Help for a real newbie?

[Jivesjools]

Hey I'm Rachel from Dundee, Scotland. I've been lurking on forums for a while now and desperately want to begin lampworking. But have no idea how to actually start. How did you guys get yourself started?

All stories welcome

Thanks

Rachel

[dangerousbead]

Hi, you need a hothead torch and some gas, glass, mandrels, bead release & vermiculite or ceramic blanket. Tuffnell's are a very good source, a flat surface to work on near a good source of ventilation and away you go! You can buy starter kits reasonably cheaply and starter Lots of glass to play with. Beware, this can become an expensive obsession 
I started when I'd run out of a certain very simple bead and couldn't get anymore and I thought "how hard can it be to make one?"
I've never looked back 
Good luck and welcome to the forum
Jane

[Jivesjools]

Yeah I've been looking in to it and it seems I will need to do some serious saving before I can do anything ha ha. However i do think its a brilliant investment. I'm so envious when I look at everyone on this forums' beautiful work, everyone is so talented. I just can't wait to start.

Thanx for you reply

Rach

[Black Heart Beads]

I was looking for cheep imported glass beads and somehow stumbled upon this forum (not sure how). I had played with hot glass at college years ago but didn't know anything about bead making. I liked the idea of a hobby that was just for me, so I treated myself to a Tuffnels starter kit for my birthday.

If, and its a big if, you can keep your glass, tool, torch and kiln envy under control it need not be expensive. OK I admit I didnt manage to do it myself.

Many of us on the forum will gladly anneal your beads for you so you wont need a kiln to get going.

I would recommend a bulk setup as mapp is expensive.

[Hels4444]

I started after making jewellery and not being able to find the beads I really wanted, went to a bead show and saw a demo, started with hot head and mapp but soon went bulk and have never looked back.  I am totally addicted to the power of the glass!!

Hels

[Jivesjools]

well thats the same for me, I had been looking for a hobby for myself for some time and thats why i started jewellery making. I've always been pretty creative and as you say I just can't find the beads that I really want. Thanx for your replys guys.

[Pam]

I had been fusing prior to lampworking and was desperate to find a way of putting neat holes in glass without the hassle of drilling and I came across a beautiful site with some basic info and help. I emailed the glass artist and bought my beginners kit from her and as they say that was the start of something really good.
Martin Tuffnell sells the beginers kits now but he is closed until the 5th Jan. I would suggest purchasing a few books to read up on the subject and see what is possible with time and patience and your artistic flare.
Passing the flame is a great book by-Corina Tettinger
Also consider The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking- Kimberley Adams
                   Making Glass Beads- Cindy Jenkins

[Jivesjools]

Thanks for your help Pam. I will def be hitting amazon soon to find myself some books on the subject. Thanx again.

[Shadowdarner]

Try to see if you can take a class somewhere close by.  You'll learn a great deal and will get to try out the world of lampworking before you take the plunge and purchase the equipment. A word of caution.....this is an extremely addictive obsession 

[Mary]

I came into beads via seed beading. I wanted to do lampworking as soon as I learned about it, but didn't think it was practical till Martin came to do a local demo - I came home with a starter kit!

[LittleMoo]

Hi Rachel,

I'd also recommend Cindy Jenkins' book 'Making Glass Beads'. It's a great one to learn the basics from. If you think it might take a while to save up for your own kit, why not see if anyone in your area teaches lampworking classes? I know Hamilton Taylor (www.off-mandrel.com) does classes in Glasgow, but not sure if anyone else does classes nearer to Dundee. You could check out the Courses/Classes' thread on the forum maybe?

No matter how you start though you're sure to get addicted! 

[Vicki]

Hello Rachel

I was making jewellery & spending to much money on beads & thought I'd give it a whirl & haven't looked back...wish there was more hours in the day though  I just dived in with a full kit as I know myself & knew I'd love it....no regrets 

[Jivesjools]

Thanks everyone. you've all been very inspiring and a great help. i just can't wait to get started!!! it will probably take me a while too save up as i have a holiday coming u so most of my savings will have to be spent on that. i wish i hadn't booked it now though ha ha.

i do want to take a class but its quite difficult as i work shifts and there is not one that i know of which is near me.

[LittleMoo]

Found one for you! It's in Blairgowrie so not far at all from you! 

http://www.gallowglassbeads.co.uk/lessons.htm

[Jivesjools]

Thats fantastic. Thank you very much for that! I will def have to invest in a class! I'm so excited haha