Tie-Dyed Bead

[hulagirl]

In my addiction to YouTube, I found this video on how to make a tie-dyed bead. Wanted to share the link with you guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acVmVUG4_xk

[cheeky monkey]

That was great!! Unfortunately I got stuck looking at OTHER YouTube stuff. Yikes.... I could spend days in there...... Must torch now...... :rolleyes:

[AnnieQ]

Cool, thanks!!!

Love,
Annie

[whispering beads]

Thats great...I just started watching utube with my daughter she watches all the Japanese animaes...I never thought they would have lampworking demos....thanks...
Denise

[Jacinthe]

He's got 4 different videos up
And they are all easy to follow and nice videos for anyone wanting to see it being done, from advanced to beginner.

[Rose Leslie]

Yes I liked it. The one that was really dark I finially figured out. Duh moment. But really great. Thanks for the link.

[one-eared pig]

Thanks for sharing this!

[claybraes]

Anyone know who he is?

[rbrones2]

Thanx for the video Ross.

[lizajayne]

Ross posts often over on WC (screen name Nightcat). He teaches lampwork too, in his hometown.

[Juliac]

What a great site- Thanks!!!

[LadyCrow]

Beth,
I saw those too, and didn't think to post for others. 50 lashes for me and 50 hugs for you.
Margie

[Margrieten]

Those are really great video's.

It's fantastic that someone takes the time to place those good instruction movies on the net.

My compliments for HotGlass!!!!

I have place the link also on our Dutch Glass Forum;

http://glashobby.forumup.nl

[danelady]

I've watched all of his videos, and I think it's awesome that he has taken the time to do these... I would have LOVED to have had something like this to watch when I first got started....however I have 2 pieces of constructive criticism related to the making of the beads.... and to the TEACHING of techniques to new lampworkers.

1..his technique looks a little sloppy and inexact..in otherwords, if someone wants to reproduce a bead repeatedly, they need reference points for volume and size, etc. This reflects back on the "exactness" of his beads. If you look at his dotted/masked beads ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDymND7nRtE ) tutorial you'll see what I mean. He never talks about "dividing the bead up "mentally" into sections or quadrants for the dots.....that's important when making a geometric bead. AS is the need for dots of consistent size!

2... he does a lot of "lumping" and gross remelting of his beads.... And the result of that seems to be that his resulting beads (like the lapis blue flower bead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU3W2SkEHV8 ) end up LOOKING a little sloppy. If I were learning it would make me think that it is "ok" to leave a bead looking like that...

The reasons for those constructive criticisms is not to downplay the importance of what he has done, (indeed many people charge a lot of money so that you can learn basic techniques) but if you are GOING to teach, I think it's important that the student be able to replicate a decent product in a near perfect manner. A Geometric bead NEEDS to be at least mentally measured (the masked dot tut) to come out looking geometric and beautiful. That isn't mentioned, nor is the need to make your dots of uniform sizes!

ON that note check out Susan Corbetts Artists in Residence Beadmaking Videos! They're AWESOME too....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDuOFCk-FYE&mode=related&search= BTW She also doesn't mention volume or spacing, but hers ARE more accurate when complete......

Also, just an editorial reflection/question. Does EVERYONE heat up their mandrel that much? I run my mandrel thru the flame enough to heat it, but NOT to make it red hot like he does. What do YOU guys do? My glass sticks just fine the way I do it, and my mandrels last forever!

[sislonski]

I agree Lynnie,
His technique is a little sloppy.
I think it's important to use a good technique when making beads as the results in the end are much nicer, and when teaching it's even more important.

For example making a basic disk, that thing was all over the place. Yes he ended up with a round (well sort of round) bead in the end, but even if the style was a messy tye dye look, when teaching you should still teach a good technique of applying glass to the rod. No matter what the design. Oh and he never even preheated the rods, one even snapped and broke. Yikes!

and....when taking the bead out of the flame it's important to keep turning the bead while it cools. Anyone knows if you stop it's going to droop. He should have got his technique for taping the video down before presenting it to the world.

