What are lampwork beads?  
Lampwork beads are made from rods of glass that are melted with a torch onto a mandrel and are formed into balls of glass on which decorations are added. This art form has been around for centuries.  

How are lampwork beads made?  
A few items are needed to make a bead. These items are as follows: glass rods, bead release, a torch, fuel, mandrels, and a kiln. The mandrels are made from stainless steel and are used to wrap the glass around. The mandrel is dipped into bead release, which keeps the molten glass from sticking to the mandrel, then the tip of the glass rod is slowly heated by the torch to a melting point which makes the glass pliable. The glass is then wound around the mandrel and formed into various shapes and sizes. Decorations are added to the outside of the bead and can also be melted back into the bead to create a smooth surface. Once the bead is completed, the bead is placed into a kiln that has been pre-heated. The kiln is used to anneal the bead. Annealing ensures the temperature of the bead is consistent throughout (also known as soaking) after it has been created and then the bead is slowly reduced to room temperature. This process reduces stress to the bead and makes it strong. When the bead is completely cooled, it is taken off of the mandrel and a hole is left in the center of the bead which enables it to be strung and used in jewelry or other designs.  

This is a picture of a few beads that I made still on the mandrel.

To read a detailed description you can go wikipedia to learn more.