Hand Blown Glass Beads

Glass is one of the oldest materials
known to man. Unique hand blown glass beads are available in assorted sizes,
shapes and colors. These beads possess a special look making them a fabulous
decorating element while making jewelery and other crafts. No matter where
these beads are placed, they are sure to be noticed and admired for their
beauty and individuality.
Process
Hand blown glass beads are manufactured by primitive process that was used
hundreds of years before. With nothing more than a blob of molten glass, a
long hollow pipe, and a few primitive tools, artisans produced excellent
glass beads in a variety of shapes. The hand blown glass technique consists
of blowing through a pipe onto a red-hot glass mass, heated in a special
oven. As the artisan blows, he can start molding the piece by turning it
around with the pipe. When the piece starts cooling, using the appropriate
tools, beads can be molded. Color is added to the glass to give it a
wonderful look, tones and effects.
Popular Forms
The various forms in which hand blown beads are available is limitless. It
depends upon the creativity and skill of the maker. The creativity while
making hand blown glass beads begin with making a simple bead; that can
proceed to easy variations, such as overwraps and raked patterns; and beads
shimmering with different metals and featuring millefiori, sculpting, and
hollowing. The various shapes in which these can be found include round,
button, oval, rectangle, drops, baguette, nugget, winding, briolette and
many more.