FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to make a bead?
This cannot be answered unequivocally, because it depends on the size and the pattern. The smaller a pearl, the faster the melting process. However, all beads must cool down in the tempering oven overnight and then be cleaned. This process is equally time-consuming for all beads, no matter how big or small. So a bead isn't really finished until the next day at the earliest. I often work in processes, i.e. all beads are cleaned together, all beads are matted together, etc.
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How do you drill the holes into the glass?
The threading hole is created during production. In one hand I hold the glass rod, in the other a stainless steel rod, the thickness of which will later make the threading hole. The hot glass is melted around this rod and removed again after cooling. So if I want a bead with a large hole, I have to choose a larger stainless steel rod from the start. Subsequent drilling is not possible. Not every pattern can be made with a different hole size. The marble beads, for example, need a small hole, unfortunately more than 2mm is not feasible here, otherwise I cannot build up the complex design filigree to the outside.
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Does glass break easily?
You can't give a general answer to that. It depends on the thickness of the glass, the correct manufacture and ultimately the "impact" that could destroy the glass. The thicker the glass, the more stable it is. That's why I don't make filigree finger rings, for example: A thin glass ring will almost certainly break quickly. My rings are real "buzzers" and they can withstand everyday shocks. However, if - for example - you land really badly with your hands in a fall on asphalt, the ring will certainly break, even if it is thick and stable. Ultimately, that's how it is with a Ferrari: if you drive it into a wall, it breaks. If a piece of glass jewelery breaks "just like that", there was definitely tension in the glass. With correct processing, this can be ruled out very well, but never 100%, since tensions can theoretically also arise from faulty production in the glassworks. However, this hardly ever happens; Murano glass is known for being of particularly high quality.
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What are "everyday bumps"?
By that I mean small bumps that you can't avoid in everyday life. With a ring, for example, it would be like touching a banister a little rougher. With a chain pendant that it hits the edge of a table when you sit down or stand up ... or with earrings that they slip into the sink.
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How does the color get into the glass?
I work with colored Murano glass rods - the colors are created in the glassworks, not in my studio. I melt the colored glass rods together to create patterns.
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How can it be called Murano glass even though you don't work in Murano?
Murano glass can be processed all over the world. The name refers to the place of origin (i.e. the glassworks that draws the rods). If the end product from these glass rods is processed in - for example - Leipzig, the name of the glass type is still Murano glass.
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How to learn bead making?
Unfortunately, the production of glass beads is no longer an apprenticeship; however, there are bead makers who offer courses. I have taught advanced courses for a while and also occasionally taught beginner courses. In the meantime, however, I would like to concentrate exclusively on creative work.
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Do you sell tutorials?
I wrote a Fairy bead tutorial and a Marble beads tutorials many years ago. If you are interested to purchase, please get in touch via email.
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How do you care for glass jewelry?
Glass beads that are in direct contact with the skin may appear duller as a result of wearing them, as the skin's greasy film sticks to the glass. Simply wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wearing. Further care is not necessary. It is best not to store jewelry with silver elements openly, as the silver will tarnish. Silver can be polished with a special silver polishing cloth.
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Can I wish for colors, do you create custom work?
It depends, but tends to be no. Glass colors react with each other, the knowledge about it is very diverse and not comparable with the color knowledge of water colors, for example. So in my designs I consider which colors I combine with each other and why I don't use other colors. Also, different colors have different strengths. For example, a white glass is always very soft, so I can't make the same shape with it as with a transparent turquoise. Ultimately, the current availability of a color also plays a role. Because special colors are often particularly beautiful, but also only available in limited quantities. So it can happen that you discover an older pearl on Instagram, and that color is no longer available. Also, as an artist, what I enjoy most is pursuing my own color instincts.
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You mostly work with silver. Can I also order jewelery with gold elements?
Yes, of course it is possible. I work with an amazing master goldsmith who makes all my silver eyelets by hand. On request, this is also possible with gold at any time, but it takes a few weeks to produce. Please contact me for a price request.
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Can you melt hair/ashes/rocks etc. into glass?
Because hair burns when it comes into direct contact with fire, it cannot be melted into a bead. Theoretically, ashes can be melted down in glass (e.g. the ashes of a deceased pet) and there are certainly bead artists who specialize in this. I set my focus on free artistic activity and therefore ask you to contact another bead maker if you want a mourning bead. The funeral home may be able to give you a name here, alternatively the term "mourning pearl" can be helpful with a Google search. Stones cannot be melted into glass, neither can gems or pieces of gold. An exception are zirconia stones under 2mm and gold leaf. The foreign body in the glass must therefore be kept as small as possible, otherwise it leads to tension in the glass and the glass will shatter sooner or later.
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Where can I buy your jewelry?
Exclusively in my online shop.
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