Beading Times: How long have you been making beads?

Irina Chigvintseva: I was started working with glass in 2009.

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

On the internet I saw a photo of glass lampwork beads and began to search for information about how to make them. As well, many masters share their lessons and show to beginners how they work.  Over time, I found a lot of lessons and lampwork teachers in Russia 

Were you interested in making beads before that?

Before working with glass, I spent many years making beads from polymer clay. This is very interesting, polymer clay is great stuff, but now I do not have time for this. Only the glass!

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

My education is art school, art college and university. I am an artist and designer. Classical art education helps me to make my beads. Education is very important in order to correctly choose the colors and come up with pictures! The study of the history of art can be an inspiration to other periods and countries around the world.

What has surprised you most about working with glass?

I am surprised at all that I know and see in the glass! I was most surprised by the age of the glass, more than 4000 years! Amazing!

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

I think it would be my teacher, a Russian lampwork artist, Elena Rapoport. She taught me in the beginning of my journey.

Whose beads inspire you the most?

I love the work of Lydia Workman Muell and Manuela Wutschke. Their beads are a miracle!

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

I sell beads and jewelry.

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

I was started selling beads, when I understood people like my jewelry. And they are willing to buy them. I always like to receive feedback from customers, it gives me joy.

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

I have participated in several hand-made exhibitions in Russia.

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

Don't forget at home what you need to present at the exhibition!

I found it very pleasant to deal with customers, it's nice when people compliment my work. Just like the introduction to many lampwork artists.

How do you feel you have benefited from the experience? 

After the exhibition, I found I had made many new friends and customers!

Do you have any tips for first time exhibitors?

Of course. You have to feel free to talk with customers, show your work, show more photos of your beads.

Do you sell your beads in stores or other venues?

I sell my beads and jewelry on-line only. Through my website and Etsy.

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

My Site www.branzuletka.ru

My shop www.etsy.com/shop/Branzuletka

What do your friends and family think of your beadmaking?

My husband and son are very proud of me and like my work! It is very nice and gives me great joy and motivation to continue to work!

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

My torch Carlisle Mini CC Bench Burner, I love her hot wide flame.

What type of glass do you use?

Effetre Moretti, Double Helix, TAG, CIM, Precision

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

I really love the color combination of dark blue and Echo Double Helix, with a transparent coating.

After the reaction, the Echo makes beautiful waves and dark blue translucent, which emphasizes the bead colo.

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

I like very much the Double Helix glass. This glass is good in any combination

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

I found a lot of interesting lessons in the Internet. I want to say thanks to all the lampwork artists who gave me knowledge!

Do you have a favorite technique?

My favorite technique is drawing molten glass on the surface of the beads and I love all the reactions with silver.

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

Mostly I make focal beads.

What was your biggest obstacle to overcome?

Biggest obstacle - the fear that I will not have enough time for all of my business, but you should start working with glass, and all the obstacles are forgotten.

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

I find it difficult to make a very large set of identical beads, I do not like to repeat. The most simple - to work on inspiration.

What is your favorite kind of bead or technique?

Beads with frogs. I love to make them, they are different and each with its own character!

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

I managed to save my first beads. Now they seem naive and simple, but I love them for it.

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

Now much has changed, technology became more complex, there are many details, precious materials, glass, and much silver.

What was your scariest beadmaking experience?

The most terrible experience when I first cracked a bead in the flame.

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

Once, in the exhaust vent tube settled down a sparrow. He was very arrogant and he decided that my studio was perfect for his nest and even invited a girlfriend. I had to gently but firmly ask them to leave. Now I always close the lid vent tube.

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

I do not have any special advice. I think that only working every day gives a result, it is a simple tip but the best. And I think, you should not only work hard but you should also observe nature, draw, and write impressions.

Do you listen to music when you work, or prefer complete silence?

I like to work in silence, music distracts me.

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

Often look at the paintings and drawings of artists. I like to visit museums. Observe nature... She is the best artist!

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

I have a few surgical instruments for dentistry, They are very handy.

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

Yes.

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

I work in the studio at different times, it may be 3 or 10 hours a week. The rest of my time is devoted to drawing sketches, inventing new jewelry, making a photo or design.

What about photographing your beads – what do you use to get your pictures and do you have any tips or tricks to share?

I was very lucky that in my childhood my first camera was presented to me by my dad. And I learned to shoot in my little studio. There is a table and I have different backgrounds, three powerful lamps. Light is important for a photo! My favorite camera is a Canon 450 D.

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?

Lampwork my work, as well as graphic design and photography. I also teach students lampwork.

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

In the future I want to develop lampwork and other technology glass in the country. And I want to teach students in my workshop.

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