off - mandrel heart tutorial

[Holly'sFolly]

I make a lot of off mandrel hearts. It's a great way use up bits of cane that would otherwise go in the water or left-overs from the day's work. And with V-day coming up :-P... it's here on my blog

http://hollysfollybeads.blogspot.com/2011/01/off-mandrel-hearts.html

[Holly'sFolly]

Thanks whoever moved it... Sorry I put it in the wrong spot!

[Damselfly]

Well, this is a brand new folder, so who can blame you for not putting it here *chuckles*

great tutorial! I can't wait to try it :)

[Holly'sFolly]

Damsel, I would LOVE to see what you make!!!

[Damselfly]

Once I make one, I'll be sure to post it. I was going to make one yesterday, but I can't find my snippers! argh I"ll keep looking :)

[Holly'sFolly]

You know... I use cheap scissors! Dollar store kind. For ages I used a kids set that I found and then my buddy took me to a Chinese grocery and I found the large pointy ones I use now... for a buck! You can see them in the background of the cutting picture.

[Kalorlo]

I made one, but I found another Thing Not To Do: don't get the part you're holding onto with your reverse action tweezers too near the flame! Mine have very pointy needlelike ends, and I'd swear they didn't actually go in the flame when I was melting my main rod off, but when I went to put the bead in the kiln they wouldn't let go! Now I have one point permanently embedded in my bead and my tweezers have one shorter end :p

Thank you for the tutorial, Holly - next time I'll use my pliers instead and hold on to the bail :D

First off-mandrel anything for me:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5391083057_0de2c160b1_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalorlo/5391083057/)

[Holly'sFolly]

Kalorlo! It's so pretty! You do have to be careful not getting the tools in the flame... the glass can get soft and melt them right in!


I'm so glad you wanted to try this! Your heart is LOVELY!

I find off mandrel work exhilarating!

[wimsey]

Very nice tutorial, Holly, it's very clear and easy to understand. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us.
Beth

[Holly'sFolly]

Just thought I would remind folks of this... I know it's a little late for V-Day but I've been so busy w/ the niece's wedding... OY!

[wd2crv]

Very nice tutorial Holly - I'll give it a go tomorrow - thanks!

[Holly'sFolly]

Just thought I would bump this again as people always are making hearts this time of year.

Some of you may be aware my sister is dying of breast cancer. The last time I saw her, she shoved some cash in my pocket and asked me to make some of "her" hearts for her caregivers. I love how they came out!

(please excuse the bellflowers in the photo! I was in a hurry as always!)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_onOYvDbR0/UQGrcpb4eVI/AAAAAAAAGxU/HRL_TngX1Og/s400/fresh1.24.jpg

The dichro is from Ron Bearer.... LOVELY!

[krisdaka]

Holly, I'm so sorry about your sister, sending prayers for her and you.. I love your hearts for her caregivers. It's a gift from the heart.

[Holly'sFolly]

Karen, Many thanks! She was lucid enough to know I made them but...she's on morphine now and I just know she would have LOVED to sit there and admire their little nuances and choose which one ended up with which person.... So sad that she can't do that now but happy her nurses will know how much she loved them! It's been a rough 24 hours!

[Sadie Mae]

My thoughts and prayers for you both