Red Hot Heart Song Lampwork Beads by Ellen DooleyHandmade Lampwork Bird and Barrel Beads

"I bought a torch before I ever made any lampwork beads.  We live not far from the Pilchuck glass school.  Some of the best glass artists in the country work in the NW corner of Washington State.  The first time I saw glass beads,  I knew that wanted to study lampworking.  So I bought a torch, took a class at Pratt in Seattle, and then practice, practice, practice! That was over eighteen years ago!  I am now a full time beadmaker, making lampwork beads every day in my studio."

Thanks for visiting!

Ellen

My most recent glass beads are included in the Lampwork Bead Galleries.

Check here for links to lampwork bead societies,  lampwork publications, artists, creative blogs, museums, jewelry artists, glass schools and more.

There are links to interesting lampwork tutorials:   a resource for beadmakers as well as for those interested in the process.

Encased and Silvered Pandora Focal Lampwork Bead by Ellen Dooley

Assorted Handmade Lampwork Beads by Ellen Dooley

Organic Fumed Hollows and Tab-Handmade Lampwork Beads

Also featured is the work of jewelry artists using Ellen's lampwork beads, with  Cristi Clothier as the current featured artist.

Handmade Lampwork Beads-Lapidary Beads

handmade lampwork bead blossoms by ellen dooley

My lampwork beads are made from Moretti glass imported from Italy, Lauscha glass from Germany and Double Helix, Bullseye, ASK, and Messy glass, all fine new glasses from the United States. Borosilicate glass is also occasionally used. Most importantly, these lampwork beads are all annealed overnight in a digitally controlled kiln. This ensures their long life and durability. Many custom blended frits, pure silver wire, leaf and foil, as well as 23kt gold are used to add surface interest and texture. 

Poppies-Handmade Lampwork Beads