[tammydownunder]

Great post Mary.

In addition I will add chill marks and straight beads on the mandrel. Flame polish the beads and make sure they are straight on the mandrel before you shape them. And, just because you can put glass on a mandrel, doesn't mean you can make a decent bead worthy of selling.

I have been rejected from a few designer markets because they were overloaded with jewellery makers. I have recently been accepted at an upscale market because I sent in with my application and photos, two strands of beads: good ones and crappy ones. The market committee said that was the deciding factor for them as they have had lampworkers apply but can make a decent bead.