Encasing Tutorial

[Charmaine]

There are several encasing tutorials and books out there to help you encase, but I think you'll find that my method for encasing large beads is somewhat unique.

One thing I've found in speaking to other beadmakers is that people don't like to encase, because either it ends up making the bead really huge, it distorts the pattern underneath, or they end up with really big, distracting bubbles.

Since I hate bubbles with a passion, I went to work on developing a technique that allowed me to thinly encase larger beads (1-2 inches in length) without introducing bubbles or smears at the junction of the clear layers.

I didn't realize I was doing anything all that interesting until a friend was watching me encase and said she'd never seen anyone encase like I did, nor did she get the smooth, thin layers that I can get using my method. If you'll peruse some of my recent etsy additions, you'll see beads that will make you say, "That's encased?"

In the interest of helping you create more beautiful beads, I have created a pdf available in my etsy store (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28127553). I'm going to bring a CD of this file to the Gathering this week, and would love to get some feedback/comments from people who have tried it

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[Cinnamon]

Goodmorning Charmaine,

I just completed payment via Paypal for your last Encasing Tutorial. I plan to enjoy working with it thoroughly this weekend. I hope to learn your technique and apply it to every of my encased beads.
Thank you,
Neomi

[Charmaine]

I hope you'll find it easy to use, and applicable to any size bead. THANKS

[swamper]

Charmaine,

I have admired your beads but had no idea they were encased. Lovely. Going to get your tut now.

[Charmaine]

thanks Linda, I'll send that right out

[Marjo]

Just ordered one!

[Charmaine]

awesome! (tell all your friends..:waving: )
thanks

[Frit Diva]

Hi Charmaine ~ Your tut sounds very interesting, but I have a couple of questions. Your description doesn't indicate how many pages, how many pictures, how the file will be delivered, etc. Also, if you included a couple of interior shots of pages from your tut, it would help to give a us sense of how well "put together" the tut is. Since you are selling a technique for thin encasing (which I am sure lots of people will be interested in!) maybe a photo taken of a bead underwater (so we can see the encasing layer) would help too. I don't intend this to be critical in any way, but showing those things might help you sell more copies!

[Charmaine]

I can do that, let me update and you can check back in a minute. There is an underwater bead pix (the finished bead is shown in my first post, then I took it underwater) included in the tut for just that purpose. The file is sent as a .pdf, but I can send it on a CD, or as a word document if you tell me what year you're using.

[Carols Glass]

There aren't any more tuts for sale in your etsy :-(.

I know you must be updating :-)

[Charmaine]

updated etsy, added some info. There are 25 or so pictures in this tutorial. I hope you'll find it easy to understand. What's nice about this tutorial is that it's both about how to make the beads/color combos I make AND how to encase a bead in general.

[Carols Glass]

ok, I bought the tutorial, I can't wait to get this one!

Thanks for sharing your encasing secrets :-)

[Carols Glass]

I got it, thanks it looks wonderful. Off to study it now.

[Carols Glass]

Charmaine, I sent you a question in your email.

Thanks,

Carol

[StephBonniwell]

Hi, Charmaine! Congrats on this tutorial! :biggrin:

[Charmaine]

Hey Steph! Thanks. Just doing my part to help people make pretty beads.
:-)

[Charmaine]

Any new photos from people who have purchased this?

[bexrox]

This tut looks great! Your beads are lovely! I'd love to hear how people who have bought it did with it, and of course, pictures!!

Becky

[pierces*designs]

As soon as I get a minute I'll take a pic. :)

Great tut.

[bexrox]

K, just purchased mine!! Excited!

Becky

[lenora]

I'm very intrigued by this! I just bought it and can't wait to check it out!!! :)

[Charmaine]

sorry for the slight delay in getting the ones purchased last night out. we've been in Ireland, and my back-on-the-east-coast body is falling asleep at 7pm and getting up at 2am...this has to stop...
I'll get those out right away. ;)

[ByCher]

I thought this section was for free tuts?

[akustik]

I just bought this and CAN NOT WAIT to get it! Thank you so much!

[akustik]

Here is my first try at your way... I LOVE it! I know this isn't a very good bead, and I don't have any (what I call) "fancy glass", like with silver in it, but this one does have silver ivory stringer. I used Opal Yellow as the base. Thank you so much. I never would have tried your way on my own.. You are a genius!
p.s. -Please pardon the bad photography. I have a dinosaur camera and I still don't know how to use it. :)

[akustik]

Sorry - here they are...

