How do I make this bead?

[starlightdesigns]

Hi all,

I've been challenged by a customer to make a similar bead to this:

(Sorry, image removed)

This image is out of a beading book, and I have no idea who the artist is, or I would ask them.

Anyway, my customer wants me to make something similar in light blue and light pink. Any suggestions? It doesn't have to be exact, but I would like to know how the texture is achieved, as well as the shiny-ness. (Although I would guess that was fumed).

Thanks for your help, in advance.

Debby

[SuzyQ]

I got a sad face image for that link. I don't think that is what you want to make.

[starlightdesigns]

I fixed it.

[SuzyQ]

I don't know, but what a cool technique!

[tracidawn78]

DH Aurae, shards & stringers?

[Flonche]

Can of worms ready to be opened!! Danger-danger-danger!!!:shtf::hide: and the popcorn one that I couldnt' find on the list

[chrissij]

You don't think it's just a big bunch of stringers twirled around a base bead half hazardly, and then fumed?

[starlightdesigns]

Yesterday I tried some small beads using different techniques and I did use Aurae and it sure got shiny but not in a light blue or a light pink sorta way.

[Reenie]

Whatever it is....It's gorgeous! That would be a huge Challenge for me ;-)

[starlightdesigns]

I did try the bunch of stringers all over it every which way and although acceptable, it doesn't look a thing like the photo.

[starlightdesigns]

Oh, and I tried pixie dust, too, which looks nice, but I thought I would see if anyone had a better suggestion. I've never fumed before.

[RSimmons]

It's done with stringers and fumed. You may have trouble with the color combination you're looking for and will need very good ventilation. Word of warning - don't be temped to try iridizing unless you've got the best ventilation system in the known universe.

Robert

[tgslampwork]

For the texture: I'd make the base bead in the desired colors and shape it well then carefully (to not lose the shape) but heavilly 'thread' on my final layer in complimentary transparents or even clear (EMS helps here :) ) - then I'd melt in the threads only partially - while still giving enough heat to make sure it's all stuck on there.

Hope that makes sense to others aside from myself. Ha.

[chrissij]

I wonder if you could fuse tiny stringers into a mesh of sorts and then apply it to the bead, and then swirl a whole bunch of haphazard stringers on it.

[clan tabby]

My 1st thought was - ball of stringer. But it's more netted, kind of like drizzled honey. But then again, I'm a complete newbie so don't know a thang. Just how it looks.

[starlightdesigns]

Hi Kim,

That makes really good sense to me and the ems is a good suggestion, I do have one but have never mastered it, but for this, it would work.

The stringers I used yesterday were too thick, so I'm gonna try it with very fine stringer and see what happens.

[starlightdesigns]

Will fuming alter the colors I use?

[Firebrand Beads]

I think I have seen these before, really old school. The image is smacking my "early 90's" memory card.... I seem to recall the ones I am thinking of were hollow, and possibly boro.

[wendbill]

I was thinking they're probably hollow too. You could try a transparent blue, and a clear. If you gold fumed it, the clear would go pink, with a golden shine. The transparent blue should also pick up the shine.

Hope you post your results.

[theglasszone]

(Backs slowly away from the thread...but of course, still within "watching" distance): http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/smileyz/popcornsmiley.gif

[shawnette]

Threading Iris Gold and striking it will give you a similar effect without fuming. (Preferably K218 )

[wendbill]

Jim Smiricich has good advice on fuming in his DVDs, otherwise try youtube. There are several shorts there on fuming.

For reference, here's an example of the sort of pink you can get from gold fuming. This was clear glass gold fumed.

[wendbill]

(Backs slowly away from the thread...but of course, still within "watching" distance): http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/smileyz/popcornsmiley.gif

I would respectfully suggest that this is more of a technique based bead.

[playswithfire104]

I have a bead like that. I got it from Ebay a few years ago. I don't remember the artist but it was a fundraiser for 9/11. It is iridised (sp?). I don't believe mine is hollow. I'll try to find out more about it.

[Karen Hardy]

Hey! That bead is round!
I copyrighted the round bead, so don't get any funny ideas.

[Karen Hardy]

You know what, I'm gonna suggest starting off with a solid core.
Then, roll down some regular 2mm stringer work.