But other than that. Kudos to him for at least posting his video.
The linke for the women that you posted Lynnie, she had better technique applying the glass to the bead making a nice base bead, however her application of dots I agree lacked in technique.

I know, I know I shouldn't criticize I wouldn't normally but if you're teaching people you should be a bit better at what you do. but it's not like people are paying for it so no big deal? That's debateable.

[ellyloo]

It's probably tough to make a bead with time constraints (The video's gotta be HUGE if he took all the time he wanted to make it perfect) and with a camera on wheels between you and the torch. I appreciate that 'point of view', rather than watching from the side or opposite the artist.

He probably wants to do it as quick as possible so he doesn't have to do editing later...

I found his videos valuable for someone who hadn't seen lampwork before to get 'basics' down. This is a mandrel, this is a twistie... etc.

[Margrieten]

He showed a few tricks I tried immediatly myself and they worked out great for me. I find his video's a great inspiration.

He takes the time to make this video's from a view we can really see what he is doing. All the others who say it can be done better don't make any video.

In the Netherlands we has a saying: you must not take a look in a mouth of a given horse (excuse me for my English)

[lbjvg]

He showed a few tricks I tried immediatly myself and they worked out great for me. I find his video's a great inspiration.

He takes the time to make this video's from a view we can really see what he is doing. All the others who say it can be done better don't make any video.

In the Netherlands we has a saying: you must not take a look in a mouth of a given horse (excuse me for my English)

I agree!

There is certainly more than one way to make a bead and if it comes out ok in the end then who cares if he is not fussy about every step.

Keep in mind that he is doing multiple things at once.

I could certainly identify with rods cracking and beads drooping - it was kind of fun to watch for those reasons in particular and see how he recovers from those little mishaps. Also to be able to see the timing is useful; how long does it take to make a twistie? and then to complete the bead? also note how quickly a bead can droop if it is not spun continually. Lots of good, almost subliminal, info there.

Anyway, I seriously doubt that there would be any adverse consequences to the unsuspecting novice from viewing these videos. Who in the world lives in such a vacuum that the only exposure to beadmaking would be those videos?

Plus it is free.

[ukiacat]

Hey! I thought he looked familiar and then I saw where someone mentioned his name, Ross. Yep, that's him. He was in a class I took at the Eugene School of Glass. I don't go to WC much anymore but I remember he has mentioned on WC that he was interested in teaching...looks like he found a way to do that. Good for him!
J

[danelady]

Teaching the recovery from mishaps is great and it IS wonderful that he took the time to make the videos to help others... but YES there possibly could be adverse consequences to a learning lampworker after viewing the videos, I feel.

Here is why. When TEACHING someone new, we want to assure Success. To do that, we need to assure that they understand the need for a correct method / technique for creating a bead properly... Uniformity perhaps? Anyone watching those videos, who didn't have access to a forum such as this, might ASSUME that his finished product is the "standard" to which they are working to achieve. It really isn't, it is a step ON THE WAY.

That is my ONLY problem with the videos. And again it isn't "looking a gift horse in the mouth" as Margriet was eloquently paraphrasing. It is looking at the subject with realistic expectations.

I frequently tell my dog training students to read EVERY book on dog training, bad, good or indiffererent, because even from a poor technique or badly written book you can learn SOMETHING (even if it is what NOT to do!). I feel that way about Lampworking as well.

In this case, I would rather have to teach CORRECT technique to a student than have to UN TEACH poor practices. However, that said, People will learn quite a few things both good and maybe not quite so good from watching (as you pointed out, catching and fixing a droop) these videos. Better yet, would have been to demonstrate and EXPLAIN the proper way to maintain a round bead and prevent the droop, see?

Anyway I again am NOT trying to run down his kind attempts, just to point out that his methods of teaching need a bit of refinement if he is to reach his goal of teaching lampworkers to make a consistently great looking bead.

