So, what would you want in a BORO how to book???

[Mr. Smiley]

After the holidays have come and gone, I'm getting to work on a dream project of mine. I'm going to publish at least one book and one video next year. I'll be working with Precision and Northstar to do some neat things in conjuction with the book... it's gonna be fun stuff.

What would you like to see covered? The first book will be beginner to intermediate. I'd love to have your input.

[Over the Moon]

Anything and everything Brent! Sounds like a fantastic project for you - and all of us addicts...
Happy Holidays to you and yours...

[FlameDancer]

Oooooh, that sounds like a VERY exciting project, especially, the video. I just LOVE to watch other people work glass. Having never taken a class before, I haven't seen that many poeple though and have never seen another person work boro, other than the one time I watched Doug R's video.

I think anything you do, is going to be wonderful. Here are some things, off the top of my head, that I would love to see in a video. In my opinion, there's nothing like being able to "see" it, even if it's on the screen and not in person.

striking different colors and the time lenths
maybe some different color combos
pulling canes
off hand work
Marbles
pulling points

This is a good start, lol. I can't wait to see what you come up with

[Bunyip]

Basic tool setup/studio layout advice
standing vs. sitting while working
how to achieve different boro 'looks'
a photo heart tut

Oh...

and at least one featured piece by me!!

Whoohoo!

[DawnT]

I think this is a great idea!

Striking! - flame vs. kiln or both...

DAP - how to work Brent magic with it

Bead techniques - I know you don't make many beads but there's only one video out there on making boro beads and only a couple of techniques shown.

[e. mort]

1. A chart with most if not all of the current NS, GA, and Momka colors in it that shows the following 4 pics for each color:

color worked in a reduction flame
color worked in an oxidizing flame
color worked in a neutral flame
color encased in clear

2. Examples of fuming with both gold and silver, with pictures showing the results of each.

3. Tips on how to work tubing, pull a point, and alternatives to pulling a point.

4. Some simple implosion pics with step-by-step instructions to achieve them.

5. Some examples showing the same piece kiln annealed, and flame annealed so people can see the difference.

6. Some close up pictures showing what HAZE is, and how it looks when you are burning it off. (This would have saved me a lot of time and glass.)

7. Oh, and all of the examples should be performed by hot babes in bikinis if at all possible. (That way the book will sell regardless of how great the info is......well, at least to the guys.)

[DawnT]

Originally Posted by e. mort

7. Oh, and all of the examples should be performed by hot babes in bikinis if at all possible. (That way the book will sell regardless of how great the info is......well, at least to the guys.)

[Ro]

a chart for striking different colors in the kiln, garage temps for holding color safely until batch anneal, annealing chart, basic tools, info on making good connections, straightening crooked points, implosions, suggestions for successful boro beads, off mandrel tips, setting and checking flame atmosphere, pressure reccomendations for oxy and propane, tools and supplies list including where to get them, hollow sculpture.
working color tips

[dragon myst]

Yes - please -

[pipyr]

hollow work, complex cane to get different color effects, bringing different colors through with striking...and...ummmm...everything else Go with your instincts...I'm sure you'll put together some ownderful learning tools!!! Good luck and keep us updated!

[misfit]

Originally Posted by e. mort

1. A chart with most if not all of the current NS, GA, and Momka colors in it that shows the following 4 pics for each color:

color worked in a reduction flame
color worked in an oxidizing flame
color worked in a neutral flame
color encased in clear

2. Examples of fuming with both gold and silver, with pictures showing the results of each.

3. Tips on how to work tubing, pull a point, and alternatives to pulling a point.

4. Some simple implosion pics with step-by-step instructions to achieve them.

5. Some examples showing the same piece kiln annealed, and flame annealed so people can see the difference.

6. Some close up pictures showing what HAZE is, and how it looks when you are burning it off. (This would have saved me a lot of time and glass.)

I really like these suggestions. But would add on #3, suggestions for picking sizes to fit ones goals.

[playswithfire104]

Ditto what misfit said. I'm new to the world of boro and have about a bazzilion questions about tubing.

[Mr. Smiley]

Thanks for all the feedback folks. I'm paying attention. Great stuff so far... keep coming with it, so I can see what's important to cover in depth.


I don't use much tubing for smaller stuff. Inside out beads... sure... but I tend to coil pot color rod for most smaller hollow work. I'll cover tubing, but it really isn't a huge part of my working style. Pulling points and rolling in frits and powders is definitely a short cut for medium to large vessels.

[angie4680]

Wig wags, reversal spirals, pendants from tubing, stick stacking, and fuming.

[playswithfire104]

Originally Posted by angie4680

Wig wags, reversal spirals, pendants from tubing, stick stacking, and fuming.

Are you speaking English? Ok I want to know about that stuff too!

[pipyr]

Originally Posted by angie4680

Wig wags, reversal spirals, pendants from tubing, stick stacking, and fuming.

I second all this!!

[Mr. Smiley]

Yeah, it's english... sort of.

Wig wags are cool... reversals are kick arse... but stick stacks aren't something I do. Nate is a good one for that. That's basically a pipe tech, but he makes some sick marbles using it. Fuming will be covered. I don't think I'll be covering stick stacks for a pendant book... but maybe later on.

[Laurie L]

Recipies and the complete "how to". Not just listing the colors used and the annealing temp. When I was starting out this was very frustrating because it was such a quessing game....

The secret to the amazing whispy pink colors !!!!!

[e. mort]

Originally Posted by DawnT

Guys in speedos for the girls then?

[whispering beads]

All of the above...Can't wait....

[Cosmo]

Hey Brent,

If you need any help, let me know. I do work for a printing company, after all. I'll be glad to help with layout, printing, etc.

