Glass Bead Making
Glass bead making is the art of creating small decorative beads using molten glass. This process involves heating glass rods or tubes until they are molten, then shaping and decorating the glass using tools such as mandrels, tweezers, and presses. The glass beads can be formed into various shapes, sizes, and colors, often incorporating patterns or designs through techniques like layering, marbling, and fritting. Once the beads are formed, they are typically annealed to strengthen them and prevent breakage. Glass bead making has been practiced for centuries and continues to be a popular craft for creating jewelry, accessories, and decorative items.