Murano Glass
HANDMADE GLASS ART
The first step in the glass production is prepping a steel mandrel with a coat of clay and silica mixture, called “bead release”. Didymium-glasses are used to protect the eyes from the light of the flame. The glass artist carefully heats the tip of a glass rod to its melting point. In its melted state, it can be rolled onto the steel mandrel. Some of the patterns and images are obtained by using various metal tools, to stretch and manipulate the glass and finally shape it into a jewelry bead. It takes precision and control to successfully create the bead.
The designs of the glass beads vary greatly. Some have intricate detailed images, others show beautiful patterns, zirconias or gold leaf. The colors are endless, and pop exquisitely on bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry.
MURANO GLASS - FROM SAND TO GLASS RODS
Most of the Trollbeads glass comes from Italy. It is imported from Murano, an island close to Venice in Northern Italy. For centuries high quality glass has been produced here. The color is achieved by adding different substances to the glass, such as copper for a clear marine blue.
HOT & SOFT - MOULDING LIQUID GLASS
"Glass is a wonderful material to work with, occasionally the glass will react in a different way than expected inspiring new ideas. This is caused by the chemical reactions of the compounds that give the glass color. There are endless possibilities with the colors and patterns. It is soothing for the soul and quite mindful to work with glass, you need to take your time and be 100% focused. It is not a process that can be rushed - remember you are working with a flame that’s 900/1000° and melting glass."
– Inhouse glass artisan Signe Schumann-Sønderskov
“A glass bead is a very small object which must contain an unforgettable experience. This is always the main focus. To do this I play with the optics. What you see and believe to be rectangular, is, in fact, circular. I do this with numerous dots that look like they are rectangles or stripes. In fact, I fool you when I add the clear lens on top.” – Lise Aagaard Trollbeads founder and glass artisan
The Uniques glass beads collection, started by sharing the craft of how we make our glass jewelry beads. Several workshops have since been opened around the world, in communities that needed a hand developing economically.
