I melt glass using a torch fueled with propane and oxygen to create my glass art. Each glass bead is created one at a time by melting colored glass rods in the flame of the torch. Once the glass is in a molten state, I wrap it onto a rod that has been dipped in clay; meanwhile balancing, manipulating, and shaping the bead until I am satisfied with my creation. The bead is then cooled in a kiln at a controlled rate of time and temperature. This controlled rate allows the molecules inside the glass to realign, releasing stress within the glass and giving the piece strength and integrity. Once cool, I remove the bead from the rod and clean the bead hole.