Tina Smith

Bearhouse Beads

My name is Tina Smith, and as a Lampwork Glass Bead Artist I use the centuries old technique of  'Flamework' to create glass beads. I have been melting glass since 2009, initially as a hobby, before realising my dream of making it my full-time occupation in 2018.

Each bead starts as a rod of glass, which is then melted and manipulated in the flame, with sometimes unexpected results. Once finished, the bead is then placed in a kiln overnight for controlled cooling, which ensures that there are  no molecular weaknesses which could cause it to crack later.

Next, I clean and inspect each bead to make sure that it is of high enough quality, before turning them into wearable jewellery to showcase the design. I also make miniature paperweights and occasional accessories such as beaded bottle stoppers.

My  designs are often influenced by  the beautiful coastline and countryside of Pembrokeshire, where I am lucky enough to live. That said, design ideas often come to me whilst I'm at the torch, so there can also be some whimsical ideas that I simply have to try.

In 2022 three of my beads were selected for the Inaugural Bead Biennale at the International Festival of Glass, and I am a member of the Contemporary Glass Society.

website: https://www.lampworkbeads.uk/

Instagram ; : https://www.instagram.com/bearhouse_beads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearhouseBeads/

e:mail bearhousebeads@gmail.com