Beading Times: How long have you been making beads?

Dawn M. Lombard: That is a tough one to answer. I work full-time in the corporate world so if I do the math correctly (based upon weekends only since 2006) – that translates into approximately 832 hours or 35 days.

What got you started making beads? Did you take a class?

I love telling this story. My sister Sara begged me to go with her and my mom to an introductory lampwork class. First off, I had never even heard of lampworking and second, I have no patience whatsoever – so the thought of me sitting at a torch and melting glass had absolutely NO appeal to me. But I reluctantly agreed. Within the first hour, my life changed.

Were you interested in making beads before that?

Not one bit!!! I didn’t even know people made or bought beads.

Did you have an artistic or craft history before that? How has that translated into the beadmaking, if at all?

Ironically, I wanted to be a graphic designer when I started college and majored in studio art. At that time, hand-rendered graphics were still being done. My dad gave me the best tip in the world and explained that computers would take over the entire process. I trusted his judgment and changed my major to business administration (Marketing). My artistic side went dormant for many, many years.

What has surprised you most about working with glass?

I never expected the process to be so meditative. I find molten glass extremely soothing and, after a long week of crunching the corporate numbers, I easily get lost in the fluidity of the glass. I also am fascinated by the chemical reactions that occur when you blend certain colors and use metal with the glass.

Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor? Tell us about them.

I have taken a handful of classes – but these are one and two-day events – not lasting relationships. Most of my progression with this art form has come from as a result of persistence, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and experiments. Facebook has also been a great resource to connect with other lampworkers and discuss technique and style.

Whose beads inspire you the most?

Initially, when I first started in 2006 – Cynthia Saari was my idol. I took a class with her and promised myself I would get to a point where I could apply her style to my beads. I think (in my humble opinion), I have achieved that milestone. Lately I have been drawn to Kate Fowle’s electroformed beads. I have tried two attempts at electroforming and have a LONG way to go to hit my next milestone. Kristina Logan has always been a favorite as well. Oh, I can go on and on!

Do you sell your beads? Do you sell the beads by themselves, or already made up into jewelry?

Yes, I sell loose beads online (www.LavenderDawn.etsy.com) and at a local bead shop in Connecticut (A Bead of Roses). I also sell finished jewelry pieces at two Connecticut galleries (Wave Gallery and SoBoBo Gallery). I also do art shows throughout the year.

Did you intend to sell your beads when you first started? What got you started selling them?

GOSH NO! I really didn’t know what I was going to do with my beads when I first started – even making two round beads the same size (for earrings) was an impossible task for me. I still have my jar of rejects that are so fun to look at now. I went to my first bead store one day and asked the woman behind the counter, ‘what can I do with these?’ LOL – at the time they were gorgeous beads to me – when in hindsight, the woman must have wondered ‘what the heck are those?’ She introduced me to Beadalon and I started stringing that night.

Have you ever taken part in a bead or art/craft show?

Absolutely and I LOVE interacting with customers. Last year was my busiest to date. I think I did about 15 shows in Connecticut. This year I hope to do even more. I find that when the craft is demoed, sales really increase (insider tip). I prefer doing my own shows vs. gallery shows since I get to interact with people and explain the art form.

What was the biggest challenge you encountered? What did you enjoy most?

I am still struggling with the show set up. It takes a long time to come up with a gorgeously designed layout. I think I might have nailed it this year – purchased a professional tent with walls, having custom table cloths made, and a full sized banner. I just love interacting with customers – explaining how the beads are made, the history of lampworking, and answering their questions is the very best part of doing shows (although the earnings generated are a close second since that money feeds my glass addiction).

How do you feel you have benefited from the experience? 

I believe the best part is exposing people to an ancient art form is truly rewarding. Lampworking is not a very well known craft – it is not the mainstream – so sharing the complexities of the process with people that are sincerely interested is a great feeling.

Do you have any tips for first time exhibitors?

Quality counts!!! During one of my first shows, I had a necklace break while the woman tried it on – I was mortified. I learned the most valuable lesson EVER…the quality of your work needs to be outstanding. If not, you run the risk of tarnishing your name (e.g. no more sales). Also, an aesthetically pleasing display set up is critical – it is an outward expression of you and your craft.

Do you have a website or auction site that you regularly sell you beads on? If so, what is the url/id info, etc. 

www.LavenderDawnJewelry.blogspot.com is my blog and has my shop link at the top. I also use Etsy for focal bead sales: www.LavenderDawn.etsy.com.

What do your friends and family think of your beadmaking?

They ‘DID’ think my beads were hideous when I first started – but they didn’t tell me until recently (which really made me laugh). They told me that they were afraid I would be discouraged if they told me the truth back then (I probably would have been). They ‘DO’ think my work has come a long way and are quite proud of where I am today with my art.

What sort of set up do you have for making beads?

At my studio, I use a Carlisle Mini CC with tanked O2 and propane. My boyfriend built me a kiln out of a large metal mailbox (it works fabulously and we love it – heats up very quickly and was easy to make). At my boyfriend’s studio, we use a Hellcat and a Bluebird annealer. I don’t care for the Bluebird so much since it really takes a long time to get those firebricks up to temperature. I actually travel to his house with my homemade mailbox kiln.