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[Charmaine]

That looks GREAT! and.....no bubbles!:grin:

[Charmaine]

Yeah, I posted the tutorial here before I realized 5 seconds later that there's another thread for tutorials to purchase. mea culpa. it's still a good a tutorial! especially if you struggle with encasing large beads or if you get bubbles. man I hate bubbles.
:-)

[akustik]

I know... seriously... this is the FIRST bead I've ever made in the history of the world (that was this size) that didn't have even one bubble! I couldn't believe it! I almost miss them, those tiny unwanted vesicles of air, as they sort of became my pet. Just in case I was ever feeling lonely at the torch... there they were! Always by my side, just like a true friend. Now I'm sad...

No, wait... I'm good. I don't need them. I'm a survivor.
Ya, I hate bubbles.

[asimeral]

I am also bubble afflicted! :-(

I do have a question though... What if you WANT your encasing to be thicker. Will your technique still work? (Forgive the newbie question, please. )

[Charmaine]

I usually just put on a second "layer" of sorts over the first lumpy layer. You can always add more glass.

[bakedpeach]

Just purchased one Thanks Charmaine , looking forward to trying it out !

Penny

[Charmaine]

I hope people post more pictures! I'm SOO happy people are pleased with this tutorial!

[Jamn!]

I just bought one! I love your pictures here and I am sure I will love your tutorial too! :)

[asimeral]

OK, you guys! Let's see some pics! ;-) I wanna see them really bad!

[Nouveau Glass Works]

i have a question for you. will your technique work for us who use hot heads. i have used one for over 3 1/2 years and can't afford to upgrade now but some things just don't work well on a hot head. maybe not enought heat or not being able to adjust the oxygen or gas.
karen m

[Charmaine]

I've had questions about the hot head, and about using boro for this technique. You can use this technique if you were already able to encase, just not happy with the results. I don't see why you couldn't do it on a hot head, I think the only limitation would be keeping a larger bead hot, but you're going to have that limitation with a hot head whether you encase or not, though I know I was encasing beads when I was using a hot head, just not 2 inch ones (but I was using canisters of Mapp gas-not the most oomph..) I also want to emphasize that you can use this technique on whatever size bead you want to encase. I use this on long barrels, fat rounds, small little "triangle" beads, florals, whatever.
It's all about keeping the bead warm while you're working from one end to the other . If you can already do that successfully, then I'm sure my technique will work for you. That's what's nice about this particular tutorial, it's not about making someone else's bead, it's applicable to ANY bead you want to encase-you don't need any special glass or equipment.

[Nouveau Glass Works]

Charmaine,
Thanks for the answer. I can encase and do a pretty good job but it is almost impossible to keep all the bubbles out. I may get the tutorial and give it a try.
karen m

[Teri.p]

Here's my first bead made following Charmaine's wonderful tutorial. Presenting Chadwick FatCat

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Teri P

[Angie09]

Has anyone used this method on smaller beads (16mm or smaller)? Or is this just for larger focals?

[Carols Glass]

I use this method on every bead I encase now. I made a round bead last night with white for a base and encased it with dark gray using this method. It was the best looking small encased bead I ever did!

[asimeral]

Teri,

Love your kitty! :)

[Carols Glass]

I love that kitty, too, it's gorgeous!

[Charmaine]

OMG, Love the cat. Bought it!

[WestCoast]

JUst bought your tut can't wait to get it and try it out!!! :smile:

[dturton]

Just bought your tutorial and looking forward to bubble free encasing.
Diane x

[Charmaine]

let's not forget some pictures~I am soo tickled that everyone is finding this a useful tutorial!

[Tillie]

I just tried to purchase this tutorial and at the very end, after entering all information and clicking "pay now", it says that it can't complete the transaction and to wait for information for 30 minutes. I'm a bit uneasy about my credit card information just hanging around and not having a clue as to what is going on or why. I just ordered another tutorial from someone else, and already have it printed, so I KNOW there is nothing wrong with the information I submitted. Thanks, Tillie

I have gotten confirmation that the charge went through, but I have no clue what I am supposed to do to actually GET my tutorial. I guess I assumed that I could download the file, but there was nothing showing anywhere to download from and I had to fill out a "shipping address". I'd appreciate it if someone who knows what's going on would let me know how to get this particular tutorial in my possession.

[Charmaine]

I don't know how to send the tutorial automatically, I've been sending via email as soon as I see the purchase, so it's not instantaneous, I didn't see it until just a moment ago.

You just purchased this about 20 minutes ago, (that's when the transaction came through) is that right, or has it been much longer than that?