THEN, using the remainder of the stringer, "touch it down"
in places and pull up quickly, forming a VERY thin stringer.
Use the heat from the torch to collapse this "mini stringer" and
gently melt it in a bit. Do this all over the bead. You can also use the
stringer tip to pull down the superskinny stringers and "place" them
on the bead.

And I wouldn't fume it, but I would use a silver reactive glass
that fumes to browns. Maybe Iris gold or something?

[LyndaJ]

Technique ^^ as recommended by Karen

Colors
pink base, clear stringer, fumed with gold
blue base and one of the DH glasses that reduces to blue (sorry, no suggestions) Blue luster if you're using bullseye :)

[starlightdesigns]

Hmmmm.... all well thought out suggestions.

I do need the light pink and the light blue on the same bead, so mixing glasses probably won't do. I might have to do a few different beads to give the customer a choice. I already told her I can't make it just like the bead in the photo, but I do want to come within reason.

I get the feeling some of you are feeling uncomfortable with my request? I'm not planning to make these beads as part of my general production, it's just a one time thing, and I know darn well I won't come close to the original design. I would have been happy to ask the artist, but there again, I don't know who made it. My customer sent me the photo from a beading book she has.

Thanks,

Debby

[firebabies]

Hey Debbie, after you get that one figured out.....lol....will that be included in my next class??

[starlightdesigns]

Can I use gold leaf for fuming or does it have to be gold foil?

LOL, Mary, how's it going?

[Kaye]

I always find it interesting when customers want you to create someone elses work.

[Judith Billig]

The customer doesn't care if it's someone else's original idea. They just want something looking like this.

For me personally there's a difference between seeing a bead on Ebay/a show/a current magazine with an artist selling this exact style/design right now and knowing that they're selling well ... and then wanting to recreate it (copy) to sell it on Ebay or Etsy.

Or having the request of a customer who saw a certain bead at some point somewhere (here: old bead magazin), not knowing who the artist is, not knowing if this artist is still selling this style and making this particular style bead as a one-off for the customer.

Just my 2 cts.

[SilverCreek Studio]

Topaz or Amber with Dark Silver Plum????

Maybe.....

[SilverCreek Studio]

Oh and hollow with a fairly large hole...

[SilverCreek Studio]

One more thing I remember is seeing a bead with the ends done like this. They were done by a male lampworker and I think he called them "Talisman Beads"

[wendbill]

Can I use gold leaf for fuming or does it have to be gold foil?

LOL, Mary, how's it going?

Try three or four sheets of gold leaf.

[Karen Hardy]

I get the feeling some of you are feeling uncomfortable with my request? I'm not planning to make these beads as part of my general production, it's just a one time thing, and I know darn well I won't come close to the original design. I would have been happy to ask the artist, but there again, I don't know who made it. My customer sent me the photo from a beading book she has.


Not so much that anyone is uncomfortable, as we all know to expect the
ugly old "copying" demon to rear its ugly head. I think that it's a cool bead,
and a valid interest in wanting to learn how to make it. That's why we're all
here - to learn from each other. I always try to keep that in the forefront of
my mind.

[SharonP]

The guy who made that used to have a booth across from me in Tucson back in 1998 or 1999 - his name was John, forget the last name. They're big fabulous honkin' huge beads, and *not* hollow.

He used a horribly dangerous irridizing solution that he'd gotten propriatary access to from some famous glass manufacturing company (name escapes me here). He was ill for awhile (hopefully not from the fumes from that solution?) and I haven't seen him at shows for years.

You'll never get the same effects he did because you won't be using the same chemicals, but if you play with silver reactive glass and fuming you could come up with your own variation of the design that could be just as fabulous, but YOURS. Maybe try wrapping a big hollow with Double Helix stringers?

Whatever you make, if it has stringers & some kind of shine, your customer will probably like it.

EDITED TO ADD:
Remembered the name - it was John Curtis, Zephyr Glass, from Wisconsin. Definitely solid beads, they were all furnace glass. And apparently he's still selling, there's a vendor at the 2010 Bead&Button who's advertising his stuff:

Alana’s Unique Glass Beads
E-mail Address: alanas@charter.net
Website: http://www.alanasgifts.com
Booths: 721
Exclusive distributor for glass furnace beads from John Curtis; necklaces; and accessories.


