Passing the Flame: A Beadmaker's Guide to Detail and Design - Essential Glass Bead Making Techniques for Jewelry Crafting & Home Decor

Fifteen years ago, I wanted to do lampworked bead-making and got Jim Kervin's book, which is informative and very admirable in its own way. HOWEVER, it completely scared me off trying to set up a studio for a decade and a half, as I envisioned explosions of propane and rocket propelled oxygen cylinders crashing through walls. Recently, Cindy Jenkins' fine book, You Can Make Glass Beads," started me thinking again that I should try lampworking and Corina Tettinger's absolutely excellent book convinced me to go ahead. "Passing the Flame" by Tettinger has a humorous, conversational style, but don't be fooled. It literally is packed with basic and advanced instructions. You won't realize how comprehensive, technically informative and detailed it is until you have tried bead-making for yourself. I made beads for eight months before a forced hiatus due to the record hot 2010 summer. On my fifth read-through of this book before starting-up again after the summer off, I am still learning something useful on virtually every page. I have also purchased many bead-making DVDs, which are very helpful, if like me, you can't take classes. But at bottom, my success is due most of all to Corina Tettinger, a supremely capable teacher. If there are men who peruse this book and think that because it shows somewhat feminine-appearing styles, it has nothing to teach them, they are making a big mistake. What you learn from this book will allow you to become very technically proficient. From that point your style will be what you make it. I have purchased general lampworking books, every lampworking book on beads save one or two, and as many DVDs as I can find, even those in Japanese. The DVDs are good adjuncts to "Passing the Flame." But, if you can't afford to buy every book and DVD on the market, do yourself a favor and buy this book. Those who have complained that the the price is too high are simply wrong. It is worth every penny and more.