Hollow Bead Help Needed

[playswithfire104]

I made my very first hollow beads today. I was too intimadated to even try them before and finally I thought WTF just do it. I made 2 hollow beads. My problem is how do you get them round? Mine were so wonkey and had pointy ends so I marverded them into a barrel shape and they look, well, not great but better then they did. Any advice?

[playswithfire104]

Ome on I know there some hollow bead experts out there! Please share. [-o<

[crimsonorchid]

Can't help you with creating a well-shaped hollow bead, but I can comisserate with you. I've tried only a few and they ended up sinking in on itself - must have missed a hole somewhere....:rolleyes:
-Jenny

[Norskiglass]

There are two way about it......

1) coil wrap an 18" rod between two discs

2) buy a hollow mandrel and blow them thin

~Enjoy

[lainee733]

all i can say is ppp

[darcy]

I use a marble mold and they come out wonderful.

[afina]

Hi!
1st and ost important thing to to is get the ratio right: the space between the two discs should be about the hight of each discs (if you do the straight-side-version).

2nd thing: be patient! If you closed all the holes you can leave the bead in the flame for quite a long time (always spinning the bead, of course). After a while you can watch how the air inside inflates the bead, then it gets really round. But don't get it too hot, or the glass will tend to flow to the middle - or even worse, a hole might pop.

After 5 or 6 hollowbeads, it starts getting easier. :-)
Regards, Verena

[playswithfire104]

Thanks everyone!