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have been lampworking for hundreds of years, on the island of Murano near Venice. The original artisans were never allowed to leave the island for fear of telling their 'secrets'. Indeed, the only way to quit your job in those days was to die. Fortunately, things aren't quite so severe anymore. Most artists are happy to shares ideas and techniques, without fear of losing their lives. Nowadays, the glass is melted in an oxygen-propane torch and wrapped around a stainless steel rod called a mandrel. Over the course of the next 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity, the bead is built-up, sculpted, poked, prodded and primped until it looks like what Martha wants. The bead is then placed into a 960 degree kiln which allows the glass to 'relax' (without changing shape). After a minimum of 30 minutes in the heat, the bead is allowed to slowly cool overnight. In the morning Martha removes her beads from the kiln and removes them from the mandrels, cleans them up, and makes them ready for sale. All the necklaces that Martha makes are made with Sterling Silver clasps and findings. Only the finest quality materials go into Groovy Glass Beads, we want you to enjoy them for years to come. A Groovy Bead makes a groovy gift!
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