Baleen technique?

[Kitty]

Could anyone explain the technique that artists like Michael Barley use to get the baleen pattern in beads? I hope it is OK that I post his work here?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Barley-Beads-Soft-Touch-Baleen-lampwork-bead_W0QQitemZ110067527346QQihZ001QQcategoryZ34070 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have tried making large and thick twisted cane and get some of the effect. I used ivory or white and did the paddle technique with clear. Is there another trick to this? I would like to try this with smaller beads first.

Thanks for your help!

Kitty

[Anne Ricketts]

I don't know how he does them but I sure do love them! I hope he is still doing them when he comes down here to Blue Moon! :grin:

[jamilyn]

Its actualy with a razor to cut and show the color underneath. I can't explain more but he does go over it in his class. I highly recommend it as I am sure I couldn't do it without that!

[Kitty]

Thank you ladies! I thought about using an exacto, but wasn't sure. I will definitely look into taking a class from him.

[swamper]

Not sure how Michael does it but I've thought of trying it with the pleated bead techinque shown in the Japanese lampworking book, kinda like an encased twistie stripe.

[Firebug]

I took Michael's class in Escondido the first weekend in December and he went over this technique. He is truly an awesome artist and teacher. I HIGHLY recommend taking a class with him. He will show you anything you want to know. I haven't had time to play with the techniques I learned, and I hope I can remember exactly how this one is done.

Cheers
Kathy

[hummingbird3172]

I hadn't seen that technique before...what a gorgeous bead!