Heidi Hunt
Welcome to my lampwork studio, this is where I melt glass rods and wrap them around steel mandrels in a variety of age old traditional methods. My torch, tools and materials are all on display and I love to demonstrate the ancient art of glass bead making. There is a large display of finished beads and projects, and information about the history and practice of bead making.
Behind the Scenes
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About My Practice
I love recreating Viking, Anglo-Saxon and Roman Beads and exploring the different methods of construction as lampworkers have been utilising the same methods from millenia. I love working out how these ancient beads would have been made! I also draw inspiration from the stunning natural environment of the Mull of Galloway. The torch blazes away, the coloured glass forms a tapestry of colour and anything can happen creatively!
Tools & Materials
I use a Propane/Oxygen torch to generate enough heat to melt glass which is then wrapped around a clay covered steel mandrel. I use brass and steel tools to shape and form the molten glass into different and unusual designs. The beads are then cooled in Japanese bubbles before the beads go into my kiln to be annealed for hardness. I make the finished beads into unique jewellery pieces.
Examples of work
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Spring Fling Activity
There will be a children’s/young at heart opportunity to “Find the Viking Beads” in a set up archaeological pit where we will have plenty of replica beads to discover!