I have noticed on Etsy that they will show something "sold" but they don't show record of payment. A couple of times people have had to wait until I sorted out their paypal payment.

I would LOVE it if someone could tell/show me how to set it up so it sends the file automatically

[Tillie]

Yes, it was about 20-30 minutes ago. Sending it via email is great. I was just afraid that something had happened and my payment would be floating around in cyber-space along with my cc number, and I sure didn't want that. My email addy is:

hummingbirdhillsg at yahoo dot com

Thanks, and I can't wait to try your method. I can encase fairly well, but it's always too thick.
Tillie

[firedancer]

Anybody else have any pics, that have tried this tutorial? And what do you think?

[Carols Glass]

I would like to add that I used to dread encasing, but now, with the methods in this tutorial I really love encasing.

I not only use this technique to encase a bead with clear, but when I want to save on silver glass, I use this technique to put silver glass over a clear or a colored base bead!

[playswithfire104]

Well I broke down and bought it. I hate to encase and after working with glass as long as I have I surely should know how to encase well.

[cakey]

I purchased it yesterday but haven't recieved it yet.
I'm patiently waiting.I have two days off and I can't wait to try it!

[azschneid]

I just got mine and I'm so looking forward to trying it, especially the tip on heating the entire bead to a glow after encasing and before putting it into the kiln. I love the added depth and magnification encasing gives the bead, but I hate the bubbles. I really seem to get more bubbles with the crystal and rectangle shapes for some reason. I recently had many 20 x 15 beads made with D.H. Ekho and encased with Crystal clear crack when I opened the Kiln the next day and I'm thinking it may have been caused by not heating up entirely. So sad as they were so pretty.

Anyway, off to play at the torch! Thanks for the tutorial!

[Teri.p]

Charmaine, I'm sure loving using your encasing method. Here's another cat bead with lovely thin encasing:

179888

Teri P

[Charmaine]

Love those cats, what a cute idea!

[sarlit53]

Hi Charmaine

The tutorial is great and easy to understand. I have played with the technique as well as some of the glasses you suggest and produced some pretty effects. I can see that I am going to have more fun with this method.

I have no idea how to post photos of what I have acheived so far but I am pleased with the results!

Thank you!

[azschneid]

Hi Charmaine,

Great Tutorial on encasing! I'm so glad I bought it and well worth it. Here's some photos of my first attempts. I do have to work on filling in any gaps of the clear glass in order to get a full encasing but other than that all is good.

Thanks, Ansley

179982

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[azschneid]

Teri,

I love your cat beads! They're so adorable.

Ansley

[theglasszone]

Wow, interesting concept and some beautiful "example" beads being shown! This looks like a very beneficial, awesome Tut Charmaine! Thanks for offering it!

:)
De

[Charmaine]

ansley,
really nice job on that thin encasing layer-brava!

[madelyn1]

I just purchased your tutorial, Charmaine! I cannot wait to try it!

Thanks for sharing!!
Shirley

[madelyn1]

Pretty fast response, Charmaine!! I have downloaded the tut and I'm printing it now -- I will have some reading to do so I can try this tutorial out this weekend! Can't wait to get some thin and even encasing done!

Thanks!!!
Shirley

[esbeads]

Just ordered mine. Can't wait to have nice encasing and to try it with silver glass! \\:D/

[Charmaine]

I just want to say for anyone interested in the tutorial, I'm on the East coast and we go to bed around 10pm (I'm a school teacher and have to be at work by 7am), so if you order the tut after that, you won't get it until the following morning. I appreciate everyone being patient about that. ;)

[esbeads]

Got it this morning. Thanks! It was too late last night to light up the torch anyway ;-)
Hope to try this later today...

[Charmaine]

just want to ask all those beadmakers in the Netherlands to send us some photos of your encased beads-I know you're out there!

[Nitadee]

Charmaine I got my tutorial today and tried it out, I am SUCH a happy camper!!!!!! NO BUBBLES!! Doing the happy dance here. Also, just to let you know, I'm on a HH and it works wonderful.
Thank you so much for putting this together. Newbies! Pay attention this is THE one! And trust me I have several, LOL!
Nita
p.s. I'll post pix tomorrow, everything is still in the kiln.

[cswilson53]

Just purchased Tutorial - and anxious to see your pics Nitadee....

[Nitadee]

Hiya Christine! Where ya been?
Here are a couple of pictures actually, I love this tutorial! It really did give me several "aha" moments, be kind I'm still a noob!
Hugs, Nita
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183677
183678

[cswilson53]

Looks great - I have read my tutorial, now just have to get busy and PPP! I have been busy with work :( - interferes with torching!

