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| Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips |
2009-08-16, 8:30am
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 15, 2005
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A new/old technique
Before going to the Gathering this year I came up with an idea that worked out really well and is fun to do. I want to take the technique further, but thought perhaps others would like to play with it too.
Oh, I want to add that this is a very old technique used by glassblowers all the time, blowing into sand. I didn't think it up, but I haven't heard of anyone using it for beads though they could have.
Supplies needed: sand (yes, regular normal sand - 50 lb. bag $5)
a container for the sand
something to flatten the bead
glass (I used a reduction glass)
mandrel, of course
How to: place the sand in the container. I used an old cake pan and piled the sand into it so that the peak of the pile in the center was above the edge of the pan. I then wet the sand and using a spatula tool piled the sand up roughly in the center, making cuts and holes. I then made a fat bead and once it was hot laid it in the sand and flattened it with the large marver I have. (mine is one of the Japanese type marvers that has the handle on top). Steam comes out of the sand and that is my cue to remove the glass from the sand. I brush off the loose sand with the marver and then put the back of the bead (the flat side) into the flame and reheat enough to get rid of the tool marks, then turn to the "sand" side and reheat very lightly. Then I reduce both the front and back and put it away in the kiln. It's a great organic look. I used all the BE lusters I have making these beads and they all came out great! I made two necklaces from them and sold one of them at the Gathering, plus lots of the loose beads.
Have fun with this technique, and let me know if any of you actually give it a try!
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Pam
"It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it." Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth
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2009-08-16, 8:33am
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old person/new member
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Join Date: Nov 14, 2008
Posts: 682
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This is a very cool idea!! Thanks so much for sharing it. I would love to see your necklace made with these beads!!!!!
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Cathy at the Beach
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2009-08-16, 8:34am
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I fart diamonds
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Join Date: Jun 14, 2005
Location: Altamonte Springs, FL
Posts: 3,893
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Thanks for sharing Pam!! I've used sand experimentally in beach beads and I'm pretty sure Kim Hart is the person who told me about it, but I never thought to try it as an organic.
Have torch. Have sand. Will play!
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-Shawnette the original "everybody get a grip" girl
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2009-08-16, 8:54am
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Formerly Deesigned Beads
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Join Date: Aug 29, 2006
Location: Cape town, South Africa
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sounds like a lot of fun! Have you tried pressing the other side in the sand too?
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Diana
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2009-08-16, 9:02am
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Hi De, I actually didn't do both sides on purpose. The surface of the face of the bead is kind of rough and I felt it would be better to have a smooth surface next to the skin or fabric. But, of course, you definitely could press both sides or even roll the bead in sand.
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Pam
"It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it." Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth
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2009-08-16, 9:24am
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Moving On
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Join Date: Jun 05, 2005
Location: Tucson, Arizona!!!
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Very, very neat!!!-Gail
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2009-08-16, 2:09pm
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just plain silly
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Join Date: Sep 11, 2006
Location: SoCal
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Yippeeee... what fun! Thanks Pam for sharing something new and different (at least to me!). Off to search the garage for sand now 
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Suzanne
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2009-08-16, 2:19pm
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what a fun idea! I'd love to see more pics.
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Michelle
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2009-08-16, 2:35pm
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I looked to see if I had taken any pictures of the necklaces, but I didn't - sorry. I have another one I am putting together and I can take a picture of that if you are interested.
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Pam
"It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it." Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth
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2009-08-16, 6:57pm
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Yes, more pics please! =)
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Patti T.
Fullerton, CA
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2009-08-17, 3:35am
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Knob Creek Glass
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2009-08-17, 3:54am
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Very cool Pam. Reminds me of sand casting in silver. I wonder what the effect would look like with fine grained casting sand. Hmmm maybe cuttlefish bone would work too. Lots of interesting ideas. Then there is the option of investment molds. Oh I need to get home so I can play with glass again.
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Paul Ewing
Torch Ho... GTT Mirage, Carlisle CC, GTT Cheetahs, GTT Lynxes, and others on tanked O2.
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2009-08-17, 4:16am
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Oh, great, new ideas!! I'll try to take a picture today of the temp strung necklace and post it.
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Pam
"It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it." Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth
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2009-08-17, 11:37am
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Here is a pic of the necklace I am putting together. All it lacks is the closure, which I will make the next time I get a chance to get on the torch. It is on a concrete slab and then a grassy area, wanted to see how it would look in a rustic setting. The glass is BE lustres, probably blue, aurae and green (I like to mix them up)
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Pam
"It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it." Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth
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2009-08-17, 11:44am
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Beautiful Pm.
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Paul Ewing
Torch Ho... GTT Mirage, Carlisle CC, GTT Cheetahs, GTT Lynxes, and others on tanked O2.
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2009-08-17, 1:57pm
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<--- Time traveler
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Join Date: Jun 11, 2005
Location: Rock Hill, SC
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That is fantastic - almost like making your own druzy stones.
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2009-08-18, 5:23pm
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Happiness is....
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Location: MI.
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really cool idea and beads Pam. Thanks for sharing it with us.......
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Karen
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A Crickett and 2 5lp oxycons
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2009-08-19, 3:37pm
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Hi, I love the bead pictures. They are very organic looking. It sounds like you used soft glass to make your bead. Do you think it would work if I used Boro glass instead. Thank you for shareing., Cynthia in Australia
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2009-08-19, 4:53pm
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Feminist Killjoy
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Join Date: Jul 03, 2009
Location: Dreamland
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Very cool! I love the way they came out.
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Annie
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2009-08-19, 5:05pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kirrakat123
Hi, I love the bead pictures. They are very organic looking. It sounds like you used soft glass to make your bead. Do you think it would work if I used Boro glass instead. Thank you for shareing., Cynthia in Australia
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I haven't heard of anyone using sand with boro, but......why not?
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Pam
"It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it." Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth
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