Learning to make your own glass beads for your jewelry projects doesn't have to be a daunting or expensive task. You don't need to buy a kiln, propane, torch, etc. to make your own lampwork glass beads. What you do need is a semi-local artisan shop that has a studio and classes and also has open studio hours. In most cases, you have to take an introductory glass/flameworking class before you can access the open studio hours.
If you look in your area, you should be able to find at least one place like this. Often, if you check Groupon or LivingSocial, you'll find great discounts for classes. This is how I started to learn to make glass beads.
I make a lot of my own jewelry and lampwork glass beads tend to be my main pieces so after a couple years of buying beads and maybe not always being able to find (or afford) the types of beads I wanted, I took a beginner flameworking class.
This Instructable is in no way meant to replace an actual hands-on class, making glass beads is harder than it looks and you want to have someone standing there telling you to rotate the mandrel when you forget because you're trying to add more colors or shape. This is a very basic Instructable.
*Note: some of the beads in the photos are ones I bought, not made. I'm using them as an example as to the styles and effects that can be created*