Tourmaline pink as flower petals?

[SuzyQ]

I was thinking, as my good rubino glass supply dwindles, what about using czech tourmaline pink over pastels for flower petals? Have you had success doing this? I know it can't be encased but what about decorating?
Thanks!

[helensharvest]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5042087400&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

like this one? I do it all the time. Love, Helen

[Anne Ricketts]

Wow! I can't get my tourmeline to do that!! Those are gorgeous as always and glad to see you back safe and sound! :-D

[grace edwards]

Helen, your roses are so gorgeous! Is that moretti grass green and tourmeline in the leaves? /grace

[SuzyQ]

Wow Helen. If I can come close I will be happy. Thank you!

[KAS]

Hi Helen,
Wow! Those roses are the most beautiful you've ever done....well, except for the yellow ones...or maybe the orange....or..... Anyway, two years ago I purchased some Czech tourmaline at the Bead & Button Show. I was told it is NOT compatible with any other type of glass and was warned to not mix it with other Czech glass either. So I've been using it for spacer beads only. Have you had ANY trouble with incompatability...cracking, etc? It would be wonderful if this glass could be used instead of the expensive Rubino Oro. Thanks Helen. Best, Kathleen

[helensharvest]

Thanks, Ya'll. I've never had a flower returned for cracking, Kathleen. I used to be afraid of it, too, but I think it's just fussy about being encased. I HAVE had cracked beads that way. My roses have lots of steps so the tourmaline has a chance to develop in the flame...it really needs lots of fire to strike. I do like that unique color, but I still prefer rubino, my favorite being the clear one...if I hurry, it'll stay a lighter pink. :) And yes, Grace, I mixed them in leaves...never done that before, but they look cool, huh? I didn't have any perfect matches for the fuchsia, although the garnet ab will do, and had I worked them longer they would have been darker. Love, Helen