[Charmaine]

Pictures look GREAT! I LOVE to see florals that don't have 20 million extraneous bubbles in them-awesome job!

[loribeads]

Round bead, encased (that's a reflection, not a crack):
183963
Side shot of flattened bicone:
183967
Front of flattened bicone:
183966

[firedancer]

Lori: Your Bead is beautiful. Love the reaction, you have going on there!

[loribeads]

Thank you Nell!

[Charmaine]

Lori, is that the Psyche making those colors? (if DH quits making that I will die) ALL of the beads look great-thanks for the testimonial!

[loribeads]

Yep, that's all Psyche! I swear I will die right along with you. :D Thanks for the great tutorial!

[Rachel]

Great tutorial. I've been encasing since I started lampworking and I found this tutorial useful. I incorporated the technique with my own and found a great way to encase that works for me. I guess I am doing it a bit differntly than the technique exactly but I did find it useful and have been able to combine it with my method to form something that saves me time and works great. Good job! I will post pictures when I get some things from the kiln.

[Charmaine]

thanks Rachel-can't wait to see pix!

[asimeral]

Charmaine, I went to your ETSY store, your website, and your eBay store. I can't find that tute anywhere. HELP!

[Charmaine]

whoa! didn't know it wasn't up anymore, will fix that right away! *darn it! Back up on Etsy-click the link and you'll go right to it. Thanks for pointing that out!

[asimeral]

I just paid for it! I can't wait to get it. Thx, Charmaine!

[firedancer]

I just now ordered one also. Thank you.

[Charmaine]

Thanks! Tutorials are in cyberspace, sorry for the delay-I had a meeting from 5-7 (darn job..)
Be sure to post some pictures!

[Charmaine]

my favorite thing is how everyone's FIRST beads done with the tut are turning out so well! Very cool. Merry Christmas everyone! (I might even get a moment to myself tonight to bead!)

[Charmaine]

shameless bump

[theglasszone]

And perfect timing, Charmaine! ENCASING - my nemesis! I just purchased...with any luck, you are off today (MLK Holiday) and can send this asap! I'm about to loose my mind with bubbles in my encased beads!

On a Hot Head - sure hoping this does the "trick" for me!

Thanks for offering it!

De

[Charmaine]

sorry for the delay in getting the tuts out a day late-I was in Texas (yes, with the amazing Michael Barley) and my computer was not communicating with the hotel's internet, and got back home at about 1am. please look for those both in your normal and junk mails, and let me know if you have any questions

[theglasszone]

Hi Charmaine! Lucky you...Michael Barley, huh? Must have been awesome! :)

Got my tutorial...thank you! It actually was basically what I've tried and tried in the past...wondering if it's just gonna be hard to accomplish on the Hot Head due to the radiant heat and the challenge of really heating the clear rod as much as it needs to be. Will keep trying though...

It probably didn't help me that my studio was very cold last night...my MapPro canisters kept chilling and icing up within about 10 minutes :( I'm not inclined to want to wrap, dip or otherwise mess with the canister to try and keep it warm (don't forget my horrible fear of fire and my over-the-top caution! :lol:) so I'll maybe wait until the weather warms a bit.

Thanks,
De

[Charmaine]

yeah, I had to break down and buy a propane heater for my tush, which is fairly effective at keeping ME warm, but in the winter, since my studio is cleverly disguised as a work in progress in the garage, I don't even attempt flimsy things like hollows unless I'm REALLY focused, 'cause the pieces tend to fly off at me when they get chilled and reheated. Who knew polar fleece would melt like that?? It would probably be best if you wanted to encase a big bead to do that with the first beads you make on a new canister. Or, just make them a little smaller..cold temps are not a beadmaker's friend.

[loribeads]

I finally transferred all my tutorials over to 'the cloud' so I can use them on my ipad. Yours was the first one I went to. I got some new super clear and wanted to try it, too. Thank you for this tutorial! It is one of my very favorites, not only for the technique but also for teaching how to make this wonderful bead design. I love it!

236487

[Charmaine]

try mixing up your DH colors-like add a little Kronos, spots of Elektra, let the colors "gravity" droop in spots..really makes a great looking bead if I do say so myself. :-) and, since all those silver colors work differently depending on which way the wind is blowing, the beads never look the same twice..

thanks for the plug!

[simvet02]

Charmaine, bought your tutorial this morning, can't wait to get my hands on it. I've had trouble with bubbles forever. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[Charmaine]

thanks! I know it will work. and the nice part is, you can use this technique on anything you want to encase, small or large