My name is Tina Smith, and as a lampwork glass beadmaker I get to play with fire all day long! I have been making glass beads for over 14 years, initially as a hobby, but then realising my dream and going full-time in 2018.
Each bead starts as a rod of glass, which is then melted in a flame and transformed by manipulating colours and shapes, with sometimes unexpected results. Once finished, the bead is put in a kiln overnight for controlled cooling, which ensures that there are no molecular weaknesses which could cause it to crack later on.
The following morning, each bead is cleaned an inspected, before being offered for sale to jewellery makers.
My designs are often influenced by the beautiful coast and countryside in West Wales, where I am lucky enough to live and work. I am a member of the Contemporary Glass Society and the Bead Society of Great Britain. Three of my beads were selected for the Inaugural Bead Biennale at the International Festival of Glass 2022.
Vendor Biography
My name is Tina Smith, and as a lampwork glass beadmaker I get to play with fire all day long! I have been making glass beads for over 14 years, initially as a hobby, but then realising my dream and going full-time in 2018.
Each bead starts as a rod of glass, which is then melted in a flame and transformed by manipulating colours and shapes, with sometimes unexpected results. Once finished, the bead is put in a kiln overnight for controlled cooling, which ensures that there are no molecular weaknesses which could cause it to crack later on.
The following morning, each bead is cleaned an inspected, before being offered for sale to jewellery makers.
My designs are often influenced by the beautiful coast and countryside in West Wales, where I am lucky enough to live and work. I am a member of the Contemporary Glass Society and the Bead Society of Great Britain. Three of my beads were selected for the Inaugural Bead Biennale at the International Festival of Glass 2022.
Thanks for looking!
Tina