I bought some quipment to start myself off making glass beads but have not had the courage to have a go.Is anyone self taught ,we have no classes whereI live.I have only watched demonstrations at the bead shows.
Maureen

There are plenty of lampworkers that are self taught, although im not one of them (i had a lesson).

What sort of set up are you on, Hot Head or big girls torch ? There are plenty of books, and if you go on Youtube and put in lampworking there are lots of videos on there. I always found it good to watch what someone else was doing and just have a go.

Also try the Frit Happens forum, they will be able to give you lots of advice on safety etc.

Unfortuanly im just about to sell all my lampworking equipment, i dont think it was quite for me so im probably not the best person to be talking to

Hi Maureen. There are a couple of books I'd recommend, and also if you search youtube there is plenty of great footage, and tutorials on making some many different style beads - it's fantastic.

Bookwise:
Cindy Jenkins - Making Glass Beads
Kimberly Adams - The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking
Corina Tettinger - Passing the Flame

are great books and will show you the safety procedures you also need to follow.

A lot of the UK and European lampworkers are also over at

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and there are various boards containing set-up advice, getting started, and tutorials.

If you have any further information about the set-up you have I'm sure myself and other lampies who visit this forum can offer further advice too.

Aha! Maureen!

I've been looking for you!

You sent me a message through my website, but you didn't leave me an email address so you probably thought I was ignoring you - I'm so pleased to have found you!

I'll send you a private message

I don't know if you are free on the 19th April but there is what looks to be a brilliant event in Towcester. Take a look on tuffnellglass.com for info on flame off event where there will be demonstrations and of course Martin Tuffnell himself who will be able to give you any technical advise you may need to get you going.