The Art of Glass Flamework: A Step-by-Step Journey

1. Preparation of Tools and Materials
The artisan gathers coloured or clear glass rods and sets up a torch (usually fueled by propane and oxygen), along with hand tools like tweezers, paddles, and mandrels.

2. Heating the Glass
A glass rod is slowly introduced into the edge of the flame to avoid shock, then moved into the hotter center where it softens and becomes malleable.

3. Shaping and Forming
Using tools and hand movements, the artisan twists, pulls, blows, or presses the molten glass into the desired shape—ranging from beads and figurines to intricate designs.

4. Maintaining Temperature Control
The piece is constantly rotated in the flame to ensure even heating and to prevent cracking. Adjusting flame size and position is crucial at every stage.

5. Annealing and Finishing
Once shaped, the glass piece is placed in a kiln for annealing—a slow cooling process that relieves internal stress and ensures durability. After cooling, it's cleaned and polished if needed.