Hi Nancy,
I've just started working with this myself. One thing that really helps is a pair of locking tweezers. I cut my mesh and insert the end of it into the tip of the tweezers. They stay locked until squeezed so the mesh is all ready to use.
When I am ready to apply the mesh I get the surface of the bead where I want to apply it quite hot. Heat that area in the hottest part of the torch until it has a red-orange glow. This takes a little practice to just get the surface hot without otherwise deforming your bead.
Then, pick up your tweezers and stick the end of the mesh into the preheated area of the bead. Squeeze the tweezers to let the mesh go and them use the tweezers to pat your mesh down. Press as firmly as you can without breaking the bead off the mandrel.
Then reintroduce the bead into the flame and make sure you get it hot enough to permanently attach the mesh. Then you are either done or you can encase as usual.
I've been working with silver wire for years and I was quite surprised at how hot the bead has to be in order for the mesh to stick. That was probably the biggest hurdle I've had.
Hope this helps!
__________________
Mary Beth
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