - )

Julie makes the most beautiful works of art - seriously, pop over to her website and see what I mean - and she patiently talked us through the whole health & safety thing which is especially important when one is working with oxygen, open flames, moulten glass and a hot kiln.  We had to wear close-fitted long sleeves, high necklines and pretty ugly safety goggles at all times.  So you will understand why there are no pics of us in the mix  ; - )    ( Alice did suggest that with my stripey t-shirt, my hair tied up and my big goggles, I looked somewhat like "Where's Wally?"  Ah yes, that's what friends are for ! )

So, next up was a demo and a lesson to get us started, then we chose our colours and off we went - melting, shaping, creating . . .  did I mention how much fun it was ?

just look at all those pretty coloured glass rods to choose from . . .

  

My hands were pretty shaky to begin with, but I soon got the hang of it.

 Once the beads are shaped and made, they need to go into the kiln to cool down very slowly.  So we left that process in Julie's capable hands and we went in search of a late lunch and a long, cold drink.  Lampwork really is hot work !

And the end result ?

A little pile of delightful handmade-by-me glass beads, all ready to be strung together and made into something pretty.  I just may need Mrs Purple Pepper to give me some ideas . . . on a lovely silver chain bracelet maybe ?

 

 Thanks Clever Alice for organising a lovely day out, and thanks to Julie too for inspiring us with her lovely makes.  I have a feeling we'll be back for more Lush Lampwork very soon  : - )

xoxo