I agree!

There is certainly more than one way to make a bead and if it comes out ok in the end then who cares if he is not fussy about every step.

Keep in mind that he is doing multiple things at once.

I could certainly identify with rods cracking and beads drooping - it was kind of fun to watch for those reasons in particular and see how he recovers from those little mishaps. Also to be able to see the timing is useful; how long does it take to make a twistie? and then to complete the bead? also note how quickly a bead can droop if it is not spun continually. Lots of good, almost subliminal, info there.

Anyway, I seriously doubt that there would be any adverse consequences to the unsuspecting novice from viewing these videos. Who in the world lives in such a vacuum that the only exposure to beadmaking would be those videos?

Plus it is free.

[Just Nancy]

I loved his videos. I thought for someone doing them with a rolling camera and an open flame they were great. I thought the point to the videos was having them done in under a specific amount of time.

If someone has more questions or their beads don't come out to their expectations they can either pay for lessons, ask questions at a store or forum, or try new things. I don't think it takes a lot to figure out how to divide dots on a bead, at least not to get started. Then there is plenty of info out there.

But then I don't know who has decided some of the various standards we are supposed to strive for in the perfect bead. Sometimes I think it is because everyone just fell in line and no one said, hey wait, this is fine too. In other words why do some people push the limits for the sake of art and others are sub-standard? (Rhetoric question, I don't want to hijack this thread.)

[danelady]

As you become more experienced at any craft, you learn the need for exactitude and preciseness... they lead to perfection in creation. Anything else is just "making do" or poor copying. As to "standards, we each set our OWN, but aiming for anything but the "best possible " falls short (in my opinion). The point in teaching is to help the student aim for perfection. No we aren't perfect and never will be, but don't those GORGEOUS pieces out there make you want to aspire to that?I loved his videos. I thought for someone doing them with a rolling camera and an open flame they were great. I thought the point to the videos was having them done in under a specific amount of time.

If someone has more questions or their beads don't come out to their expectations they can either pay for lessons, ask questions at a store or forum, or try new things. I don't think it takes a lot to figure out how to divide dots on a bead, at least not to get started. Then there is plenty of info out there.

But then I don't know who has decided some of the various standards we are supposed to strive for in the perfect bead. Sometimes I think it is because everyone just fell in line and no one said, hey wait, this is fine too. In other words why do some people push the limits for the sake of art and others are sub-standard? (Rhetoric question, I don't want to hijack this thread.)

[Just Nancy]

You just said it yourself. As you become more experienced you aim for......
I think everyone's desire for perfection will be different. Especially depending on what your experience is. For someone interested in achieving a color effect, how he puts glass on a mandrel in under 90 seconds, doesn't impact how they make their bead. I absolutely love this video, for the concept. I can be as exact as I choose from there.

For a beginner I think anything they can get their hands on is great. Some will aspire to be exact some not. Do I want to aspire for perfection? No. Actually. I aspire for a visually pleasing piece. I don't think it has to be perfect for it to be so. In fact I was just having this discussion with a newbie bead maker who thought she might quit before having anything perfect enough to show the world. I got out my collection of beads from big artists. They look very visually pleasing but most have a flaw if you look.

As for the perfect way to put the glass on the mandrel, different things work for different people. Same as how to place dots, etc. I do'nt see the need to be critical of the videos. Nor for example do I see the need to be critical if someone chooses to leave chill marks on their bead. Sometimes it adds a subtle texture they personally like. If asked, I would answer that those are chill marks, how they are made and that most people feel it should be fire polished out of their beads.

[danelady]

Hmm well personal choice is one thing... many new lampworkers are learning this art not only to enjoy it, but to eventually earn a living at it. If theyaren't taught, for instance, how important removing chill marks is 'as it is very important to most discerning bead artists' (our customers) the new artisan may be frustrated early on for lack of understanding as to why their beads don't sell.

