How do you get a lentil with a solid tube center????

[yeepers]

OK...so that probably wasn't the best description but I'm wondering how you folks manage to get encased lentils with the core color/design just through the middle (tube along the mandrel) without totally distorting it when you press?

Does that make sense?

I hope it does because I wanna know the secret!!!!

-Yee :D

[CorvetteJuliet]

Are you asking about this type of bead?
18315
The way I do it is:
1) Make a little tube that's just about 1-2mm narrower than your lentil press.
2) Encase it with clear thinnly.
3) Build up the sides of the lentil by adding glass only on the two sides - use your lentil mold to guide how you add glass - put it in the mold without pressing and help ooze it a bit into place while it's hot. Don't melt the core.
4) Once you've got the right amount of glass in a rough lentil shape, heat it well and give it your final press.

~Juliet

[Slaterville]

I wondered about this also. Thanks Juliet for the awesome tip!!

[yeepers]

Juliet,

THANK YOU! Yes..that is exactly what I was wondering :D

Off to try this today.

-Yee

[kbinkster]

Thanks, Juliet!

[GinnyHampton]

Hey Juliet, thanks for sharing that technique . . .. those beads are beautiful :)