*s*

[wendbill]

Are irridized beads actually safe to wear?

[SilverCreek Studio]

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28046886&ref=em

John Winter

[theglasszone]

OMG! His work is beautiful!!! I see he has a DVD available in his store, too:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27138364

Told 'ya I'd be watching! :lol: I am glad to see it's all positive and helpful in this thread so far! I just want to clarify about my previous posting, I was afraid to get too involved early on in case it got "proprietary" - it's a sore subject with me and I was playing it safe! I'm always up for sharing and learning...

Awesome recollection, Sharon - and thank you Silver Creek for posting that link!

De

[SharonP]

John Winter does wonderful work! That's a fabulous bead, and he uses different techniques than John Curtis, and nobody would confuse the two.

Isn't it wonderful how flexible this medium is? You can get all kinds of interesting results messing around in different ways - would be cool to have a Silver Glass Squiggle Challenge!

*s*

[Anne Londez]

EDITED TO ADD:
Remembered the name - it was John Curtis, Zephyr Glass, from Wisconsin. Definitely solid beads, they were all furnace glass. And apparently he's still selling, there's a vendor at the 2010 Bead&Button who's advertising his stuff:

Alana’s Unique Glass Beads
E-mail Address: alanas@charter.net
Website: http://www.alanasgifts.com
Booths: 721
Exclusive distributor for glass furnace beads from John Curtis; necklaces; and accessories.


*s*


I knew I'd seen them before. LE lacks the *I love your post* button !

This thread walks a fine line...

[barbaracollins]

John, that bead is gorgeous!!

[lunamoonshadow]

This artist does simliar beads (not shimmery), with the "threaded" look, calls them "spun sugar" beads...was written up in bead & button a long time ago...
bead & button article: http://www.beadandbutton.com/BNB/Objects/PDF/bbpdf080472.pdf
her website:
http://www.joycerooks.com/gallery.html#
she doesn't do the irridizing, but she does the "multi-stringer look--in "matte" form...it's obviously a TECHNIQUE--I'd take it & run with it...figure out your OWN "spin" on it as it were ;)
(but...really....the "borrowed photo, no credit given" thing?, it's still bad form ;) & sooner or later, someone likely *is* going to call you out, 'cause that *is* a copyrighted photo from a *book* you've got posted up there in post #1 & on a public forum...;))

[pam]

When I played with this technique years ago I used a heated gather on the end of a glass rod, lightly touched the gather to the bead, then spun the mandrel in a bench roller, moving the gather up and down the glass. When the first gather cooled, then reheat bead, heat another gather and start over again, etc., etc., etc.

[NMLinda]

I recognize the work, but for the life of me can't remember the artist. Talked with him once many years ago at Tuscon. Might have been 1998 as Sharon notes and Zephyr sounds familiar. He was very nice and explained his technique, and yes, it's old school, but a very basic and fundamental one that I've seen used in many other types of glass art. He didn't work in 104 glass, but I don't remember what type he used. Because of his method of applying the glass, his beads tended to be big - on the order of 1.5" or 2" in diameter. He did say that he irridized with stannous chloride and made it very very clear how dangerous this irridizing process is and that it should NOT be attempted without a great deal of knowledge and training in the hazards and precautions needed. It's fair to tell a customer that the look requires a technique that is too hazardous for you to comfortably do yourself.

That said, assuming that your client would be interested in a bead on the large side, and now that you have the name of the likely artist from Sharon, why not contact him and see if he would be interested in collaborating with you?

Linda

[starlightdesigns]

OK, folks, I've removed the image. I'm sorry I ever asked.

I am glad that some of you have posted who the possible artist might be so now at least I can try to find him/her. I will email the photo to these people and see if they can claim the bead as their own. Then I will ask them if it is OK for me to try to "do something similar" for my customer, which is all I wanted to do, not duplicate it exactly.

Lord knows I wouldn't want to do anything even remotely politically incorrect, (having learned THAT lesson many years ago), and I am sorry if anyone here thinks I crossed the line.

I will be exploring this and try to figure out how to create a suitable bead for my customer on my own using some of the suggestions here. And, for the record, I will not be sharing what I discover with anyone. Can't take the backlash.

