Pastille easier?

[CarolinaDreamDesigns]

I bought a lentil press and can only seem to get good shapes once in a blue moon - those holes drive me nuts! I do really really like the pastille or lozenge shapes - whatever you call the ones with the round flat rounded edges - question is - are they easier to fill out than the lentils or is there no hope for a spastic, uncoordinated lampworker?

Thanks -

Martha

[infernoglassbeads]

Martha:

I too had a heck of a time with my lentils. Now, I am certified Pastille-aholic. I find that it is much easier. I think it's because the holes on a lentil bead are so exposed, while with the pastille, they aren't such a factor it seems easier to get the shape right.

I would recommed you try it...also it really helps to make sure the amount of glass for the "footprint" is slightly smaller than the press size.

Good luck!

[Shawn T]

Martha,
I find the key to making a good lentil with nice ends is starting with a football shape instead of a round bead. This allows the ends to fill up and not cause the "Smile" at the mandrel. It difficult at first until you have the ahhh haaa moment. Also if you over fill you press and work a little chucky to begin with, just don't press so hard it works better till you find the right amount of glass. Many say that taking some poly-clay and finding the right size of the football shape laying it on their table helps to judge how much glass to put into the press.
Remember you can always go back and add glass to the ends of your lentils. Just add little dots towards the top of the bead,and use a tool to press it up towards the mandrel ends. (not on the mandrel) Than press your lentil again.

I waiting a long time to buy my lentil press and had many other presses first so I didn't have a hard time with it. I did find the tab press easy to use, and love the shape.

[SuzyQ]

I love the pastille and the tab. I think they are very easy to use and definitely easier than the lentil.