Making a glass bead

A couple of weeks ago I went to Middeleeuws erf in Amersfoort. When I was there the weather was amazing and I had a good time. I was also a little anxious, because there would be new people to meet, in a unknown place. But the vibes were great and after walking around the farms and meeting some people I got interested in the glass worker making beads. It is such an amazing crafts and looks so surreal that you can just do that. After a lot of practice of course.

The glasswork bench.

After looking at what they were doing, and seeing the glassmaker and children from the farm make some more beads, I also got to help. before I knew it, it was my turn in working the bellows. It was scary I must admit, I was afraid to do it wrong, but I think it went well! It was amazing to help, and we even got one of the inlays to perfectly form a flower! And to my surprise I even got to keep it in the end!

The bead we made!

Working the bellows is a crucial part of bead making: with a strong and constant airflow you get the best results. This smal and portable setup has two accordion shaped bellows which you have to work in tandem. This is way harder then it looks. Especially when you see the kids from the farm do it effortlessly and then you have to do it yourself.

The look on my face: very worried and concentrated.

The glass maker started with pre heating some pieces on the donut on top of the stove. Then he began with making the base of the bead by melting glass from a glass rod onto a piece of metal with clay on it. This was one of the ways, they can also start with a chonk of glass and form it from there. The clay would make a base on which the glass can hold onto, and after the bead is done you can wash it off the metal rod. When the bead had a good shape he placed the inlays onto it: these inlays are small works of art in and off themselves, made to resemble flowers and other shapes. Then when they melt into place they expand and merch into the bead. This is how the bead I got has the shapes and colors in it. When we were done he told me I could keep it, and this made me very happy. We had to wait a little for it too cool off, so we went for another stroll around the farmstead.

The farm itself was amazing too: there were two big buildings alongside smaller coops and places to set up. Like where the glassmaker was situated. There were also some animals, like goats and pigs. The big barn just had a major rebuilding done: a spark catcher above the heart and replacing roofbeams. Soon there will be a festive re-opening for it. Maybe I can attend that as well!

The big barn.

The other barn.

This place is really worth the visit! It is at the end of a sports park in Amersfoort. First you are like, am I going to the right place? But you are, and soon you find yourself in the medieval times! Especially when there are events, with markets and tents. They also have a field in which they grow grains and vegetables. At the 'sibbezondagen' and 'Viking weekenden' there is always someone to tell you about the farm and the medieval times. You can check the website for further information and dates for events and such.

Here is the link to the site, in case you want to visit it yourself or learn more!

Middeleeuws erf | Het Groene Huis Amersfoort