I will add that it is unfortunate that we have become such a guarded community. While I freely give away my tuts and share my knowledge (what little there is of it) I realize I cannot expect the rest of the world to follow suit. Some do, but sadly, some do not.

I would appreciate it if some moderator comes along and closes this thread.

Thank you!

Debby

[shawnette]

When I played with this technique years ago I used a heated gather on the end of a glass rod, lightly touched the gather to the bead, then spun the mandrel in a bench roller, moving the gather up and down the glass. When the first gather cooled, then reheat bead, heat another gather and start over again, etc., etc., etc.

That is exactly the way I do it, minus the bench roller.

[pam]

Shawnette, the bench roller is a great tool for keeping your mandrel level and turning at a pretty good speed. I use it sometimes for things like this, adding stringer detail in a very close pattern.

[starlightdesigns]

I googled and was unable to find John Curtis of Zephyr Glass so I emailed the contact person Alana ~ thank you, Sharon!

Just in case, I also convo'd John Winter and am awaiting a reply.

Thanks,

[shawnette]

Great. One more tool to add... Thanks for enabling me, Pam...

[starlightdesigns]

It helps to spell Zephyr right when you're googling. I found an email address for John Curtis and I've emailed him now.

[pam]

No problem, Shawnette, I can probably do even better if you want!

[starlightdesigns]

Well, the email address I was given for John Curtis doesn't work...

[princessb]

Debby

It is very sad that you felt this came to the point that you crossed the line. I personally did not feel that way. You were clear in your original post that it was a photo from a book, that you did not know who created the bead and that you were trying to make a customer happy. I mean crap, most people on this forum have customers, want to make money and will do what they can to make them happy.

You were not trying to copy or take money out out someones pocket. I believe you used due diligence in asking the other artists on this forum if they knew who created it so that you could contact them.

I guess this thing makes me shake my head. As a newb (almost 2 years) I appreciate all the help and "most if the time" creative sharing. Yes, I get the coping thing...this did not fall in that category..

oh well...I am an insignificant person posting on this forum, I am not famous, nor do I have a known style...but I still have an opinion and I do read the responses and keep them in the back of my mind.

I also agree that it is sad that is such a guarded community. There is a ton of talent on this site that can be shared. I sure do appreciate those that freely share. Someday I hope to be one that can openly share. When I get there, I will...

[starlightdesigns]

Hi Princessb,

Thank you for your kind post. I honestly do not feel as though I've crossed any lines, but there are others that do here, and that's why I removed the image and posted my response in that fashion.

I've been here on LE a long time and have seen WAY too many threads get ugly on the whole copying issue and I always steer way clear of that stuff. I've worked in a lot of different types of artistic mediums and this is the only one that people seem to be overly sensitive about the whole copying issue, and I simply stand back and respect that.

I still do not think I have crossed any lines here. Had I know who the artist was from the git go, I would have contacted them directly.

[Laura B]

http://www.satincord.com/j_pendants_artist_zephyr.html

[shawnette]

Hi Princessb,

Thank you for your kind post. I honestly do not feel as though I've crossed any lines, but there are others that do here, and that's why I removed the image and posted my response in that fashion.

I've been here on LE a long time and have seen WAY too many threads get ugly on the whole copying issue and I always steer way clear of that stuff. I've worked in a lot of different types of artistic mediums and this is the only one that people seem to be overly sensitive about the whole copying issue, and I simply stand back and respect that.

I still do not think I have crossed any lines here. Had I know who the artist was from the git go, I would have contacted them directly.

Judging from the replies you've received, the majority of us agree that you haven't. You asked about the technique, which is actually pretty common. I think if you had worded the title a bit differently, asking about the technique rather than the bead, a few less folks would have their panties all in a bunch. Oh well. You can't please everyone. I say don't sweat it.

[cgbeads]

I didn't get to see the original pix, but the beads in the links took my breath away.

If you can "reproduce" that effect, you're a bigger man than I am. But ya knoooow, I have gotten similar looks from dark silver plum.

