| Donna Sauers Designs - Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved |
The art of lampworking:
Each piece in the Donna Sauers Collection is handmade
with lampworked glass beads that are created in my
studio. The art form has been around since ancient times
and is the process of using a torch to melt and shape
glass.
Rods of Moretti glass are heated over a torch and wound
on rods that are treated with a bead release.
Each piece in the Donna Sauers Collection is handmade
with lampworked glass beads that are created in my
studio. The art form has been around since ancient times
and is the process of using a torch to melt and shape
glass.
Rods of Moretti glass are heated over a torch and wound
on rods that are treated with a bead release.
A celebration of color:
I am frequently asked how I develop my color combinations and
designs. Each collection starts out with a palette. I develop the
palette as an artist would create a painting. I start with an idea
and then begin putting the colors and beads together ensuring
that there are highlights, depth and texture. From that palette I
design the individual pieces. You will notice that each design
has a multitude of semi-precious gems that are wire-worked
throughout the piece which adds movement and interest. I work
in many mediums and I believe that I bring this experience as
an artist to my jewelry.
I am frequently asked how I develop my color combinations and
designs. Each collection starts out with a palette. I develop the
palette as an artist would create a painting. I start with an idea
and then begin putting the colors and beads together ensuring
that there are highlights, depth and texture. From that palette I
design the individual pieces. You will notice that each design
has a multitude of semi-precious gems that are wire-worked
throughout the piece which adds movement and interest. I work
in many mediums and I believe that I bring this experience as
an artist to my jewelry.
The molten glass is then manipulated in the flame using various tools and gravity until the desired
shape is achieved. Each bead is individually made and no molds are used in the process. The
bead can then be decorated with other colors of glass to further enhance the surface.
The beads are cooled slowly and then removed from the rods. Each bead is individually cleaned
with a diamond drill to remove the bead release and give the bead a clean finished look.
Once the beads are made and cleaned, I size each one "two by two" into pairs that will be used in
earrings and other designs. Only perfect beads that meet my high standards are used in my
jewelry.
The process is very labor intensive but I love working with the glass. I can achieve colors and
shapes that are unique and are the basis for my designs.
You will find my leaf beads in many of my designs. Each leaf is handformed and no mold is used
giving each one a unique and organic look. These are my favorite beads!
shape is achieved. Each bead is individually made and no molds are used in the process. The
bead can then be decorated with other colors of glass to further enhance the surface.
The beads are cooled slowly and then removed from the rods. Each bead is individually cleaned
with a diamond drill to remove the bead release and give the bead a clean finished look.
Once the beads are made and cleaned, I size each one "two by two" into pairs that will be used in
earrings and other designs. Only perfect beads that meet my high standards are used in my
jewelry.
The process is very labor intensive but I love working with the glass. I can achieve colors and
shapes that are unique and are the basis for my designs.
You will find my leaf beads in many of my designs. Each leaf is handformed and no mold is used
giving each one a unique and organic look. These are my favorite beads!
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Making Glass Beads by Cindy Jenkins - Lark Publications
My work is included in this publication and it is written by the artist that taught the first
lampworking workshop I attended that started me on this journey. It is an excellent
resource for anyone who is interested in glass beads and lampworking.
My work is included in this publication and it is written by the artist that taught the first
lampworking workshop I attended that started me on this journey. It is an excellent
resource for anyone who is interested in glass beads and lampworking.
| Click book to order from Amazon.com |
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It all started with a glassblowing workshop:
Several years ago, I was given a weekend glassblowing workshop for Christmas. That
was my first introduction to working with hot glass and I didn't know it at the time, but it was
also the event that would eventually lead me to my career change. I was introduced to an
artist who taught lampworking and found it was a way to create tiny glass "gems" out of my
home studio. And of course... that lead to designing jewelry. Before launching my
business I focused on developing a line and collection that reflected my signature style.
I share my studio with my dog Reggie
| Glass rods in various colors |
| Cooled beads on the rods |
| Forming a bead in the flame |