Newbie Questions

[eklecticmoose]

Wow, what a great site. Haven't even started yet, and I've learned quite a bit.

While I anxiously await the arrival of my torch and glass to begin working (by Friday maybe!?!), I have just a few questions the experienced folks.

On a post I can't seem to locate again, someone posted they use a leather apron for protection...where do you find these? I'm not really a jeans kinda gal, prefer sweats and loose garments, so I'll need something to protect me/my clothes. Any other suggestions as an alternative to leather apron if I can't find one?

I'm somewhat nervous about putting my face and hands so close to a really HOT flame and combustible materials almost in my lap...go figure :) Anyone else have to conquer this fear? Suggestions would be appreciated.

To keep costs down in case I don't like lampworking, I've ordered a hot head and the fiber blanket - don't want to use vermicullite and kiln is a big investment - to start with. How small should I try to keep my beads to prevent cracking? I won't be selling my initial efforts (obviously) but want to keep them around to see how I progress...or regress???

Are there other folks on this board from Central Virginia?

Thanks!

~ Tru

[smiles4u]

Hi Tru,
I'm a newbie too so I can't answer all your questions but I did get a leather apron from Ebay at a reasonable price. I like having leather between me and the flame.
Happy beadmaking,
Christy

[BarbC]

Hi Tru! I think you can also get leather aprons from a weilding supply place. I was really afraid of the flame when I first started, had a small electrical burn as a kid! I go the a local studio to make beads and have very few problems with getting burns. I got to use a hot headhot this weekend and found it a lot cooler than the o2 and propane torch the studio has! You will know when you get too close to the flame! Cindy Jenkins has great books if you have not read them yet. Corina also has good info too. I was able to get Making Glass Beads by Cindy from my local library! Good luck and have fun with your beading!

[amberbryant1]

You will be fine when you first start, especially if you are nervous. You will be overly cautious at first. I have found that I will forget how hot the flame is when I am in the zone and will get too close. My finger nails become hot. I would suggest a glass of water nearby for any burns. I have to emphasize the need to slowly introduce your glass to the flame. If not, it will shatter and then you'll have little tiny burns that only hurt for a few seconds. I have not had any burns that have made anything more than a red spot, no blisters. Remember that hot glass and cold glass look the same. Be careful which end of the rod you grab! I still don't have a kiln, and I am able to make marbles that are pretty big ( 1 inch solid) and they haven't cracked. That doesn't mean they won't. I think when I started out my beads were pretty small and the more I practiced the bigger they got. It's all a learning process. Remember that you really don't make mistakes if you've learned what to do differently on your next bead! Good luck and I hope the ups guy shows up early!!!!

[amberbryant1]

I forgot to say WELCOME!!!!

[JanMD]

Welcome Tru!!! What exactly do you mean by "Central Virginia"? There are local lampworking groups all over Virginia:

-- in the DC metro area, see http://www.sgb-midatlantic.org/
-- in Charlottesville VA area, called the Stress Cracks. See: http://www.sgb-midatlantic.org/chapters/stress_cracks.html for contact info.
-- in the Virginia Tidewater area, called the Lampworkers Local 757, at http://www.ll757.com/home.htm

I hope you are within shouting distance of one of those local groups. All three are very supportive of newbies!

JanMD

[eklecticmoose]

Thank you all for the welcome.

Yup - as a youngster I picked up Dad's lighter and set my hair on fire. Have a hard time with face close to flame. Unfortunately, that didn't stop me from smoking way back in my teens/early twenties :???:

I've also had a nasty blister burn from hot glue on my palm --- almost like looking down into a flesh crater through a snow globe bubble --- really freaky and definately NOT something I want to do again.

I'll check out the welding shops for that leather apron.

Central for us is basically between Richmond, Farmville and Charlottesville - so I guess Charlottesville will be the closest - 1 hour away compared to 3 hours for the other two. I'll check out the links. I'm sure I will have LOTS of questions when I finally get torching.

[Palestrina]

Hi:
Welcome eklecticmoose! I'm the person who had the buy up for the leather aprons. I pm'd you. They are the absolute best. Better than what you get at the cheap welding suppliers & ebay. That's why I got them in the first place. They also have self-balancing, adjustable straps & kevlar stitching (bullet proof vests are made of kevlar.) Anyone who would like one, please let me know.

[eklecticmoose]

Hi Palestrina:

I've also asked our farrier where to find leather aprons. He thinks he may still have an old one I can borrow to see how it works. I'll get back to you as soon as I know if I'll need one.

Sadly, my order was held up with the nasty weather in the midwest :( so it will not be here until next week! Sooo bummed, really wanted to start playing this weekend.