-D

[pam]

Actually, I think you did cross the line - so sue me. The title of your post said "How do I make this bead." That is called copying. I think in reading I got more of an understanding, you didn't have the beadmakers name. So, perhaps asking if anyone knew his/her name would have been more politicly correct. I personally would have said to your customer that you don't make that type of bead which is very technical in nature and offer to help her find the artist. If the artist was no longer available to make that bead, then you could attempt to copy it. The technique is open for anyone. Techniques are free, but to make a copy of the bead is still wrong if the artist is available.

Just my two cents, which you didn't ask for.

[tgslampwork]

Actually, I think you did cross the line - so sue me. The title of your post said "How do I make this bead." That is called copying. I think in reading I got more of an understanding, you didn't have the beadmakers name. So, perhaps asking if anyone knew his/her name would have been more politicly correct. I personally would have said to your customer that you don't make that type of bead which is very technical in nature and offer to help her find the artist. If the artist was no longer available to make that bead, then you could attempt to copy it. The technique is open for anyone. Techniques are free, but to make a copy of the bead is still wrong if the artist is available.

Just my two cents, which you didn't ask for.

Pam, with all due respect, while the title is as you stated, her very first post explained she did not want to copy the exact bead, but stated she was interested in the texture and finish.

Truth is, we both can be reading the post differently - but because I've made a bunch o' beads with that texure I did not view the bead as 'very technical in nature' I stumbled on it when executing 'The Blue Bead' tutorial, several years ago (I believe in WC days) since it requires you to 'thread on the clear glass'. I really liked the way it looked as I was melting in the threads and played with several different colors - only melting the threads in partially. I use my EMS - you use your bench roller. Shawntette uses neither. There are several ways, at least, to get the texture...and finishes can be accomplished in several ways as well for shine.

I've had customers e-mail me and ask "Can you make this" and the answer is always "No" but I may be able to do something similar (with my own spin). That being said, if it was something I felt was specific to an artist (and very technical in nature), I would always send them to the original artist. I just don't see the original bead (while beatiful) as proprietary, I guess is what I'm saying. Maybe aspects of the bead are (the irridizing?) but the OP never said she wanted to exactly copy that bead, regardless of the misleading title.

I'm not saying you are wrong, or trying to argue -- but just being honest about how I view the situation.

[motheroffire77]

Can you fume with dicro? If so, maybe it would yield this look. But also, DH glasses

[theglasszone]

Actually, I think you did cross the line - so sue me...Just my two cents, which you didn't ask for.

Gee, Pam...seems a bit combative! :rolleyes: The whole semantics thing of how to ask exactly without stepping on toes, implying things that weren't true intentions, etc., well let's face it, the English language sure makes it difficult!

I applaud Starlight for apologizing for any misunderstanding and recognizing that this may have digressed into the ever-so-touchy subject of "copying" where in fact it was truly a quest to get information on the technique from the get-go. And since it seems this "technique" is used by several artists, I don't think it specifically belongs to anyone. Conversely, though, I think your posting is a bit harsh.

I just didn't think it was unnecessary. You've got two-cents credit with me...

De

[clan tabby]

I'm a bit confused about the "copy-cat" issue. Yesterday there was a thread about a seller who, admittedly, overreacted to someone making a bead very similar to a style the seller had thought was hers alone. The seller herself realized she had overreacted & the situation was defused. Nevertheless, that seller was ridiculed, even though many who replied said they had never seen a bead like that. Others had seen, or even made, similar beads. But most people reacted as if that seller had no right to feel her beads had been copied.

In this case, no one has complained that their beads are being copied, & there are numerous replies from folks who have made similar beads & describe the techniques they used. The technique seems to have been around for a long time, with variations. I understand that part of the kerfluffle comes from the fact that a customer asked for a style to be "copied", & I DO have a hard time believing that the publication from which the picture was taken did not give artists' names, but the poster was not looking to exactly replicate the bead at any rate. I wonder how many of us have seen a nifty twist on a bead style & have gone home to see if they could figure out the technique involved?

I do have strong feelings about copying. A seller friend of mine who has been successful with a style of beads was recently copied. Both sellers on ebay (neither of them, as far as I know, LEers) & suddenly my friend's beads appeared EXACTLY as she made them in another seller's listings. These beads do not have a lot of embellishments, just their shape & colors, & the new listings were as close to exact copies as the 2nd lampworker could make them AND sold on the same venue. Not nice. But this situation is far from that, so I've been as surprised as the poster by some of the negative posts.

