Boro sucks you in.....

[Kim V]

well, I guess you already know that!! :D

I love boro beads!!! Decided a bit ago that I really want to learn how to do them. I even signed up for a class with Lauri Copeland that was cancelled due to low enrollment. :( I resigned myself to trying to learn this via reading and watching dvd's. Played with it a couple of times. Then I had the chance to take a class at Rocio and Ron Jr.'s Hi R&R :wave: We did an implosion pendant in class and I watched him make a heart. When I got home, I bought a sampler pack of Momka's, some clear (and then just HAD to order a Precision sampler which came yesterday!! :-)) and played.

Here are my first attempts after class (sorry about the bad pics). In order of making. Notice the beads :D

41237

41238

41239

41240

I was concentrating on working on the loops. I'm a newbie at this...I'd welcome any suggestions!!
Thanks,
Kim V
PS-I'm planning on taking Andy's class at Tin City so I really will have some beads to show you in a couple of months :D

[Over the Moon]

Very nice first stuff, Kim! Ahhh...boro...the love of my life...it does suck you in, doesn't it??! I wouldn't trade it for the world though!
Some poeple find it easier when making loops to form a bead on a mandrel, and then stick them together (make sure you put lots of heat to fully seal the 2 pieces).
Have fun, and thanks for sharing!

[PaulaD]

Oooh Kim. Niceeeeee!! Your heart almost looks like Smiley's!!
Paula

[gennym]

I saw a tutorial where someone suggested putting something in between the hole on the bead you want to use as the loop to keep it from melting. It was long and white (not graphite - but wouldn't a graphite mandrel work)?
I think I like the way the loops look when they are made from a piece of rod rather than a bead. It seems more natural somehow but the one's I've tried look pretty bad.

[valerie_folly]

You're getting some great colors! Loops are still hard for me and I don't care for the mandrelled loops. I use a graphite reamer and tweesers to help shape mine.

[Venbead]

bead loop baby, bead loop
you got some great colors and shapes going on there my ocean state friend!!!

[Kim V]

Thanks for the kind words and suggestions!
Val, when I get some more torch time, I'll have to try using a bead to make the loop. That is, IF I can get a decent bead :D For these, I practiced forming the loop like Ron showed us.
Yes, Kim, I did get to try out the Purple Thunder. The lousy pictures just don't show it that well. :-) Like that color!!
Paula, I started out trying to make hearts like the Folk Art ones I used to paint. I think I have figured out what I need to do to get that shape. I'll try it next time. These seemed to take on a shape of their own in the flame.
Genny and Valerie, I used a graphite reamer and tweezers to help shape these. I'm going to grind a smaller point on a graphite rod I have to see if it will work better for me.
Paula, thanks. Considering my level, overall, I am happy with my shapes. I'm thinking that I need to go frit shopping soon ;-)
I'm not sure if I'll get to light the torch soon. Open House at my school is Monday, and I need to go in over the weekend and get my classroom ready. Thanks again for the encouragement!!
Kim V

[Three Muses Glass]

Kim they look great! You're getting really nice colors! I've been practicing loops too, but getting dull icky colors so this is for you...:fnwl:
LOL! You know I loves ya. I signed up for the Remschneider course at Carlisle next month and hoping it helps with the colors.:) You are so right though. It sucks you right in! I actually cleaned my shop and made a nice space just to do boro. I cleaned!!! That's big.

[Kim V]

Bec,
:fnwl: :fnwl: back at ya :D
Oooh, have fun at R's class. I'm sure you will. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you do.
I've actually redone the placement of my glass in the studio so that the boro is closer :-)


Kim they look great! You're getting really nice colors! I've been practicing loops too, but getting dull icky colors so this is for you...:fnwl:
LOL! You know I loves ya. I signed up for the Remschneider course at Carlisle next month and hoping it helps with the colors.:) You are so right though. It sucks you right in! I actually cleaned my shop and made a nice space just to do boro. I cleaned!!! That's big.