How to Encase Lampwork Beads in One Step

In these beads, this is a new method of encasing that turns the process into one step. It makes the beads look brighter and slightly more opaque because you are adding a layer of white under the transparent glass color. I was very pleased with how nicely these beads turned out with little or no white showing on the edges.

Normal encasing is done with two different rods. You would start with the first layer and add the next color over that layer. The problem with this method is that it takes a moment longer to heat up the second rod and one of my hands is holding the mandrel to be able to assist with pressing the glass frit into the clear glass. In this new technique, it turns it into one step and I am only working with one rod.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

To start, first I nip off the ends of a white rod to create several smaller pieces to use as my encasing glass color (step 1). I truly think any color will work depending on the colors of glass you are using. This piece sits next to my frit. Next, I add some frit to my clear glass (step 2) and shape it into the shape of the rod (step 3). Then, I heated up the end of this rod to attach the white piece of glass (step 4). I carefully introduce it to the flame and heat it up enough for it to adhere to my rod. Then I make my bead as normal.

This technique should work with many different colors. I can see using light turquoise under blue or I have used fuchsia under purple. There are many different color combinations that can be used.