I thought the point of my whole discussion early on was very clear. Of COURSE it is really nice that he is making these videos and offering them for free... but the concept he is offering, a truly correct detailed floral or masked bead within a 10 minute time frame, is not only impossible, but makes for frustration for a new person who THINKS it is.... You can continue to sing the praises of a short tutorial, it's free, has the basics, etc, but I think the second artist mentioned, who chose to create 2 videos to make one bead was more realistic.

OK, I'm out of this discussion, it's been fun and I really DID appreciate your sharing those videos Hulagirl, THANK YOU!

[NightCat]

No matter how nice you are some one WILL come along and kick you square in the head! It's OK, I've been kicked harder.

I do these for fun, I do them for free and I never ever make any claims about being an expert. They are just demo's that I make 100% on my own, that means solo, with my iSight camera mounted on a skateboard. It ain't as easy as it looks folks.

I would welcome other beadmakers to share their homemade videos. Do it in the spirit of sharing, do it in the spirit of community building, do it for fun and do it for FREE! Do it without fear of the finger waggers and the poo pooers. Do it because you CAN!

Let's build a fun and welcoming flameworking community on youtube. Let's show them that Crafter & Artists have something to give. Let's be a little bit smart in that sea of stupidity.

Show me how it should be done, come on!! \\:D/

So, this is Lampwork Etc... Interesting place.

Later,
Ross~NightCat~hotglass

Oh Yeah, Thank-You to all the folks who said nice things. I appreciate it. I have been upgraded to a "Director" which means I can make videos longer than 10 minute and I have some new editing software so hopefully my productions will improve a bit. Not much though.. gotta keep my edge don't ya know.. :razz:

[sugarenie]

That was great...It's great to see someone demonstrate...Really helps with the explanation (not just words)...I might give this a try...

Thanks for sharing...

[Just Nancy]

Yeah. I'll be watching for new productions.

I thought it was worth every bit of the time it took my dial up to download it. :)

[IF-Designs]

Just a side note, I purposely dont make nice perfect nice discs as a base for cane and frit beads, I make a nice footprint, and build a odd crazy wonky bead for a purpose. Yes it takes more time to finish the bead but it makes the patterns more interesting when I melt it down and into a round bead.

If you make a nice perfect disc and just squiggle the cane on it would not melt down into as interesting of a bead as it does when you make it kind of a odd squiggley disc. By making the disc an odd shape it gives the cane more places to go and move different ways to go when melting it down into a round bead.

[tt4st]

Hey NightCat,
:hide: I have decided to come out of "lurking" mode for the very first time to say thank you for posting your demos. I am a beginning lampworker (officially one month now) and appreciate ALL the help I can get. Reading the books and taking lessons does not assure you great success (I am living proof of that!). A visual is always very helpful to understand how to undertake any project and I am very happy you put yourself out there to share techniques I have not seen before. I think beginners thrive on new ideas and techniques and it is what keeps me coming back to the torch day after day. Practice and perseverance has allowed me to finally achieve what I set out to do...... HAVE FUN ! ! !

:love: Suzanne

[NightCat]

I just wanted to pop back in for a moment to say Hi to tt4st. Thanks for de-lurking. Ukiacat - yep that's me. Your florals are awesome!

I think the critiques put forth in this thread are accurate and should be kept in mind while watching my flameworking videos. I will strive for less "slop" but I am only willing to go so far. I take the criticism as intended, as constructive. I really want thank the folks who watched them that close, that is a compliment and That Rocks!! At least you weren't instantly bored, always a good sign.

When I started, I made a decision to just "Git-R-Done" in 10 minutes. That is the length limit that YouTube imposes on new users and about as large a file as folks want to deal with. That decision forced me to sort of slam the beads together. This is an ongoing experiment for me - What can I do, and how far can I push this format?? I have no interest in replacing quality hands on instruction.