What type of glass do you use?

I use both Moretti and Borosiliciate. I am very comfortable with soft glass and am still struggling with the boro – they work very differently as most of lampworkers know.

Do you have any favorite colors or combinations of glass rod to work with?

I absolutely love dark ivory soft glass with silver leaf overlay. The chemical reaction produces the most amazing blues and greens – very unique and organic looking.

Do you have a favorite product, i.e. bead release, glass, etc.

I am a die-hard fan of Fusion bead release. There is something very different about their mixture – it has more of a sand-like quality and I have never had it break on me while working a bead and all of my beads slide effortlessly off the mandrel.

Do you have a favorite beadmaking book or piece of instructional material?

When I first started, my favorite book was The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking by Kimberley Adams – it is a great reference for beginners. I would love to see someone create a much more advanced publication (perhaps that is in my future).

Do you have a favorite technique?

The quickest way to make a dazzling bead that looks like it took a long time to make – simply buy a jar of Raku frit. The color it produces is amazing and applied over light opaque colors is just stunning. Just don’t cook it too long or it will burn.

Are you a “set” person or a “focal bead” person?

Totally a focal person – I like to let the glass take over when I am at the torch. To make matching spacer beads is a mundane, repetitive chore to me – I do it but I sure don’t like it. It is a necessary evil if you want to make a stunning piece of jewelry though.

Have you developed a “signature” bead, a unique type of bead that is recognizably yours? Tell us about it, how you developed it, etc.

Yes, it is the ‘Volcano’ bead – a cone-shaped bead with wisps of color. I just love making them.

What was your biggest obstacle to overcome?

I am still struggling with shaping borosilicate – you really need to ensure your footprint of glass is evenly placed before you encase it in clear or it looks wobbly – I have a lot of those in my reject jar.

What is the hardest kind of bead to make for you? The easiest?

Hard center-lined bicones are truly a challenge for me – it is the edge that I cannot get crisp – there must be a secret to getting that fine line.

Do you still have the first beads you made? What do you think of them now?

Of course I do – I still wear the very first one I made in that intro class 4 years ago. It is the ugliest bead I have ever seen but I wired it up and slipped it on a chain and wear it very proudly. It really helps to put things into perspective when I am especially hard on myself when I don’t have a ‘perfect’ beading session.

How have your beads changed? Since you started or over the years?

Absolutely, I have moved away from bright color contrasts and moved to more subdued colors – I feel that provides me with a better expression of my vision of the beads – I love an organic, earthy feel and color creates that feeling.

What was your scariest beadmaking experience?

When I didn’t understand the ‘tempering’ step of glass – warm the glass slowly or it shatters. Well, on cold December night a rod of glass shattered and a piece stuck to my face. Very terrifying and I'm so thankful it didn’t leave a scar.

Do you have a humorous beadmaking experience or moment to share with us?

During a live demonstration at one of my art shows, I could not stop the rod from shattering. It was a windy and cold October outdoor show and I was chasing the flame. Every time I caught the flame, the glass would shatter. It was so embarrassing and the folks who were watching didn’t believe I actually MADE the beads (because I couldn’t show them). Quite funny in hindsight.

Have you had any “glass epiphanies” while working – some revelation or understanding? What were they?

Patience – I recently came to understand that working further away from the flame will let you work metals longer without burning. I was always going for that quick result (working too hot) and getting mud in the end. Stringer control is also all about heat control – it has gotten so much easier now that I work cooler.

Do you have a technique, method or tip to share?

Really clean those beads – even the smallest amount of bead release left on a bead can be seen and can leave ‘chalk’ marks on some necklace materials.

Do you listen to music when you work, or prefer complete silence? If you listen to music what is your favorite music or artist to listen to while you work?

I cannot make a great bead without music – my favorite is Jack Johnson.

Do you have any advice or encouraging words for someone who is just starting out in glass?

Patience!!!!!!!!! Don’t give up on the glass – PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE – one day it will all just come together. No great artist was a great artist from day one. It takes time and if you want it from deep down in your soul, it will come together.

Have you “invented” any new tools, or recycled something that wouldn’t ordinarily be thought of as a tool for lampworking?

An oil paint spatula is great for creating flat end on beads!

Could you share with us some pictures of your studio set up?

Of course – but only the before pic. I usually end up with quite a messy work space after a session.

How much time do you spend making beads (in hours) per week? Is it enough?

About 8 hours each weekend – I NEVER have enough time to do all that I want to do at the torch.

Is this a job, or a passion? Or both? How much of making beads/playing with hot glass is about just making them, vs. making a living?

PASSION! Whether I do it full or part time, it will ALWAYS be my PASSION!!!  I don’t think any of us could live ‘well’ on beads alone but it can certainly fund the glass addiction.

Where do you see yourself going with lampworking/glassworking in the future? Or, where do you see it taking you?

I would like to start teaching lampworking at some point in the near future. Other than that, I just pray that it becomes a greater part of my life – it is where my heart is.

Do you have a favorite bead, a “best bead.” Can you share a photo with us?

Of course, that would have to be one from my Volcano series.