Copper mesh...Teach me, PLEASE!

[fannydotson]

A wonderful Australian SS sent me a 2" x 2" square peice of copper mesh. I have necer added any metal, foil, or mesh to any of my beads. Bsiacally, I have only added glass to my glass. SOOO, I am looking for instruction/advice on how to add copper mesh to my beadies! What can I do with it? How do I use it? Does it or my bead need any special treatment before I apply the mesh? I am so excited! I can't wait to hear what youguys have to say!:koolaid:

[Carolyn M]

Cut a small piece of mesh. Make a base bead, make sure it is very hot then press the small piece of mesh gently into the surface. Encase in clear. Of course you can add other elements to make the bead more interesting.

There is also the Chaos technique which is described in a tut by Sherry Bellamy. She also describes this technique in her Shipwreck tut

[fannydotson]

Thanks!

[Sherry]

Hi, Fanny!

You can totally add pieces of copper mesh to your beads, but you'll want to encase it immediately....otherwise it's not pretty, lol. So get it on there, and then keep the bead warm while keeping the copper out of the flame.....heat your encasing glass, and smoosh (technical term) it over the copper asap. Also, it will turn a weird gray color from the heat, but fear not....when you take it out of the kiln it will have reverted to it's 'proper' color.

I could go on and on....but I'm flying out of here to teach in Vancouver this weekend. Have fun! Copper rocks!!

[fannydotson]

Hey Sherry, why don't you let me hitch a ride in your carry on! I've never been to Vancouver, and I would LOVE to learn from you!!!

[Sherry]

Oh, Fanny, I should have said "rushing" out of here instead of flying, lol. It's only about an hour's drive from where I live. You can hitch a ride in my carry on to Moscow, though...but you'd need a visa by Wednesday! Or I'll be in California later in November....I guess I should get my rear end down to Florida one of these days, huh? I've never been there, but it looks so gorgeous, and so nice and WARM!!

[fannydotson]

Yeah....and lots of bugs...lots of humidity...but don't let that stop you! I would love to see you! I have yet to take a class. EVERYTHING I have learned is from LE!!!!

[Beckah]

Oh, Fanny, I should have said "rushing" out of here instead of flying, lol. It's only about an hour's drive from where I live. You can hitch a ride in my carry on to Moscow, though...but you'd need a visa by Wednesday! Or I'll be in California later in November....I guess I should get my rear end down to Florida one of these days, huh? I've never been there, but it looks so gorgeous, and so nice and WARM!!

Florida's lovely in January and February:-D Ron and Rocio are somewhat centrally located and they're very near the Atlantic. Perhaps a winter escape? I'd certainly love to take a class with you.

[fannydotson]

It is nice duting Jan and Feb. When I first moved here, I was amazed at all the green left during the coldest months.

[Mermaid Glass]

Yes, yes! Come to Florida. Come soon. :)

[Sherry]

When I get back from Russia I'll get in touch with some of you Florida gals; it would be a really fun experience to teach in Florida...lots of new people to meet!

[glass_affair]

Yes, do take a class from Sherry! I was lucky enough to take her class in Vancouver this past weekend... totally awesome!! It was really nice to meet a very genuine and generous (not to mention talented) artist. Thank you again, Sherry!

Sue

[Sherry]

Ah, thanks so much, Sue! It was great meeting and teaching you! I hope all is well with you and your family, you can drop me an email maybe? I'm here 'til Wednesday morning.