It's confusing, especially to a newbie. Some people are so open about sharing, in fact I've been amazed by the willingness of others to share info & techniques. On the other hand, suddenly you feel an outcast because you ask about a technique & doors slam in your face as if you carry plague. Tricky, that.

[theglasszone]

I agree, Clan, 100% - and it can be very confusing and down right hurtful! Being that I've been on both ends of this, I have compassion for every/any one who finds themselves in positions similar and sympathize with all PERTINENT parties involved. I've found, though, that with communication (sometimes several back-and-forth discussions are necessary to get a clear picture of intentions, etc.) these things can be worked out and both accusor and accusee end up not only understanding each other better, but actually becoming friends!

I have a pet peeve, though, about people utilizing their so-called "right" to freedom of expression; vocalizing an unsolicited, negative opinion that really isn't pertinent or helpful is just plain WRONG! Sure, you have a right to your opinion, but unless someone asks or it's definitely gonna HELP the situation, STFU IMHO!

Interestingly, too, I've found that people who feel so entitled can be spotted from a distance...they seem inclined to harbor a peculiarly obvious snootiness about them...and sadly I've found it has a way of etching itself into their faces over time and leaving it's signature upon their hearts.

I'll have no part of it myself, though - I'm gettin' old and just can't afford the wrinkles!

De

[yellowbird]

it is fear driven

[chrissij]

I don't give a sh*t. I can't even copy my own damn beads reliably.



Joke. Lighten up. Joke. Lighten up. Joke. Lighten up.

[theglasszone]

:lol:

Agreed Chrissi!

[pam]

Actually, De, I wasn't trying to be combative. I was just pointing out that she did title the thread, how do I make this bead. Do I honestly feel that she did something bad? No, I don't, but obviously others felt differently and they had reason for feeling that way.

Hi Clan Tabby, just let me say that in my opinion no one should have any concern regarding asking about a technique. To me they are free. Others may feel differently. Sharing a technique is a wonderful thing to do. If someone had shown the picture and said, what is the technique used here, I personally wouldn't have a problem. My problem comes when someone says, how do you do it, what colors are used, how do I make a bead like this one. Again, this is only my opinion regarding copying. I do not believe that that was the OP's actual intent. Unfortunately through the years on many forums what has happened frequently is someone posts a picture and says tell me how to make this bead and everyone chimes in and tells how they believe the bead is made. It's kind of like reverse engineering someone's art.

[theglasszone]

Fair enough, Pam! I suppose it comes from my former 13-year career in the legal field; someone says "...so sue me" (even with a :lol:), and my ears stand up! :wink:

I think we all purty much agree, and since it seems that the OP is on her way to finding answers, support and resolution with all the right peeps, maybe it's time to bring out 'ye old favorite:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/smileyz/BeatHorse2.gif

Happy torching all!
De

[pam]

Actually love that one, De.

[theglasszone]

Yes, Pam - me too! I figure when things have gotten stinky enough to draw flies, it's time for the flush-a-roo!

:lol:
De

[Hayley]

Debby,

I made these over a year ago with silver glass - pm me if you are interested in how I did them. I think with some modifications, you may be able to create something for your customer.

136640

137159 140172

[Starrr]

I use this technique a lot for hollow pendant beads. I use my EMS when I want really fine threads, and the bead is planned, or just do it the old fashioned way when I'm working on a bead that got a little wonky and I want to save it.

I've done the faux boro technique:
Lt trans brown base, iris gold stringers layered with clear stringers

Lots of silver glasses either layered with clear or on top of each other
Nyx and Gaia are a favorite of mine

I've used silver and gold foil, frits and dichro stringers
SIS stringers and fumed ivory layered with clear or a light trans glass

I think I got the idea when I was layering glass on the end of a hollow mandrel when
blowing shards but now that it was mentioned it also might have been a combination
of the "Blue Bead" tutorial from a long time ago and me attempting to save an off
centered hollow.

If I were going to attempt the pink/blue/purple colors I would try playing with BE
fuchsia and iris gold.

