With the transparency of glass, it is perfect for the aquarium bead. Each one looks like a small world of water, with coral, algae and fish. Better than a tide pool because you get a side view and not the view from above. And it does not smell like the beach at low tide, which is a good thing. So how are these beads made?
The first layer on the mandrel is usually a dark color so the threads used to incorporate the bead into jewelry will not show. Dark blue is common, but a dark gray, green or brown would also work. The first layer determines the length of the bead, so it is relatively thin and long. The innermost coral and plants may be drawn on this layer, or a thin clear layer may be added before the first denizens are added. Creatures are placed evenly around the bead so there is no “good” side.
An aquarium bead by M C Chapman, Australia.
As each layer of creatures and plants is drawn on the previous layer, the artist watches the placement to give a natural look. Some overlapping of coral and plants should combine with placing fish where they stand out against the backdrop. After each layer of animals and plants is done, a thin layer of clear glass is added all around the bead to keep it balanced and uniform. After the last clear layer, the artist makes the final shaping of the bead, and it is ready for the annealing oven.
Another way of making the fish and other creatures is to prepare murrini of each one ahead of time. This splits the intense drawing work into smaller sessions and gives the artist more control over the creatures incorporated into the final bead. By creating the animals ahead of time, the actual bead work is less complicated and goes more smoothly. It also allows mistakes made on a single fish to be eliminated without having to scrap the whole bead.
Some of the best lampwork artists make aquarium beads. Pati Walton makes beautiful aquarium beads, and has made a video to help others learn to make these beads. She also teaches this bead in classes. From these and their own experiments, there are many glass artists making aquarium beads. Each bead is not only unique, but each artist creates their own look in this kind of bead.
With the addition of clear glass over each layer of animals, these beads get large pretty quickly and are definitely focal beads. As a result of their size and complexity, and the time required to make them, these beads are not cheap. They are wearable art. If you have financial constraints, look at aquarium beads from many artists in books and at shows before you buy “the one.”
With the appearance of water and the colors of fish, sponges and coral, the aquarium bead is a natural for glass. A good aquarium bead will be fascinating and amuse you for a long time. Get one, make it into a necklace you can wear often, and wait for the compliments. They will come.
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