Mine looked OK going into the kiln but came out a muddy mess. It was the first bead I did that day, so it sat in the kiln for about 6 hours, I don't know if that makes a difference or not, I think the first one I did was in the kiln for a lot less time. I wish I could show you the video I took, watching it you can see the colours on it right up until the end. Ravenesque, I am like you & have never had any trouble getting great results from reduction glasses before, but this one is definitely different! I've never had to put a bead up close to the flame before either, except to erase the reduction
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I have heaps of rods (I bought a pound I think) but I am going to try shards next like Barbara suggested.