Newbie WT know: What determines a well made bead?

[LemonwoodStudio]

Hi, I'm a newbie, and just setting up studio so yet to get going but almost there! I don't have anything to show as yet!

BUT, what I want to know is, what determines a 'good/well made' bead from a 'bad' bead?

Or is it all just in the eye of the beholder?!

Tx!
Amanda

PS: If there are other threads covering this and this is outdated pls let me know!

[Dasi]

Beads can be any shape any color... What I expect in a well made bead is good ends. Ends that are not sharp or pointy. Puckered or straight ends without anything sharp. They need to have a little thickness at the end to keep from being sharp...

[TBC Beads]

Ends are very important, as is overall shaping. Unless it's a deliberately freeform or organic kind of shape, I like to see beads that are smooth, even, and centered on the mandrel. If there are dots or shards or other raised surface decoration, then the underlying bead needs to be well shaped. No wonkies!

[houptdavid]

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47884&highlight=bead+ends

And when you startcome on into the newbie S&T in the gallery

[LemonwoodStudio]

Hi everyone - thank you for your comments. David - did a quick visit (few minutes) to the Gallery and will spend more time in there as soon as I can (got to take daughter to birthday party!) ... but what does 'S&T' mean?!! Am looking forward to getting some practical experience. Hopefully kiln should arrive in the next couple weeks. I hope! Tx. Amanda

[Kevan]

Show and Tell.

[orion]

I agree with the above, regarding the ends of the beads. If you put raised dots, try not to have 'undercuts' on them.

[Lisi]

My advice to all newbies:

Make 100 plain spacer beads. Then make 100 more.

By then you will have the dimpled ends and evenly round centered on the mandrel shape. You've got it.

If not, then pretty close to it. Make another 100. You will get it. :)

[LemonwoodStudio]

I need to get cracking!!!!

Thanks!

[houptdavid]

No that would be a BAD bead :lol:

[LemonwoodStudio]

Yah ... maybe that was bad terminology!!!!! Made me laugh tho!!!!

[Lisi]

David, LOL!!

[Seasoned Soul]

My advice to all newbies:

Make 100 plain spacer beads. Then make 100 more.

By then you will have the dimpled ends and evenly round centered on the mandrel shape. You've got it.

If not, then pretty close to it. Make another 100. You will get it. :)

Wow... 300 spacers? sigh* Thank goodness I'm off on Summer Break...that will take some time and some cheap glass(is there such a thing?)...hahaha*

I'm off to start the 300... 1.......2..........3

Wait!! I should be able to count some of the ones I've already made..before I started those blasted winged hearts.

Okay back to counting.........33......34.........35.......36... ...

see ya :waving:

[WorldGlass]

I think any good bead is one that doesn't crack or have the potential to break or hurt someone. so no sharp points and solid construction is important. As far as being a pretty bead, well yes, that's in the eye of the beholder. Have fun!

[manicbeads]

I'm brand new to bead making but have been buying beads for quite a while and love so I thought it was time I test out my artistic and creative side. Any suggestions on what I need to get started?

[LemonwoodStudio]

Hi manicbeads ... well, being a newbie all I can really contribute is it would be best to take a few lessons from someone in a studio that has the equipment available to make sure you like it first of all. Then they should be able to direct you as to what you will need. I live abroad with no glass shops or lessons near by so I have bought everything I think I will need, but maybe won't!!! Torch (and accompanying bits and pieces like flash back arrestors (check with an experienced glass shop that sells these things), kiln, glasses, marver, mandrels, bead release and of course glass!!

Anyone .. feel free to correct or add!!!

[LemonwoodStudio]

Everyone else .. thank you!! Hmm 300 spacers, a bit daunting but a good idea!! At least I have loads and loads of glass coming!!

Thank you all.

[Seasoned Soul]

Wow... 300 spacers? sigh* Thank goodness I'm off on Summer Break...that will take some time and some cheap glass(is there such a thing?)...hahaha*

I'm off to start the 300... 1.......2..........3

Wait!! I should be able to count some of the ones I've already made..before I started those blasted winged hearts.

Okay back to counting.........33......34.........35.......36... ...

see ya :waving:

46...........56..........66.........
Okay Amanda, you gotta catch up :-P

[J. Savina]

Well, no matter what kind of beads you'll make in your future, the good, the bad and the fugly, you need to be sure to properly anneal them so they'll last a long long time.

J.

[manicbeads]

Wyddle, thanks for your advice! Lessons are a great idea! I will have to look and see if there is a studio nearby.

[LemonwoodStudio]

Thanks everyone, I'll be back in about 2 years after my 300 spacers ... sigh!!!!!!!!!