silver wire/fusing

[stretch]

Greetings I would like to combine by lampwork face beads with some fused bodies. I am wondering what kind of silver wire to fuse between layers of glass so that I can attach other beads for arms and legs. Is there a particular class or size that I need to be aware of? Will it fire without tarnishing? Thanks Stretch

[Three Muses Glass]

You can use nichrome wire. The size will depend on the work I think as wire is not exactly compatible with glass, so I'd use the smallest size to still hold up the beads for arms and whatnot. Some of the glass suppliers like JoDel sell it in smallish amounts, McMaster-Carr sells larger amounts, and ceramic places should have it, possibly as high-temp wire. It turns kind of pewter-ish.

You can also use fine silver/99% pure silver wire but......I don't think it's as strong and it stains some glass and it stains the shelf. That stain will stain the next glass that's fused on it.

I'd love to see some pictures if you get these together. They sound fabulous!

[stretch]

Thanks, Rebecca