Bead Tool Introduction
See a demonstration video of our Bead Press in action here >>
How I started Making Tools for Glass Bead Artists!
I
have been making quality glass blowing tools for the
last 20 years and selling them worldwide. This requires
an extensive knowledge of metals forming and joining
combined with how hot glass is manipulated and formed
into a desired shape. My goal has also been to make these
tools very durable and designed and finished like master
craftsman tools. With normal care and maintenance these
tools should last a glass blower their entire glass working
career.
Several months ago, I was approached by Andrea Guarino-Slemmons to make some special forming tools for her glass bead making. After some discussion I realized that I had the perfect manufacturing operation and technical background to make glass bead forming tools. Our initial meeting has since developed into a very creative relationship. To date, I have made Andrea 30 different tools. Many of her students and bead making friends have requested copies of certain shapes.
Considering all the interest I decided to develop a line of glass bead making tools to compliment the line of glass blowing tools I presently manufacture. Andrea and I, along with other bead makers narrowed the list down. Other special shapes and texturing tools will be available in the future.
About the Basic Design
During my discussions with many bead makers I realized that, for precise control, they would rather work at eye level during the bead shaping operation. Using this as a starting point, I designed the handles long so that they are easily squeezed together and the shaping surfaces will be very close to parallel through a wide working range. This allows for different volumes of glass to be used so the artist can focus on imagery rather than glass volume. By working at eye level it is also possible to easily locate bead surface decoration so in its final shape the design will be located accurately.
The tools are welded together for long-term durability and polished to finish them like master craftsman tools. These tools and those to come in he future will hopefully create new shapes and textures and push the envelope of art glass beads. I want them to make your bead making easier and more creative. Quality tools make your hours at the torch more enjoyable!