Pixie dust
 

I bought a bunch of pixie dust samples a while back...I don't know how to use them. Sad huh?

just roll and flame it??

someone want to help me out????

Thanks

Hi Sondra!! When I use pixie Dust I pour a bunch on a flat surface (a large graphite marver that I have) then I make the bead. After it is shaped, and when the bead is warm but not hot roll it in the pixie dust. If it is too hot the bead might distort its shape. Then I take a knife and hit the mandrel with it so the excess pixie dust will fall off. Reheat gently on the outside of the flame. Stick in kiln. :D It is really easy once you get the hang of it!! Don't forget to Show us pics when you make some, please!

Hello Sondra - I do pretty much the same as Fay only I put the pixie dust in a small spoon and roll it. Should give you pretty much the same results. My personal favorite is soft gold pixie dust on light topaz. O:)

Here's a very cool chart (hope Kay doesnt mind if I post this link) showing how all the various pixie dust colors look on several different colors of glass.

http://www.listen-up.org/kitty/beads/pearl/charts.htm

Good luck - I know you will get the hang of it quickly.

Patty

I do the same thing, make my bead, let it cool slightly then roll in the pixie dust.
I found using a shallow dish/spoon/egg cup worked the best to get to the edges of the bead.
Here is what I use to roll my beads in pixie dust as well as frit, I use the bottom side as it tends to be shallower. I have two different kinds, one that has a deeper smaller base and one that has a wider shallower base.

http://fantes.com/images/19489egg.jpg

Hugs from Holland,
Sarah

Wow, nice chart!

Just a little careful note. Pixie dust is actually mica. It is easily picked up by the wind or a breeze. You don't want to breathe it! Use ventilation, and if you can wear a face mask. Geeze, I sound like I've been spending time at AGF. :lol:

Also...... if you want to add decorations on top of the pixie dust, you can roll the bead in a wet cloth to get off the excess, then decorate away!
~Suzy~

I keep my pixie dust in babyfood jars. I roll the bead and mandrel around inside the jar and then tap it on the lip of the jar while it's still inside. I then heat it just enough to make sure it has melted into the bead. :)

Just picked up a respirator mask at a hardware store for this exact purpose yesterday. I bought a cheapo just to "test the waters". I'll get a better one when I have a bit more $$$ flow.

Thanks for the tips. Perhaps now I can take my mica out and have some fun.

I use a demitasse cup (or expresso) so that I can tilt it and get the most on the bead that I can in one swoop.