When I am doing these videos I am thinking along the lines of "Iron Chef", where you go from raw material to meal in one hour. Not "Emeril Live" where every dish is already done and waiting in the wings and all he has to do "live" are the showy bits. Iron Chef, as a show, is always risking disaster and it is FUN. Are you going to become an expert Chef by watching Iron Chef? Probably not. Is their food as good as it would be if they had all day in their own kitchens? No.

Some of you may be surprised at how long you spend on one bead. Try an experiment, get your rods ready and set a timer for 10 minutes. How sophisticated of a bead can you make, start to finish in 10 minutes? Bead must be in the kiln before the timer goes off.

Also, as a viewer, I suspect it would be very dull to watch someone finesse the surface of a bead for five minutes. The quest for perfection is much more entertaining to the doer than the watcher. Another thing to keep in mind. The video camera picks up the IR radiation better than the eye. This means that the bead looks much hotter on video than it does in real life. I have tried IR filters but it made the overall image too dark. I am still looking for a better solution.

Live Long, Live Crafty :waving:

Ross

YouTube Video Link (http://www.youtube.com/user/hotglass)
Downloadable Copies Here (http://www.podcastpickle.com/casts/16118) (right mouse click over the "click here to watch" link and save to hard-drive)

[glassartist]

Dear Ross,
When I stumbled across your link on a glassforum to the bead videos, I was so excited! I could hardly believe it! You were so REAL and kind, I thought, to share your knowledge and FOR FREE! I'm a fair newbie, and I'll tell you what, I got a priceless gift from you and I'll never forget it-instead of showing off and actiing like a superhero, you helped me RELAX with the Glass. Your down-to-earth attitude and pleasant disposition, gave me the feeling that you were saying, "hey, you can do this. Don't be afraid."

As far as teaching me "bad habits", from what I hear, Mr. Smircich lays his glass on the rod in a pretty funky way. I don't know for sure, because with all the other start-up expenses there are getting into glass, I can't afford his videos!
Thanks, Ross. Seriously, I think you're really cool!!!!

[glassartist]

Just to clarify, not to say that Jim Smircich does not rock. He does. Hope to learn from him, too!

[hulagirl]

Muchos Gracias, Ross.

I thought your video was great. That's why I posted it. There are some newbies on here who like to see the general process of making a bead. A video does much more than pictures can.

Smiles,

[Nancy Peterson]

Wow - the title caught my eye 'cause I LOVE tie dye stuff so a tie dye bead was hard to resist. And then to find out there are videos on YouTube about beadmaking--very cool man!!

Thank you to the person who did the video. It must be hard to do that yourself but you show the basics of what is going on. It did help with the filter over the lens. I'm going to try a tie dye bead now!

Nancy
Beaver Island Jewelry (http://www.beaverislandjewelry.com)
eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=013&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230043242373&rd=1&rd=1)

[DFS]

Ross,
I have been at this lampworking thing nearly a year. I have watched all your videos, and I was very entertained. I thought it was very generous of you to undertake such a project, not to mention daring to film it all yourself while at the torch. I wish I had seen them when I started because to see thing from the artist's side of the torch is very helpful, especially for those of us who are self taught. So...you rock.

Joyce

[PamiKay]

Ross, please, please do NOT stop. I am somewhat new to this and find that lampworking classes are very expensive. With this medium you must learn by watching and the dang videos I've rented are just too long and boring!! Sometimes I appreciate having a quick lesson. Most people who watch your videos are going to already know the basics, don't bore them. Just give an idea of how to make a certain kind of bead, steps, colors etc. We can figure out the rest.
Thank you so much for the work you did. I'll be looking for more.

[ellyloo]

ooOo. He's got a tiger bead tute up now.

[NightCat]

I wanted to get a new one out this weekend but life got (gets) ahead of me. I will have a new one up by next weekend.... At least that is the current plan. *NAOS* has given me permission to video her Dragon/Python Scales demo from this forum. Mine are not nearly as good as hers but hopefully it will still be valuable to see it done.

