As far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the beauty of beads and the opportunity that they offer for expressing creativity. During 2002, I started designing unique pieces of jewelry using natural stones, pearls, and silver. In 2003 I learned about hand made glass beads, also known as flameworked or lampworked glass beads. I took a class as soon as I could find one and my love affair with molten glass began. My passion for this art form continues to grow with every bead I make.

Lampwork glass bead making is an ancient art that has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. Each bead is created by melting glass with a torch to a temperature of about 1700 degrees. Once the glass becomes molten it is wrapped around a stainless steel rod and manipulated to achieve the desired look. The bead is then placed in a kiln where it is allowed to cool gradually.

When making beads, I work both with soda-lime and borosilicate glass. Depending on the look that I am after, I may also use gold, palladium or silver foil, dichroic glass and/or glass frit. My beads range in color and style from colorful and funky to more organic neutral tones. My jewelry pieces are one of a kind and incorporate my beads along with natural stones, pearls, crystal and sterling silver.

Cecilia Labora Studio
Cecilia Labora
Kansas City, MO
www.clabora.com
Email Cecilia Labora Studio

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