Overview
Element 14 Art offers unique handcrafted glass bead products that are created solely by myself, Fred Vogt, using the lampworking techniques pictured to the left. The glass beads that are created are then put together to make unique pieces of jewelry. Each bead has been properly annealed using a digital kiln and then carefully cleaned using diamond bits for lasting beauty. The glass beads are made into necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other handcrafted items.
If you are looking for unique one of a kind handcrafted jewelry for yourself or someone special - then this is the right place. These creations are really art and can be described as "wearable art". These can be statement pieces or simply something fun and unique to wear.
I have studios in Chesterfield, Missouri and The Woodlands, Texas where I create one of a kind objects by lampworking. Please contact me at fvogt1@gmail.com to purchase any jewelry on this website (go to the How to Purchase page for more details). I will custom create a piece for you at your request and I do sell individual beads. Enjoy looking at my work and "Thank you!".
What is lampworking? The term lampworking comes from the time when Italian artisans used lamps to melt their glass prior to the hotter torches of today.
Modern lampworking utilizes propane/oxygen torches to melt glass rods. The molten glass, glass melts at 2500 F, is then wrapped around a stainless steel rod (mandrel) that has been coated with a clay based bead release to form a glass bead. During the formation of the bead the glass must be kept extremely hot at all times or it will crack prior to completion. Each bead must be formed by working with molten glass in the flame using various glass rods, shaping & creating the desired unique bead. The beads are made in one continuous process no matter if it takes 10 minutes or 1 1/2 hours. Artistically adding different colors, shaping, heating and cooling create the magic in each bead. Some glass reacts chemically with other glasses to form unique colors or patterns - some glass contains silver which allows interesting effects to be achieved. A number of the necklaces pictured have silver glass incorporated within them. Murano, Italy is renown for its superb glass working and most of the glass rods used for making these beads come from Murano. Glass rods are also sourced from the USA, Germany and China. The cost of glass ranges from $10/lb for basic glass up to $100/lb for silver glass. The silver glass does add unique effects and is a favorite of mine to incorporate creating special beads. Finally the beads are all digitally annealed in a kiln to remove stress and the bead release is removed using a diamond coated bit in a Dremel tool.
Clearly the above is a simplistic explanation of lamp working. In reality there are many steps with multiple techniques skillfully applied to get the desired result. The end product is a unique piece of handcrafted art that is a one of a kind piece of jewelry. It does take years of experience to produce really special lampworked glass beads.
Again enjoy looking at the "wearable art" on this site - "Thank you!".
Self Representing Artist V34 📷