Glass beadmaking is realtively new to the Kingdom of Atlantia, and we owe much to the efforts of Mistress Caitlyn (Atlantia's first "glass bead" Laurel) for its current popularity. As near as I can tell, the craft first came to Windmaster's Hill when Mistress Caitlyn taught Baroness Aileen McDonagh, and the good Baroness promptly turned around and taught the art to everyone and anyone she could. She even made the long journey from Atillium to Kappellenburg (about 1 1/5 hours each way) , on a week night no less, to teach beadmaking at one of the canton meetings.

And that happened to be the night I learned to make beads. Soon thereafter Baroness Aileen had an open house (well, open porch) day for beadmaking, and there I made my first necklace. And purchased my first torch and miscellaneous bits and pieces Aileen could spare. To be honest, I split the purchase price with my good friend Lady Sveva Lucciola, who went on to become the founding Guildmistress of Windmasters' Hill Baronial Glassworking Guild. Our sharing of supplies didn't last long, mostly because I never seemed to leave the torch long enough for her to use it.

 

NEW! HANDOUTS from October 2002 class on Renaissance Glassware (University of Atlantia) 1. Terms related to Renaissance Glass History 2.Characteristics to look for & to avoid when buying modern glassware to 'stand in' for Renaissance pieces

 

Links

Lady Kateryn's list of 'must have' bead supplies

Working bibliography of glass and glass bead books (note: does not contain works dedicated soley to stained glass or mosaics) UPDATED SEPT 2003

Beads by Lady Kateryn