Question about trapping bubbles and another about crimp covers

[Vicki B.]

MMM - thought I posted these questions this morning, but cannot find them. "scuse the repeat if so. I posted this set in S&T with these 2 questions, but don't see any answers am repeating here thinking maybe more will read. I made this set this weekend and have 2 questions:

1. Is there a better way to spot encase the center of a flower and trap the bubble that doesn't show as much (the final dot of clear?) I get the best bubbles trapped with this method, but the clear dot doen't look so terrific. If I try to make it too small, sometimes the bubble escapes. Probably just more PPP....but any thoughts would be appreciated.

2. There seems to be a big difference in the silver and gold colored crimp covers purchased from the same source. The larger silver ones cover the longer crimps just fine, but the gold ones won't go around the same size crimp and seem to have a smaller center hole. Does anyone know of a source (or method) for a good gold colored (or copper) crimp cover that works as well as the silver? I feel more secure with the longer crimp.
56664

[beadworkstudio]

I haven't found any gold crimp covers except the little ones. I've only seen larger covers that were plated. Try using two crimps + covers. I've done that with heavier pieces, and it looks good if you put something else between them.

I have the same problem with poked flowers, and I've stepped away from flowers for the time being, so I can't offer any advice there.

[Heather/Ericaceae]

I usually cover the whole flower in clear. I used to always just add a second encasement over the entire bead, but lately I've been spot-encasing the flowers. I make a good-sized glob of very hot glass and squash it over the plunged flower, then pull the rod away. I quickly flatten the hot glob to spread it out, then carefully heat just the edges of the glob (not the base bead) and spread it with a flat tool to completely cover the flower. This way you capture the shape of the plunged flower, not just the dot, and it adds a real three-dimensional look. It only works on a background that has already been encased in clear, though. In this example, the double flowers have been spot encased in two steps.

[evilglass]

Poke it twice, cover it once. That makes the best trapped bubbles for me. If I only poke it once, the bubble is too small. I've also poked twice, and covered it after each poking, which also looks good.

Crimps? Not a clue from me :)

[Vicki B.]

Heather,

I saw that bead on S&T and LOVE it! I especially like the way the first layer of petals is so pointy. What tool did you use to do that? It looks like you creased and also pulled the tips with a stringer or....? That's another trick I've not acheived - usually drag too much of the under layer and not enough of the petal. I was going to try a dental pick tool, but every time I get near those tools, I get the tool stuck stuck.

I went the same route - at first trying to add an entire second encasement,
but it really adds to the size and also sometimes distorts. Moth suggested I spot encase, and I guess I will try your method. It's difficult to get a large blob with the Hothead, but I could encase each petal as I do when I am trying creased petals. Since these flowers have the transparent on top of the petals, I thought I could get away with just a center dot, but am not happy with it.

The crimp covers I was referring to are gold plated - or maybe not even - not real Gold. Dunno why they have a different center hole than the sterling. I'll bet having 2 sets at the end works well, and stingy me- didn't think to do that. Shelia, I also like your idea about having a #6 bead or such between them.

Evilglass - what does the second poke do if you haven't put something in there between the stabs?

Thanks for your help!

[Three Muses Glass]

I just got some gold filled crimp covers from monsterslayer. Size is 3.2mm and they covered the 2mm crimps nicely and felt and acted like the sterling ones. I don't know if the price is good or not as far as online places go. It was $20 for 100 and the sterling were $8 for 100. All I know is that compared to locally the sterling ones are a great price. The local bead shop wants $5 for 20 ss crimp covers. That's waaaay too much for me.
The only place I've seen copper is here.
http://www.paintedesert.com/c-findings.html
You might ask in the jewelry room though, they all have a black belt in findings shopping.:smile:

[Vicki B.]

Thanks Rebecca,
Those are 2 great sources that I did not know about! Could be that the base metal, gold color crimp covers had to be made in that shape. They were cheaper than the gf ones, but hardly work for me - though I am going to try
Sheila's "2 fer" method.

What's a nice NJ gal doing in NM and AZ? Only kidding - I grew up in NJ - Sussex Ct. I miss your husky avatar. Are they in bad graces? Probably because they are blowing their coats now - what a mess! Every year about this time I vow to have mine put in a spring clip - never do though.

[Three Muses Glass]

LOL! You should know nice NJ girls never pay retail.:lol: The Painted Desert place I haven't ordered from yet but I got great service from Monsterslayer! My order came fast. Some places say they'll ship Priority but.....there's that pesky lead time.

Nah, my pups aren't in bad graces, they're the best. I'll see if I can figure out how to put a pic in my sig. Need to take some new ones anyway. Right now though we're finally having winter and they are very static-y. I posted for help in the family room even! Ever try brushing a Husky with static cling problems?](*,) Instant hair magnets! I have yet to try the conditioner someone mentioned. Bad mommy, bad.:smile:

[evilglass]

Evilglass - what does the second poke do if you haven't put something in there between the stabs?

Thanks for your help!

It makes the hole deeper, and thus a bigger, nicer bubble :)

[Vicki B.]

My little "precious" puts up with little brushing, but it's so dry here - just awful!! There is a product called "Humectress" (by Nexus) for human hair. You just but a very small amount in the palm of your hand - like 1/2 of a pea and rub your hands together and then rub on your hair and it calms it down. It would probably help. It's pricey, but lasts forever. I'll have to try it. Shasta is a pita about being "messed" with, but sometimes will put up with being vacuumed for a short time!

Evilglass - I thought that's what you meant. My problem seems to be coordination in getting the clear completely over the hole. I know, I know - PPP!!!

Thanks all!