Lampworkers create beads by melting narrow rods of glass with the flame of a torch. The molten glass is wound around a mandrel, a thin length of stainless steel. The space occupied by the mandrel becomes the hole through the bead. Turning the mandrel and holding it in different positions allows gravity to help the bead take form, but tools are also used to push and pull it into shape. A lampwork artist understands the glass and the torch, knowing how much heat it takes for glass to flow, how much heat can be applied to a bead that's already...

Our Frit Heaven frit blends are unique, and so are the glass artists who use them! As part of our ongoing virtual gallery series, we’d love to shine a spotlight on the vibrant glass art and sparkling beads you create with our frit. We encourage you to share your technique and the story behind your artistry, so that others in our community may also be inspired in their creative expression. Please email photos of your creations, along with your website and/or Etsy store name and we will feature your artwork in an upcoming blog post.

So much frit, so little time…and Frit Heaven needs your help! We’re looking for a few frit testers to help us evaluate potential new blends and test some existing blends. This is an unpaid position, but there are a few artist perks as a thank you! The details: - We send 3-5 jars to you of either existing blends, new blends…or both! - You create sample beads using the same process we use for all our beads. - You create sample beads featuring your own process. - You photograph the results and email them to us, along with a description of...