In October 2000, I visited Venice, and Murano with a small group of glass beadmakers led by Mike and Pat Frantz.  The photographs seen here are of areas inside the Effetre factory.  Normally no photographs are allowed beyond the front doors. In order to take the photographs you see here, we had to agree not to take any photographs of the equipment used to make the glass, or extrude the rods.  Effetre takes great pride in their innovative glass manufacturing equipment, the equipment that allows Effetre to produce such beautiful glass rods and canes in such volume and with such consistency.  I hope you enjoy this little virtual tour of  Effetre, a glass beadmakers true heaven on earth!  Ciao, Kim

After a few amazing days spent at Effetre choosing new colors for production we head for lunch at Ristorante Alla Busa de Torre de Lele.  The "glassblowers restaurant" which is right behind the clock tower.  Great food and on one wall they have a bunch of caricature drawings of famous patron glass artists.  We have had way too much fun!  By the way, I chose the Avocado green, Sage green and Soft violet.  Green and purple my favorite colors!  Thanks Mike!

To contact Kim call 415-259-7626 or e-mail kim@flameworkedbeads.com