[MaryBeth]

My melted in dots became much better after I took a class with Jim Smircich.

Your bead should not be glowing when you apply the dots but it should be kept warm behind the flame.

Once you have applied your dots you are now ready to melt them in.

Touch each dot briefly with the flame until the tip glows orange then go on to the next dot and repeat. Occasionally flash your entire bead through the flame so it keeps its heat base.

Continue to heat each dot and move on to the next. This allows each dot to hold its shape as it melts into the base. You will probably have to move around the bead and heat each dot several times until they are all flat.

At this point you should have a base bead covered in beautiful round dots!

Remember to warm the entire bead to a faint glow after you are finished melting the dots in.