A: Lampwork beads range from the simple to extremely complex. An artist makes these beads using a rod called a mandrel, sticks of glass and a torch. They melt the glass with the torch and swirl it onto the mandrel. They can do one or many layers to get all sorts of effects. They can also add decorations like flowers, dots and ribbons by placing tiny strings or dots of molten glass on the bead. The end result are beautiful beads that are truly individual.
