paintingwithglass
2005-06-09, 4:35pm
Here is a tutorial that I wrote previously (2003) that was for IGGA on how to make Stars, Suns, Snowflakes
http://pitadesigns.com/images/cezar'ssunbw.jpg
Stars, Suns, Snowflakes:
The following is the basic outline of how I created my Kaleidoscope Bead:
I only use Moretti glass. I wanted a jewel tone to the bead so I chose three opaque and three coordinating transparent color rods. I also made some goldstone stringer. I pulled stringers for each of the colors too.
I then set up my table to look like this: opaque stringer color #1, opaque rod color #1, transparent stringer color #1, transparent rod color #1, then the same pattern for colors 2 and 3.
I used a tube mandrel (first time using it was for the last few beads). I must say it takes some getting use to since the glass cools faster then if on a regular SS mandrel. Coat with bead separator.
Time to create the actual bead. I first heated transparent stringer #1 and the mandrel. I then wrapped the stringer around the mandrel being careful to only lay the layers on top of each other so the initial glass footprint was thin. I then used a graphite paddle to keep the shape as a disc. Next, I began the layering of colors. First, color #2 opaque, I dotted around the disc 6 times trying to space them equally. I then, heated the dots so that they were melted in half-way. Marvered the dots flatter. I covered each opaque dot with the matching transparent color. Melted in halfway and then marvered. Melted in some more. Next, I used opaque color #3 and dotted in between the first layer of dots. Overlapping the first layer a little. I used the same process as the first layer and then just continued the pattern until I felt the bead was large enough. I used the goldstone stringer as a layer for a glittery effect. I had to remember to keep the disc heated and to marver the sides so that it would not melt down. After repeating the pattern many times I was finished. I heated the entire bead again and popped it onto the rack in my kiln.
The finished bead can take anywhere from 45 minutes (for a smaller version) to 90 minutes. I created shapes of cool suns, geo-patterned discs, and snowflakes.
http://pitadesigns.com/images/cezar'ssunbw.jpg
Stars, Suns, Snowflakes:
The following is the basic outline of how I created my Kaleidoscope Bead:
I only use Moretti glass. I wanted a jewel tone to the bead so I chose three opaque and three coordinating transparent color rods. I also made some goldstone stringer. I pulled stringers for each of the colors too.
I then set up my table to look like this: opaque stringer color #1, opaque rod color #1, transparent stringer color #1, transparent rod color #1, then the same pattern for colors 2 and 3.
I used a tube mandrel (first time using it was for the last few beads). I must say it takes some getting use to since the glass cools faster then if on a regular SS mandrel. Coat with bead separator.
Time to create the actual bead. I first heated transparent stringer #1 and the mandrel. I then wrapped the stringer around the mandrel being careful to only lay the layers on top of each other so the initial glass footprint was thin. I then used a graphite paddle to keep the shape as a disc. Next, I began the layering of colors. First, color #2 opaque, I dotted around the disc 6 times trying to space them equally. I then, heated the dots so that they were melted in half-way. Marvered the dots flatter. I covered each opaque dot with the matching transparent color. Melted in halfway and then marvered. Melted in some more. Next, I used opaque color #3 and dotted in between the first layer of dots. Overlapping the first layer a little. I used the same process as the first layer and then just continued the pattern until I felt the bead was large enough. I used the goldstone stringer as a layer for a glittery effect. I had to remember to keep the disc heated and to marver the sides so that it would not melt down. After repeating the pattern many times I was finished. I heated the entire bead again and popped it onto the rack in my kiln.
The finished bead can take anywhere from 45 minutes (for a smaller version) to 90 minutes. I created shapes of cool suns, geo-patterned discs, and snowflakes.