[lunamoonshadow]

I'm stunningly confused, because I *totally* saw NO "panties in a bunch" anywhere on this thread until the *original poster* asked for the thread to be closed. All I saw were mulitple suggestions as to "how" the technique *might* have been acomplished &/or "who" the original maker of the bead may have been, with a few "popcorn watchers" thrown in for effect.
I merely stated that re-printing a copyright photo is bad form (actually, it's illegal)--and I thought I did that in as pleasant & helpful a way as I could--simply as a *reminder* that we are on a public forum & what we (all of us) do is subject to usage laws AFTER I gave what info I could on who I knew did a similar technique as well (and if anyone read the article I linked, they'd find that the beadmaker I linked actually shares her technique to a degree in the article!)
~luna

[shawnette]

I'm stunningly confused, because I *totally* saw NO "panties in a bunch" anywhere on this thread until the *original poster* asked for the thread to be closed. All I saw were mulitple suggestions as to "how" the technique *might* have been acomplished &/or "who" the original maker of the bead may have been, with a few "popcorn watchers" thrown in for effect.
I merely stated that re-printing a copyright photo is bad form (actually, it's illegal)--and I thought I did that in as pleasant & helpful a way as I could--simply as a *reminder* that we are on a public forum & what we (all of us) do is subject to usage laws AFTER I gave what info I could on who I knew did a similar technique as well (and if anyone read the article I linked, they'd find that the beadmaker I linked actually shares her technique to a degree in the article!)
~luna
The people with their "panties in a bunch" know who they are. I didn't direct that comment at anyone in particular. You (nor I) don't know what was PM'd or emailed to the OP, but you and I both know that she most definitely got at least one. We've both been on this forum long enough to know how it works.

[squid]

very true, Nette.

[Kimberly Rose]

The guy who made that used to have a booth across from me in Tucson back in 1998 or 1999 - his name was John, forget the last name. They're big fabulous honkin' huge beads, and *not* hollow.

He used a horribly dangerous irridizing solution that he'd gotten propriatary access to from some famous glass manufacturing company (name escapes me here). He was ill for awhile (hopefully not from the fumes from that solution?) and I haven't seen him at shows for years.

You'll never get the same effects he did because you won't be using the same chemicals, but if you play with silver reactive glass and fuming you could come up with your own variation of the design that could be just as fabulous, but YOURS. Maybe try wrapping a big hollow with Double Helix stringers?

Whatever you make, if it has stringers & some kind of shine, your customer will probably like it.

EDITED TO ADD:
Remembered the name - it was John Curtis, Zephyr Glass, from Wisconsin. Definitely solid beads, they were all furnace glass. And apparently he's still selling, there's a vendor at the 2010 Bead&Button who's advertising his stuff:

Alana’s Unique Glass Beads
E-mail Address: alanas@charter.net
Website: http://www.alanasgifts.com
Booths: 721
Exclusive distributor for glass furnace beads from John Curtis; necklaces; and accessories.


*s*

As I was browsing the forums I came across this and I remember my dad being at the Tucson show with John Curtis back in 1998-1999. My dad, William Berth, worked with John Curtis at Chicago Art Glass & Jewels in the late 80's as a glass blower and then moved on to Zephyr Glass with John Curtis. At Zeyphr Glass my dad and John started the product line of making luster beads. My dad, William Berth presently has his own studio called BERTHWORKS STUDIO. Recently my dad was contacted by John Curtis who said he had someone who was interested in the luster beads. He was then introduced to Alana who was interested in marketing the luster beads. My father produced the beads for Alana for the 2009 Bead & Button show in Milwaukee. We went to the show and in the itinerary about the artist, it stated beads made by John Curtis. My father was very disappointed and talking with Alana she said she had registered months earlier before she had met with my dad and that she had no idea that the beads were being made by my dad, William Berth. Although she did have some of John Curtis's old beads from the past, she had a majority of new luster beads of my dads. Currently Alana is distributing beads for my father. So if anyone is interested in the luster beads they may contact my dad at dberthworks@yahoo.com or williamberth.etsy.com

~Kimberly Rose Berth

[Lenda]

http://www.beautyandthebeadonline.com/display.asp?ArtistID=126

I'm assuming that link is still a current page of their beads for sale. Just googled the artist for those that might want to see the work.

Backing away from the rest of this thread though, lol.

