15 Bead Challenge
From Furnace to Flame: A Journey In Glass
There was a challenge with the Calontir Glass Guild to make fifteen beads in different shapes using only one color. This was my first Arts and Science Project in the new shop and the first thing I participated in as a part of the virtual SCA. In many ways, this project got me thinking about R & D in terms of new beads to make. This was my answer to the challenge. The beads were produced on my dual fuel torch, then they were annealed, and once out of the kiln they were taken off the mandrels and cleaned. I did most of the work during the two weeks of Pennsic.
I ended up make 22 beads, not counting flops. Some of the beads were made using tools and methods described in the book: Bead Maker From Ribe. Others were based on beads from a dig in China that included beads made in the Mediterranean. Many of the bead types were found in the Norse world and also traveled on the Silk Road. Those found in China were made with glass from the Eastern Mediterranean. Some of that same glass made its way north.
