Beads have been around since prehistoric times, when humans first developed tools to drill holes in shells, bones and other natural objects. The earliest glass beads are thought to date as far back as 1400 b.c., found in Egypt. Many cultures have used, worn and traded glass beads, and they are still prized for their ornamental and collectible value today. The art of beadmaking by winding molten glass around a steel mandrel is often referred to as "Lampworking". This is because the early glass beadmakers in Venice used oil lamps as their heat source for melting the glass. Today, it's more common to use torches, such as the minor burner I work on, a torch that uses a mix of propane as the fuel and oxygen as an accelerant, to get a precise flame that allows me to control the heat in the glass as it melts. forming beads!     Me at the torch!!!  Selection of Moretti glass rods! My Husband, myself, Gemma and our 1st and only daughter, Kaylee!  I am a self representing artist of the lampwork beads you will be viewing!! If you have any queations? Please feel free to email! Thanks Bunches, Gemma gemmasglassbeads