Would anyone be interested in flameworking Podcasts? Podcast -> Audio only, generally MP3 format. Glasscaster (http://web.mac.com/marciedavis/iweb/Site/Welcome.html), has a good thing going. I do not know if this is already posted on LE or not. Glasscaster is an interview style podcast and professionally done.

I am working on my own Podcast. Decidedly NOT Professionally done... It will be more of a view from the shop floor, current projects and glass science based. No "star player" interviews. I have one done if anyone wants to check it out. Night Cat Design Podcast (http://www.podcastpickle.com/media/download/306532/) Give it a minute to down-load and let me know what you think. I have a Podcast Pickle Page called Night Cat Design (http://www.podcastpickle.com/casts/16118). Currently all the videos (vidcast) are exactly the same ones that are on Youtube, they are just in a down-loadable format. The only unique bit on there is the one Podcast at the bottom of the page.

If anyone is interested in doing their own flameworking video or audio I would be willing to help them get started. My wife listens to Cast-On (http://www.cast-on.com/) which is a Podcast for knitters. There is a "tight knit" Podcasting community with dozens of podcasters each with a different focus. Kind of "audio blogs" I guess. I think it would be very cool to get the same thing going with the flameworking community using both audio and video feeds. PM me if you want some help getting started. I am not an expert but I'll do my best.

Margriet1962 (http://www.youtube.com/user/Margriet1962) has her own youtube channel now. Can't wait to see what she does with it.

Anyway.... Thank-You for all the support. It is greatly appreciated!

Ross~Nightcat~hotglass (btw, nightcat was taken on youtube so if you see something on youtube by "nightcat", it isn't me! I'm still miffed about that... grrrrr)

[DaBatt]

You both absolutely ROCK!! Beth - thanks for posting the link, & Ross thank you so very much for making it possible for a link to be posted.

This newbie, stuck way down here in New Zealand & trying desperately to teach herself (along with some help from the lovely Fiona from Claybraes) to make lampwork beads - finally found this thread this afternoon.

I watched the video (& made a few notes), then immediately went a fired up my torch. Today I feel that I have finally 'made it' - not only did I manage to make my first successful twistie thanks to the video, but I actually put together a set of 'Tie-Dyed' beads (a focal & some spacers).

Perhaps the glass gods were looking out for me & the planets were in the right place as well - because I even made 6 spacers the same size (usually I get 2 of 'similar' size if I'm lucky -lol), - to be honest though I think it was more the fact of seeing it done from 'the right perspective' & in it's entirety, & explained in a clear & easy to understand manner. Books tend to break everything down into too many steps & it seems stilted & muddled by the time you get to the torch - besides it's not exactly easy to turn pages with a mandrel in one hand & glass in the other.

Thanks a million Ross .....tomorrow I'll work through some more of those wonderful tutorial videos!

Deb

[NightCat]

Thanks Deb. I am having so much fun with youtube that I have dropped the podcast stuff. I don't have time to do it all so I'm just sticking with the youtube videos. I sure wish someone would pick up the podcasting.

I have more in the works so stay tuned. Fortunately there are a bunch of folks now doing flameworking videos.

~R

[glasser]

I for one am glad you are doing this. You are sharing your knowledge and time to help others. (Really appreciate the filter). I am not exactly a newbie but seeing things actually done is so helpful. I glean what I can use and ignore the rest. My beads are not perfect by any means but I am enjoying the journey and I do aspire to make them the best I can. All the knowledge in the world is useless unless it is acted upon. PPP Pam

[NightCat]

This thread has been viewed something like 4,000 times and not one person seems to have taken up my challenge from page 1. How good of a bead can you make, start to finish, in 10 minutes? You don't even have to talk or show the materials, just make the bead.

Thanks again for all the support. I do the best I can. Ya know, part of my motivation is just to document my progress in this craft. I may not know where I'm going but I can see where I've been.

