The flamework (lampwork) beads used in my jewelry are made by me in my studios at Riverviews Artspace in downtown Lynchburg or in downtown Manhattan. 

I melt the glass over the flame of a gas torch until it reaches a temperature high enough to melt it and then wind the glass around a steel mandrel coated in a clay slip called "bead release." The wound bead, while still hot, is shaped by manipulating it with graphite, wood, stainless steel or marble tools and paddles. This process is called marvering.  It can also be pressed into a mold in its molten state.

Once the base bead has been formed, additional glass is added in layers to the surface in order to create designs. Once the bead is cooled I carefully remove the bead release with a file and the bead is kiln-fired at over 900 degrees  to make it more durable.

If you’d like a particular color ...
If you’d like to purchase beads for your own stringing pleasure ...
If you’d like to learn to make beads ...

          Just contact me:


                Judi Crespo
                434-845-2201 (Lynchburg)
                212-962-3011 (Manhattan)
                judicrespo@yahoo.com (everywhere)
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