Raku Lampwork Rocks
August 3, 2007 by Tammy Powley
Filed under Lampwork & Fused Glass
Raku is normally a technique used for pottery and ceramics, especially bowls and pots. But, this same technique can be used for making lampwork glass beads.
From Gary Ferguson:
Raku is a method of firing pottery (see pictures below). Each piece is fired in a kiln until the piece reaches about 1800 F. The piece is removed, with tongs, while red hot and place in a metal can with a combustible material, like paper or sawdust. The combustible material ignites and the fire and smoke react with the glaze to create very unique and unpredictable colors, lusters, and patterns.
This extra firing is how lampwork artist D.D. Hess creates a raku affect on her lampwork beads. Pictured as some wonderful green swirly ones she made that I can’t wait to string up into something fabulous.
That is a really interesting piece, I have never heard of this technique before.
Those are some exotic beads :p