Out of the fire

Glass beads have been unearthed in archaeological digs dating 28,000 BC and the techniques used to create glass beads hasn’t changed significantly from that time.

John and Michelle Ellison’s glass beadwork is one of the many gift-giving items included in the Quesnel Art Gallery’s Beaux Arts show and sale which opens Nov. 14 in the Arts and Recreation Centre.

About five years ago, the couple was attracted to the lampwork (melting glass in a flame) their niece and her family were doing.

“It seemed like a relaxing hobby,” John said.

“We started with selling raw beads to jewelers around the world under the name Sweetfire Lampwork.”

Although every skill takes time to master, John said the biggest requirement is a steady hand.

Each handmade bead begins with a coated stainless steel welding rod called a mandrel.

The glass, as it heats, forms a strand that is wrapped around the mandrel over and over again. It doesn’t stick to the coated mandrel, allowing the artist to remove it easily.

Ellisons work with Moretti glass rods from Italy, applying the molten glass with the use of a hot head propane torch.

The temperature for this application must be between 1,200 – 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

“We burned ourselves more in the beginning,” John said.

“After a while you learn the smell of burning flesh and clothing.”

As the glass forms into a bead, embellishments are added to give each bead a distinctive look.

The beads are designed for jewelry and now the Ellisons are creating their own distinctive line of necklaces, bracelets and such using silver wire and Swarovski crystals.

Much of their work is marketed online but the couple also sell from the Farmers’ Market.

“It was a way to meet people and generate interest locally,” Michelle said.

Both agreed glass bead artists need to enjoy the art of creativity, colour and composition.

Michelle said their designs are inspired by both the natural world and by graphic arts and textiles.

“You need to learn how the medium works and how to create the different colours and designs,” John said.

And that means working with glowing hot glass.

As the glass is temperature sensitive, it’s important to cool it evenly.

Each bead is then strengthened in an annealing kiln.

“Any flaws will be found in the kiln process producing a strong and durable finished bead,” John said.

As they become more adept at the process, Ellison beads take on more intricate designs.

Sweetfire Lampwork provides the Ellisons with a secondary income but John said it could be full time if they devoted more time to it.

“The market has been very steady,” he added.

Selections of jewelry and beads are available at the Beaux Arts show and sale beginning Nov. 14 in the Quesnel Art Gallery.

The annual Christmas sale includes art cards, books, felted items, jewelry, moccasins, paintings, paper mache, photography, pottery, quilting, wood bowls and woolen toques.

Sponsored by Chudiak Schmit and

Co. and Chan Foucher LeFevre LLP, Beaux Arts offers something for everyone.

Quesnel Art Gallery is a non-profit society run by volunteers.

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