I love the look of flowers with spread stamens, like most of the beads in this gogole search:
https://www.google.com/search?q=stam...w=1366&bih=635
I've been trying to produce that result, but I'm not quite getting there. I have several blobby beads with stamen cane stuck all over them. Some spread a little, nothing spectacular like the beads in the search. Do any of you experienced flower makers have tips?
What diameter stamen cane works best? I'm using 1mm or maybe less--too small? Do you pull the cane to a point before plunging, or use it flat?
Do you have to encase the bead? I do add a blob of clear after breaking off the cane (and then tap it lightly). Do I need to then cover the entire bead as well?
I've been making my own stamen cane; for some I bundled filigrana rods and pulled them out, for others I layered pastel and clear glass.
Thanks!
Lee