Hollow beads, can it be done?

[GabiLoraine]

I've finally gotten to a point where I'm starting to get happy about hollow beads. And I had this idea about putting tiny seashells in them. Do you think it can be done?
If I insert them before closing up the hollow bead? I'm thinking of just experimenting but I wanted to share my crazy idea with you first.
Like, I know that even if they stick to the glass they'll cool down at a different rate and separate... But I wonder what will happen once they enter the heat? If the glass is too molten they'll melt into it and then crack it? Hehehe

[shawnette]

You can always try your idea to see if it works but I don't think it will. (Too hot.)

1. You can make it on a larger mandrel, then cap the ends
2. You can make a vessel and cork it.
3. Boro tubing.

[AVTrout]

I second what Shawnette said, and I would use a larger mandrel and then put a bead reducing cap on it (if you want to be able to string it or something like that).

Although, that being said, I would definitely try to put it in before closing up the hollow bead, because ..... because..... I'd have to try it! Just to see!

[GabiLoraine]

I want to try it but I'm afraid of wasting the glass 😂

[shawnette]

Originally Posted by GabiLoraine

I want to try it but I'm afraid of wasting the glass 😂

Experiments aren't wasteful. If you never try anything new, how will you discover things that no one else thinks is possible?

[Charmaine]

just want to chime in that it's really hard to make small hollows on big hole mandrels. my guess is that there's too much hot mandrel and not enough room for the glass to expand..? don't get discouraged but know going in that it's going to be a pain.

[GabiLoraine]

This is why I love you? I'll do it with recycled glass. Lol

[GabiLoraine]

Originally Posted by Charmaine

just want to chime in that it's really hard to make small hollows on big hole mandrels. my guess is that there's too much hot mandrel and not enough room for the glass to expand..? don't get discouraged but know going in that it's going to be a pain.

This is totally true. I'm really not that good at hollows. Not sure why I'm even looking to challenge myself at this point, lol!

[Speedslug]

If you use a single color of glass and it does not work you can always recover any undamaged glass and remelt the resulting frit.

I do like the idea of larger big hole beads and coring and capping the bead.
Heck, you could even add a small amount of beach sand before you core and cap it.

[menty666]

If the shells don't burn in the flame, they'll burn in your kiln. They'll definitely crack the glass if they're embedded.

Originally Posted by shawnette

Experiments aren't wasteful. If you never try anything new, how will you discover things that no one else thinks is possible?

Exactly. Folks told me I couldn't use copper mesh inside boro. Guess what I did?

[JavaGirlBT]

I made a bunch of trade beads for the gathering last year that were hollow beads filled with various things and I used bead caps and a copper core. I used a 3/16" mandrel so the hole was big enough to stuff things into and the core and the bead caps kept it all inside. If the shells are tiny enough I don't see why this method wouldn't work.

[Iwantonetoo]

Originally Posted by JavaGirlBT

I made a bunch of trade beads for the gathering last year that were hollow beads filled with various things and I used bead caps and a copper core. I used a 3/16" mandrel so the hole was big enough to stuff things into and the core and the bead caps kept it all inside. If the shells are tiny enough I don't see why this method wouldn't work.

I've done this before as well. I was happy with mine, but yours are gorgeous!!!

[JavaGirlBT]

Thanks, Sheri!

[AKDesigns]

Yep, what Ellen did. I did the same but filled them with glitter. A total pita btw. I just wanted to master it and prove I could do it.