Q. What are lampwork beads?

A. Making lampwork beads is a very interesting art. The artist uses a torch to heat the glass to a temperature which allows it to be manipulated. It is wound on a mandrel (which makes the bead hole). After the bead is made it is put into a kiln and undergoes an annealing process which makes the bead more durable. The designs you see on lampwork beads is NOT painted on, these are designs made with the molten glass. Just amazing!

Q. Where do you buy your lampwork beads?

A. I only use Self Representing Artists in my lampwork jewelry. I only use artists who kiln anneal their beads and prefer to use artists who do not recreate their bead designs. I credit every artist in my product information and you can find most selling their beautiful beads on Ebay.

Q. Why don't you use mass produced lampwork beads?

A. For one they are not kiln annealed and break very easily. Another reason is because I do not want it to be easy for someone to recreate my one of a kind design.

Q. Why do I see a few designs with the same beads if the beads are one of a kind?

A. Because when you buy lampwork beads usually they are sold in sets that range from 6-20 beads which can create several designs.

Q. Are all of your designs One of A Kind?

A. Anything with lampwork in it is a One of A Kind design. My chain mail pieces (without lampwork) are recreated by special order only.

Q. What other materials do you use?

A. I work in fine silver, sterling silver, 14 kt gold, copper, Swarovski Crystals and gemstones. I use AAA-B grade gemstones in my designs. I do NOT use any plated materials in any of my designs.

Q. What kind of silver beads do you use?

A. I either use Bali or Hill Tribe Silver beads. I love the look of handmade beads and find these to be the best beads on the market.

Q. I have found chain mail elsewhere cheaper, why is yours more expensive?

A. While you can find artists who will make similar designs cheaper than mine you will find a lot of differences in the work. Most chain mail (or maille) artists do not solder their links. While this is an acceptable practice I prefer to have my links soldered. Often over time chain mail links that are not soldered can work a part. Over time they will start to snag clothing and hair. Eventually the link will break and compromise the design. Soldering chain mail adds a lot of time to the individual pieces which increases the price. If you are looking for cheap maille you have come to the wrong place. If you are looking for gallery quality maille and someone who stands behind their work you have found what you are looking for right here.

Q. What happens if my bracelet or necklace breaks?

A. While that should not happen all you need to do is send me an email and tell me. I will give you the information to return it for repair. If it is an error in craftsmanship the repair is free. If breaks for any other reason I will just charge you for the materials to repair it or an hourly rate (depending on the repair). Thankfully this has never been a problem *knocking on wood*.

Q. What kind of camera do you use?

A. This is a question many designers ask. While it would be nice to have a Canon Rebel many artists cannot afford such a camera. I have always been a fan of the Sony Mavica and have owned several models over the years. My current camera is the Mavica MVC-FD200. This camera has a wonderful macro mode plus an optional memory stick (unlike earlier models that took only a diskette).

Q. What do you use for lighting?

A. This is another common discussion among designers. I have tried the handmade tents and that was a disaster. I finally invested in a American Recorder Studio in a Box SIB-100. It came with two lights and a tripod. My photography mentor has credited the quality of my images to my lighting setup so that to me says a lot about this product. You can buy these tents here: http://www.americanrecorder.com/ and if you have a hard time with their cart or registering (they have been alerted of current issues) pick up the phone and call them to place your order. **Note: I am not affiliated with American Recorder I am just a very satisfied customer.

Sincerely,