TIP: Watch "Smircich Makes Beads" at 1.5x

[alissa]

I rented Smircich's 2 volume set from TVR and I just couldn't watch it for more than a few minutes - he spoke so slowly I'd get bored and start paying attention to something else. So I watched it today implementing the fast forward function in PowerDVD (most computer DVD programs will let you do that) at 1.5x normal speed, and it was wonderful! He explained everything so methodically that it was clear and easy to understand. All it took was playing him a little faster... lol.

[parisgal]

I know what you mean. There's some great info in the video, but I've tried to watch it 3 times now... and seen a different 20 min portion each time. Thanks for the tip!

[alissa]

I was hesitant to say anything... 'cuz it's kind of insulting, but there's so much great info in the video that it's a shame to not be able to stand watching it!

[moondanse]

I think Pappa Pucker is sexy, so I watch it at .5 speed......
:devang: :devang: :devang:

(no kidding, I LOVE his videos!)

[Christine Scott]

I have fully enjoyed and learnt so much for James Smircich dvd.
The man is a master at what he does and his genuiness to share information comes through. I imagine it is like books.. different books speak to different people.
cheers
Christine

[parisgal]

I've learned a ton from the video -- I'd just decided I'd watch it in little bits. It really isn't a criticism of the video, per se.

And it's really a compliment that Smirchich is so comprehensible at higher speeds -- not many people can do that.

[Heather/Ericaceae]

I wish I could *find* my DVD... we put it somewhere *reeeally* safe when we moved... :( We found it kind slow too but really informative and worthwhile! We watched it the first time in normal speed but when re-watching it might be good to watch it at 1.5... good tip!

[adovbs]

Does it make his voice sound all chipmunk-y when you do?

:lol:

[alissa]

Does it make his voice sound all chipmunk-y when you do?

:lol:
lol... it makes him talk at a normal speed. no chimpmunkyness until you get to above 2x.

can you tell i was really bored???

[Just Nancy]

I can still hear some of what he said at a class in Louisville like 2 years ago. Maybe 3. lol.

I agree. I think he's the best. I'm glad to see this tip posted. If there was anything keeping someone from watching him, I'm glad to see someone suggest it. I think his DVDs are surely worth viewing.

[Christine Scott]

I started off trying to teach myself with books. When I found beads I liked and looked up the artist involved Jim Smircich name seemed to pop up everywhere. I ventured out and bought his dvd and it was the first time I had seen anyone make a bead! I too still here his voice on the video when I am trying to get a bead to align.. " the bead wants to be round" and " give it some insurance heat" these mantras help me slow down and my work does improve. So I guess I am a fan. =D>
Christine

[margriet@stainedglass.nl]

I started off trying to teach myself with books. When I found beads I liked and looked up the artist involved Jim Smircich name seemed to pop up everywhere. I ventured out and bought his dvd and it was the first time I had seen anyone make a bead! I too still here his voice on the video when I am trying to get a bead to align.. " the bead wants to be round" and " give it some insurance heat" these mantras help me slow down and my work does improve. So I guess I am a fan. =D>
Christine

Hi Christine, i had the same! I learned beadmaking from Corina's book but what a difference when you see someone like James making a bead. It was fantastic. =D>

But I love also the DVD "Stringer Control" from Corina :love:

[Firelilly]

I was just watching Smircich again this morning, waiting for things to warm up around here...brrrr! Alissa, I think you need to take your Ritalin! :lol: j/k!

I think his dvd's are great. Maybe I'm slow paced myself! I dunno! But there's a wealth of info in his dvd's. I marvel at how well he knows a flame and how to control the flame's heat. And I'm such a visual learner that it really helps me a lot to have something like this to help me along.

I'd love to have a nice library of lampwork dvd's at some point.

Lil

[alissa]

Alissa, I think you need to take your Ritalin! :lol: j/k!

lol, I tried that too!!! but 1.5x worked best : )

i've got a nasty cold/virus right now and I've been lying in bed watching VI & II over again... man are his tips awesome! my recent work has definitely seen improvement in shaping as a result of following his advice. i'd kiss him out of gratitude if i wasn't contagious!!

[PaulaD]

I'm afraid that I usually fast forward and just watch the pictures!!
Can someone tell me what's on DVD #2?? I asked Jim when he was here and he didn't remember so I didn't buy it.
I'd like to see Brad Pearson do a DVD. Especially after seeing him teach! Paula