BLOwN GLASS BEADS

[glassattack]

hi everyone,
does anyone know how to make blown beads using the hollow mandrel?...or a tut. that is available? i have seen these and they are beautiful...Thanks MIKE

JOHN 3:16

[Leanne]

normally hollow beads are made using glass tubing. You can make vessels like little perfume bottles with hollow mandrels.

I think there is a hollow mandrel with a hole in the side so that you can build a hollow bead over it and then puff air in though I have never tried it.

Sorry I am not much help

[Tink]

You can blow beads with hollow mandrels. I recommend the 3/32" or 1/8" size. Get the bead blown and shaped the way you want it, then superheat and blow out a hole in the far end. Finally, heat the mandrel and slip it out of the glass on the near end, using a glass punty or holding tool.

[theglasszone]

Hi There Mike!

Regarding your question, thought this might be an interesting video to watch...:

http://www.dawnandevan.com/hollow_bead_tutorial.html

I don't know if you're looking for a hollow like this (open at both ends, like a bead) or if you're looking for a vessel tutorial, like this (created my Jaci here on LE - and she sells the hollow mandrels, of which I've bought several!):

http://www.fireglassbeads.com/pages/tutorials.php

Knowing you're on a Hot Head (like me!), this tutorial by CandyAnn is really helpful - it may be a good place to start, too, as it gives a good feel for working the glass in a "hollow" and larger state:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmZDRCOfXPo

Hope this point you in the right direction!

DeAnne in CA

[glassattack]

thanks everyone,
i will give all this a try and see what happens.....MIKE