A couple things about silver wire...

[moondanse]

A very sweet person (Applebeads) sent me some fine silver wire to play with. I knew it wouldn't be easy to use, and it ISN'T, but I did manage to get a few silver balls on some beads.

NOTE TO SELF: Silver is a dandy conductor of heat. Please use pliers next time.

But my question is--is there any way to prevent the "yellow tinge' that silver creates..like on white, for instance? Perhaps I should make sure the silver balls are the last decorative item for the bead and pop into the kiln right away?
Also, can you put a drop of clear over the silver without compromising the glass and causing too much stress?

And one last queston: will I ever make less than 100 beads in order to get 10 decent ones? never mind.... ](*,)

Any tips, tricks or advice welcomed!

[cheeky monkey]

I found that out too! #-o Good thing we have 2 hands in case one is out of commission for a bit! I wish I was able to use the silver better too, has anyone got some hints for us? I started my day taking the beads out of the kiln from yesterday and lo! They were cr*p. :cry: How come they looked so nice when they went IN :?: Well let's hope there is a surprise for me tomorrow that makes me smile.

[Islandgirl]

I use fine silver wire 28 or 30 gauge, using my fingers.... Have been doing it with my fingers foir ever....

1 I only use silver wire on red. black. tried cobalt blue didn;t like it so back to brick red and black, Silver is the first thing I stick on after I get a shape I like

2 Are you sure you got fine silver is it shiny when it comes out of the kiln, if it isn't then it ain't fine silver!

3 getting silver drips/drops to fall where you want them to isn't easy, this is a good way to burn your fingers!

I heat the bead then try to attach the silver then spin the bead, ir you have access to Kate Fowles beginning Bead making video watch how she puts on stringer, (She uses a rod!) same idea except I have my base bead hot to attatch the silver then I spin...

Lynne

I have a couple of bead pens black on my home page using fine silver and a brick red bracelet and earrings in my archives. You can email me or PM me futher questions but I'm leaving for a week ASAP so don't think I'm ignroing you if I don't reply!

www.fireballbeeds.com