[Firebrand Beads]

YAY Kimberly Rose! Thanks for the "rest of the story."

[LyndaJ]

I agree that this is just technique. I've used it to make balls of yarn. I've seen it used as cocoons, too. I think the concept of threads of stringer is in more than a couple of the basic lampwork books.

[PerfectDeb]

i must be so thick - when i see a bead i like i just up and ask how its done. i think i've been knocked back once and steered towards a tut which i subsequently bought - no harm, no foul.

i would not think twice about asking anybody here how to achieve a certain technique or look and if they didnt want to tell me i would just take that as a challenge to figure it out myself - really, nothing is "new"

......and now i'm going to get slapped for buying into the arguement, good thing i'm a long way away :lol:

[sislonski]

Now I'm not positive on this but I'm thinking to create this look/technique in your beads, and again (I'm not positive) requires working with a very toxic chemical which I won't reveal as I don't want to encourage anyone and also I'm not 100% sure.

Exposure to the chemical can cause various health effects, such as irritation of the stomach and intestines, decreased production of red and white blood cells, skin changes and lung irritation. It is suggested that the uptake of significant amounts of this chemical can intensify the chances of cancer development, especially the chances of development of skin cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer and lymphatic cancer.

A very high exposure to the chemical can cause infertility and miscarriages with women, and it can cause skin disturbances, declined resistance to infections, heart disruptions and brain damage with both men and women.
Finally, it can damage DNA.

I certainly won't be playing with it. If I'm right that is.

[Kimberly Rose]

Not too long ago I received a posting (dated some 2 or 3 years ago) from a friend in Portland , Oregon that was inquiring about the location and availability of the lusterware art glass furnace beads that had been made by John Curtis @ Zephyr Art Glass and Manufacturing, in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This last summer 2009, I have been helping a friend and co-worker from the Zephyr shop develop the same furnace, flame techniques hot furnace art glass bead, and glass effects that we used in the Wisconsin Glass shop. The name of the shop which now manufactures this type of ware is called Berthworks Art Glass in Adell, Wisconsin operated by William and Debra Berth

The glassware we produce at Berthworks Art Glass is by the glass trade referred as luster art glass. It’s origin and manufacture dating in the 1910-1930’s , a history of glass making somewhat short lived , and proven to be very collectable with many antique collectors and dealers over the years .

This ware was made famous by glass making factories then such as Stuben , Tiffany , Queszal , Fenton , Imperial , Fostoria , ect., who held this process of glass making as a very tightly kept secret. With the event of the depression in the USA interest in this ware faded due to the high cost of manufacture and popular changes in style. The techniques and processes of producing this ware were then considered to be lost and would be a lost art of glass making due to its highly secretive and complicated techniques of making.

To my knowledge this lusterware art glass manufacturing process never crossed over to the art glass bead maker until recently, we have now developed at Berthworks Art Glass as Zephyr Art Glassworks had, the hot furnace lusterware art glass bead. Beads are hand shaped on a mandrel and tooled to different design patterns. A number of different lusterware finishes are used for the bead being; gold, blue, pewter, silver, magenta, ect. The lusterware bead having different color values is determined by the maker after being subjected to metal salts. The bead is then flame treated which develops degrees of reflectivness giving the bead a more satin finish.

William’s constant focus as a glass craftsman is very experienced and he looks, as we all look, to expand to new and creative directions of glass making utilizing the talents he has and other glass making techniques for future work. I hope that those of you who have the chance to see the new beads will have a sense of approval (as I have) offering William your recommendations, and want to develop a working relationship with the Berthworks Art Glass Shop as the opportunity presents itself .

I am myself quite encouraged to see all the new art glass beads being made currently today and to of course meet those of you I can in the future of my travels 

-- Best Regards and success to all of your efforts – John Curtis
Please feel free to contact William: berthworksglass@yahoo.com

[SharonP]

Thank you so much for the info, Kimberly Rose - I'm so glad the beads & techniques have been passed on, they're too great to lose. I saw your family's beads at the B&B show last June, and they were beautiful, good job! At the time, I thought they were re-sales of old Zephyr beads - hopefully this year the show program will be correct! Please tell John I said hello, and we've missed him for years...
*sharon*