AnnoyedArtist's Profile

Bio

I started lampworking in 2004. I was shopping for some stained glass to make a lamp for my parents, a hobby of 10 years (a gentle suggestion from my husband at the time, who said I needed some "away from him" time - needless to say, although I am grateful for the subtle push, he is now an ex-husband).

They had a class at the store with little torches set up and fire and such. I never looked twice at lampwork beads, but I really was in need of a change of pace. One class on a loud, stinky hot head and I was hooked.

By the way, my parents are still waiting on that lamp. (Sorry, Mom).

Suddenly my fingers that were previously butchered from cutting and grinding glass bits were now being singed in the flame. (You just lose yourself in concentration and then, poof, there they go, in the flame, whoopsie). Still, not a bad thing. Cuts take so long to heal and they're so painful. Ooh, especially copper foil cuts - owwee!

Comparatively speaking, when you accidentally stick a bit of your hand in the flame, it's typically *so* hot that it deadens the skin instantly.

Really, you usually smell it before you feel it.

(Well, isn't that a nice thought?)

Then, in a week or so, the dead skin falls off and new soft skin is in it's place. It's really not so bad.

Don't let me discourage you, though. Lampworking is a fun, fun hobby. Not for the chronically clumsy, but definately fun.

I have a full time "real" job which pays for this hobby, working in property tax, which is the busiest January - June. Ironically, this is also when I make the most lampwork. It's a great way to detach. Plus then I don't have to spend as much heating the house - between the torch and the kiln it stays rather toasty.

(Just kidding, Mom. Yes, I turn on the heat.)

So that's my story. I am a glass addict through and through. I love the colors and the textures and the way it melts. I dream about it at night, I wish I was doing it during the day. If I could support myself doing this I would!

Female, Born on April 3

Favorite Materials

Glass, Torches, Appletinis