About the process:
Martha works mainly in borosilicate glass. Beads are made on a 1/8" or 3/32" steel mandrel, or off-mandrel, using a "punty", or glass rod handle.
All beads are annealed in an digitally
controlled kiln; a slow cooling process which removes a lot of stress from the glass and leaves it more durable.
More on Techniques:
Millefiore beads are made using variations on the traditional technique. Flower canes and other unique designs are improvised at the torch, hot stacked and hand-pulled in small batches.
Slices of cane about 2mm thick, called 'murrini', are cut with a special tool, then placed onto the molten core of the bead and pressed in with a brass paddle. A small drop of clear glass over each chip keeps the edges from shrinking into the design. A tiny glass rake is used to twist and pull the edges of the melted-in murrini, which grow together at the corners; creating an organic yet subtly patterned effect. The whole design is magnified by a thick layer of clear glass.
Beads are now available for purchase online using Paypal
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