Glass is such a unique material, and has fascinated humans for millennia. The first glass beads were made in the cradle of civilization more than 4000 years ago. The Egyptians made some of the earliest small vessels, and the Persians developed the first glass blowing furnaces. The Venetians perfected the craft, and much of the glass used today in lampworking is still made there. Glass rods in luscious colors are the foundation of my craft.

I use an oxygen/propane surface mix torch to melt the rods onto a steel mandrel that will become the hole of the bead. I usually start with a plan, but sometimes the glass has a mind of it’s own. I heat, cool, layer and mix until I’m happy with the result, and then the bead goes into a kiln to slowly cool and anneal.

After the beads come out of the kiln, I cut them on a lapidary saw and grind the backs to create cabochons. I forge a setting for each one out of silver sheet and wire. Each bead inspires it’s own style, and my goal is to bring out the best in every one. Finished pieces are marked with my crane logo and silver purity stamp, then polished up ready to go out into the world.