Dora Beading Company - About the Artist

I'm Cindy Reedy, the artist behind Dora Beading Company.  Named for the township in Illinois where Dora Beading Company is located, the process started inoccently enough.  I enjoyed wearing beaded jewelry, however had difficulty finding exactly what I was looking for.  It began by making jewelry for myself and subesequently grew to create beaded jewelry friends and family.

Through great support and word of mouth, it took on a life of its own.  Approximately 3 years ago, I learned how to create lampwork beads.  These glass beads are truly unique and will always be one of kind.

Glass beadmaking is an ancient art form dating back to Roman times.  Some of the earliest examples attributed to the Egyptians. The process remains similar today. 

Glass rods are melted using a torch and formed around a metal mandrel.  Various tools, along with heat and gravity are used to shaept he bead. While the glass is still hot, decorations and addtional colors can be applied.  The beads are then anealed in a kiln.  The beads travel straight from torch to kiln to maintain a consistent temperature.  Annealing is the process of slowly cooling the glass to ensure the longevity of the bead.

Prior to creating beaded jewelry, I worked as an RN in a variety of areas.  I live in Central Illinois with my husband, a farmer, and our three children.