Beadmaking Supplies - Anything in Stained Glass

The art of beadmaking by winding molten glass around a steel mandrel is often referred to as "Lampworking". Early glass beadmakers in Venice used oil lamps as their heat source for melting the glass. Today, it's more common to use a torch that uses a mix of propane as the fuel and oxygen as an accelerant, to get a precise flame that allows you to control the heat in the glass as it melts. Mandrels are steel welding rods. The glass is wound around the mandrel. But, if you applied hot glass to them directly, the glass would stick and never come off. So, the mandrels are dipped in "Sludge", a bead release mixture with the consistency of pancake batter. The dipped mandrels are then air dried, and ready for beadmaking. After the beads are finished annealing in the kiln, the whole mandrel is put in a tub of water to soak, which loosens the sludge, and the bead can be removed from the mandrel, leaving a nice even hole.

Beginner Beadmaking Kit

This kit opens up the fascinating world of bead making to you. With this kit and a few hours of practice you will be making your own unique glass beads in all shapes and sizes. The kit includes step-by-step instructions, a Fireworks self-igniting torch head, 10 mandrels, a dual-sided marver plate, rod scrubber, heat resistant work surface (14”x 17”), bottle holder, bead release, 15 Italian glass rods and one annealing blanket to cool beads, everything you need to get started.
( Mapp gas not included).

# 5678 $ 129.95 Buy

Fireworks Safety Glasses

Features: One-piece polycarbonate lens for superior impact resistance, Extension adjustable templates for a perfect fit. Integral side shields add protection UV 400 guards against ultraviolet and infrared rays, lightweight for comfort and balance.

# 6473 $ 7.95 Buy

Bead Hole Cleaner

Coated with the finest diamond abrasive for a more effective and efficient removal of bead release residue. To use, simply push the narrow diamond coated rod back and forth through the hole in your bead.

# 5671 $ 3.95 Buy

Graphite Tongs

Fireworks graphite tongs assist you in shaping molten glass around bracelet molds. They also help with any other hot glass shaping you need to do while fusing in a kiln.

# 5658 $ 24.95 Buy

Parallel Bead Press

Bead press is an easy way to make flattened beads. Simply place your molten bead between the paddles and squeeze. An adjustable press height allows you to make a wide range of flat bead thicknesses.

# 5659 $ 19.95 Buy

3-Piece Tweezers Set

Fireworks tweezers have a multitude of uses in hot glass applications. When rubber tips are removed use them to set in millifiori, hold hot glass, or create stringers, etc. Use with rubber tips in place for wire wrapping or for a secure grip on warm glass.

# 5656 $ 16.95 Buy

Heat Resistant Work Surface

Heat resistant work surface is a must when working with the torch. The large size (14" x 17") provides ample space to spread out your tools and equipment. For anyone who has mistakenly melted more than their glass!

# 5654 $ 16.95 Buy

Bead Release

Powdered releasing agent that is mixed with water to a creamy, thick consistency. Used to coat the ends of your materials to prevent glass beads from sticking to metal. Can be flamed dried or air dried.

# 5675 $ 9.95 Buy

Stainless Steel Tool Rest

V-shaped design allows you to safely rest hot mandrels, glass and tools on your work surface for easy access. Keeps the hot ends up and your hands cool. 7½” x 1½”.

# 5670 $ 6.95 Buy

Hot Glass Shear Set

Shears work perfectly to cut glass when it is molten. Cut excess glass, reshape your bead or cut the trailing edge of a molten glass rod with these shears. Two pairs, 3” and 6”.

# 5664 $ 14.95 Buy

Mandrels and Bead Rake Set

Mandrels are made of stainless steel, and have a low heat transfer, keeping your fingers cool while working in direct open flame. Bead rake can be used to manipulate molten glass by dragging, raking, feathering, or swirling the surface.

5652	Mandrels & Rake	$ 8.95	Buy
5673	Bead Rake Only	$ 4.95	Buy

Shaping Marver Set

Roll or press your glass into these 2” x 4” metal textured surfaces to make interesting surface patterns. Experiment by rolling bead at different angles.

# 5657 $ 12.95 Buy

Graphite Paddle

Fireworks graphite paddle is used to shape molten glass. The extra long handle is designed for a smooth comfortable grip. Graphite is lightweight and will not stick to hot glass. 2x3 paddle size.

# 5672 $ 12.95 Buy

Graphite Roller Paddle

Heavy dual purpose paddle mold. High quality graphite paddle is dual purposed. Smooth 3/4” and 1” wells on one side allow for bead, marble, ball forming. Flat surface on reverse side acts as a graphite paddle to shape molten glass.

# 5655 $ 22.95 Buy