~R

[flamemoth]

I've been doing this for only a short time yet...a couple of years... so am not yet so jaded that I don't enjoy seeing the glass melted in whatever fashion the artist chooses. One of the first vids I bought was Corrina Tettingers. Theres a clip in there where she introduces her glass to the flame and it crackled and popped and she laughed and seemed to enjoy it...I think it was then that I started to loosen up about the fire and glass.
I watched your videos a while ago Ross and couldn't believe you did it while on a skateboard..crazy! :)

[NightCat]

I watched your videos a while ago Ross and couldn't believe you did it while on a skateboard..crazy! :)

Well, I wasn't on a skateboard, the camera was. Originally I had the camera taped to a microphone stand and the stand was sitting on the skateboard so I could roll it back and forth. I have since given that up but it was fun for a while.

~Ross

[flamemoth]

That does make more sense! I just thought you enjoyed a challenge.. :lol:

[jokersdesign]

sweet

[Just Nancy]

Ross,
I can't compare to yours in more time than 10 minutes. Other than the basic spacers I don't do much start to finish in that amount of time. I know it, so I haven't tried.

[ziggys]

Hi, I haven't read all the posts here, I supposed to be cooking (!) but for a great tutorial on how to make a base bead I love this one:
http://bearfootart.com/pages/VideoClips.php
If that link doesn't work just go to barefoot bob. There is a bunch of videos, quick and dirty and gave me lots of Ah-Ha moments that I could take back to the torch and use!
I don't mean to high-jack the tie-dye bead tut., but someone mentioned that this video was sloppy on making the base bead.
FWIW,
Angela

[ziggys]

Re-Hi, Just wanted to say I got to watch the Tie-Dye Video (while eating dinner) and loved it.
I think it makes bead making look like fun and not so much work! And yes I was surprised to see a bead made in less than 10 minutes. Something I need to shoot for. LOL!

Cool. Thanks for the heads up on this!
Angela

[ziggys]

Ross, please, please do NOT stop. I am somewhat new to this and find that lampworking classes are very expensive. With this medium you must learn by watching and the dang videos I've rented are just too long and boring!! Sometimes I appreciate having a quick lesson. Most people who watch your videos are going to already know the basics, don't bore them. Just give an idea of how to make a certain kind of bead, steps, colors etc. We can figure out the rest.
Thank you so much for the work you did. I'll be looking for more.

Ditto on exactly what she said. The video I rented wasalso boring. It does get tedious watching someone melt a bead for a long time. And no I can't afford a weekend class for $350.00 a pop. Besides I'm sure I need more than one class anyway, LOL! So we are talking lots of $$$$$$!
These u-Tube Videos your doing are great.
Angela

[Donna T.]

I wouldn't consider myself a beginner anymore (though some may think so judging by my beads) but I am totally self taught. And I would rather have a video than a book (no matter how detailed the pictures). I love to see how other people make their beads.
I for one will definately be trying the tie-dye bead and this is the first time I've seen silver stringer done this way. Very interesting.

My day job is acrylic nails. Been doing it for almost 20 years. Can I learn something from a nail tech that's only been doing it for say 2 years? You bet.
We have a saying in the beauty world, "Green is growing." My goal in life, no matter what I endeavor, is to be growing. That's what this forum is all about, helping each other learn new skills in lampworking or make it easier. You don't know you're doing something the extremely slow way if no one teaches you a better way of doing it.

I watched several of Ross' videos, and found something very useful in each one. I've got them bookmarkeed so I can try them out this weekend.

Thank you Ross for taking the time to make these videos. I hope you will continue to make them. I don't expect them to be perfect or the bead to be perfect, but I hope to learn something new with each one.

[Gayetha]

Thank you Ross for this video that you made a long long time ago! I saw it back then and then forgot where I saw it. It is lovely to see it again and I will have another go at this very cool, fun technique. Love the spontaneity of your method, and of course, these are my favourite colours. It is so great that you generously shared your method with us.

[Jababat]

Thanks for sharing

[LaughnSandy]

Great tutorial!