I see other beads at shops that are called lampwork beads, they are much less expensive. Why are yours and others more expensive than the one's that I see in bead stores and craft stores? Those beads are generally mass produced in what is essentially "sweat shops". Very low wages are paid to workers and they do not have health benefits and are generally required to fill a quota. I never purchase such beads. Not only for humane reasons, but they are also poor quality and absolutely not originals works of art. TRUE handmade lampwork beads are original and usually of high quality. As an artist, I can work when I feel like it, not with someone standing over me threatening to take $11 a week income from me! I sell happy, politically correct  beads as a result. Each bead has the secret ingredient called "love"! : ) How do you paint the beads? I don't actually paint the beads with paint and a brush. Lampworkers use very thin strings of glass to "paint" with on the bead while the bead is still hot. Do you take custom orders?    At this time, yes. If you have something specific in mind, and if I think it is something that I could do, I sure will! I clicked on your ebay link and it didn't take me anywhere. Why?  Oh, well, I must not have anything on ebay at this time, but keep checking! What is annealing?  It is a process using a kiln to slowly reduce the temperature of the glass. This process insures durability and strength. You must remember that it is glass so slamming it on the sidewalk probably wouldn't be a great idea. (Although I have accidentally dropped some beads on the sidewalk and they did survive) If I see something in the gallery that I like, can you, will you duplicate it for me? On most items, the answer is yes. Some are absolutely one of a kind and cannot be duplicated. Since the beads are hand crafted there is no way to precisely duplicate each bead EXACTLY as it is shown but a very similar bead will come of it. What types of jewelry do you make from your beads? I do earrings, bracelets, necklaces, cell phone lariats, key chains, and ornaments. If you see a bead that you like, you may request that it be put into a jewelry design. What size is the hole in the bead? All beads have a hole size of 3/32 unless otherwise stated. How do you clean your beads? I soak them then use a diamond bit cleaner to get all of the bead poop out. What kind of glass do you use? Depends, sometimes I use Spectrum glass, (the kind used in stained glass windows), but usually I use Effetre Italian glasses. I use Helix, Luascha German glass, Vetrofond, CIM, and some Japanese glasses. Do you etch beads? Yup. If you would like your set or bead etched, just let me know. I do charge an extra $2 for etching. Be careful with etched beads, you shouldn't use silver beads or findings with them because they can discolor. Why would you sell sets of beads? Because some people love making their own jewelry and buy my beads to do that. Do you give bulk discounts? Maybe, on big orders, probably. Big orders, 5 items or more require advance payment. Sorry, but I have been burned a couple of times and ended up stuck with items that I didn't need or want.       Do you take checks? No Do you accept credit cards? yes, through paypal.  Any other questions? email me by clicking HERE