[Mr. Smiley]

Thanks Chad. I had actually thought about you. I'll be sure to get a quote when the time comes... no sneaking a free copy now. JK

[Karen Hardy]

I'll poke my head in here.
Everybody already covered most everything I'd want to see in a book.

What I'd like to reiterate is that any book that's geared towards artists
should be mostly pictures. I have a great deal of friends in many industries
that are published authors. Too many times I have seen them start out on
projects like these only to have the publishers veto the visual format in
exchange for the written word, then wonder why the book isn't selling.
Artists don't like to read. We have to SEE the steps.

The reason that Corina's book is considered the bible of lampworking - and
the reason that it is still my alltime favorite book on this subject, is that
it is mainly pictures. Lots of them. Clear and concise and in focus.
Step by step "follow these instructions and you'll end up with this item" types
of chapters that are a pleasure to follow.

If you could come up with a "Passing The flame" type version of a
lampworking book for Boro, then all will be well with the world.

[misfit]

Originally Posted by Karen Hardy

I'll poke my head in here.
Everybody already covered most everything I'd want to see in a book.

What I'd like to reiterate is that any book that's geared towards artists
should be mostly pictures. I have a great deal of friends in many industries
that are published authors. Too many times I have seen them start out on
projects like these only to have the publishers veto the visual format in
exchange for the written word, then wonder why the book isn't selling.
Artists don't like to read. We have to SEE the steps.

The reason that Corina's book is considered the bible of lampworking - and
the reason that it is still my alltime favorite book on this subject, is that
it is mainly pictures. Lots of them. Clear and concise and in focus.
Step by step "follow these instructions and you'll end up with this item" types
of chapters that are a pleasure to follow.

If you could come up with a "Passing The flame" type version of a
lampworking book for Boro, then all will be well with the world.

Oh definately. Pictures with as little print as one needs to explain is definately best. reading is great for novels, I want to SEE what the steps are too.

[IF-Designs]

You also might want to think about showing how to do these on more than one kind of torch show how to make some of these work from a minor to a cheetah to a barracuda

#1 Striking colors and how to get the most out of them....

#2 working tubing not just pulling points but what to DO with the points once you have it done

#3 Implosions everyone wants to do them everyone loves them show different techniques and patterns and color combos that work well.

#4 color recipes not just heres how to get this bead but also cane recipes and layered recipes too maybe...with striking tips and kiln tips its also important I think to include what kind of kiln and controller you have too because these might vary by manufacturer and people will need to adjust the schedule but its a good starting point if they know what kind of kiln and controller you started with.

[Leanne]

how to make your heart and how to make it in the awesome colour you make it that starts as yellow at the tip going up to purples/pinks ect up the top.

Kiln temps ect also put in degress celicius or at least a conversion table somewhere.

lots of different recipie's for canes - good foolproof ones for awesome results.

marbles

flower implosions and diagrams of different patterns to put on marias with a photo of what the finished result will be.

[Lizabeads]

I agree with all the above.... but would like to add... how to do hollows and MAINLY - blowing ornaments. I started in this two years ago wanting to make glass ornaments and haven't done it yet. I was making enamel beads then and when I made a few glass beads I haven't really tried anything else. But I want to SEE someone blowing an ornament. Also if you could offer a special price for a set.... the book and video. I'd like to have both where I could watch it then take the book out with me as a reminder with pics to see. I guess that would be asking to much. But I think people would like to have a package deal available. A GOOD price now, cause I'm POOR !! lol

[HardwoodTrailGlass]

Originally Posted by Karen Hardy

I'll poke my head in here.
Everybody already covered most everything I'd want to see in a book.

What I'd like to reiterate is that any book that's geared towards artists
should be mostly pictures. I have a great deal of friends in many industries
that are published authors. Too many times I have seen them start out on
projects like these only to have the publishers veto the visual format in
exchange for the written word, then wonder why the book isn't selling.
Artists don't like to read. We have to SEE the steps.

The reason that Corina's book is considered the bible of lampworking - and
the reason that it is still my alltime favorite book on this subject, is that
it is mainly pictures. Lots of them. Clear and concise and in focus.
Step by step "follow these instructions and you'll end up with this item" types
of chapters that are a pleasure to follow.

If you could come up with a "Passing The flame" type version of a
lampworking book for Boro, then all will be well with the world.

Karen, I agree. Nicely put.
I really like what most everyone has suggested to be included for instruction. But...

"Don't tell me, SHOW me!"

I mean of course you have to 'tell', but in as little wording as possible for all of us to understand, and pictures, pictures, pictures!

[sandree]

I would love to have a book to go to for classic boro techniques that I have no knowledge of as a beadmaker. The reticello thing, fuming, wigwags, floral pendants (both the ones that look like morning glories and the ones that have more of a separate petal look...these are all quite mysterious when you come from a bead background. Suggestions for good colors for certain techniques, using dichro with boro. Sounds like a fabulous idea and will fill a niche that has not been filled yet. Another technique book that I think really works well is Brad Pearson and Diana Griffin Dove's "Dot" book. Really clear photos, good explanations and it is not nearly as expensive as Corina's.

Sandy

[Torch Singer]

If you're gearing it toward beginners, please talk about what kind of flame you're using and how far from the torch face you like to work, etc. Give the "technical" details about what we're seeing; what it looks like to accomplish step X. While I loved the Remschneider videos, it seemed a lot was assumed about what the beadmaker knew...I wanted to know what the flame chemistry was and how far from the torch to work. I've found certain things pervasive in Boro videos I've watched--they assume the viewer knows what "condense it" or blow it out means. Blow it out how much? How thick/thin should the walls be (for hollow work)? Condense? Not a term used in any the soft glass videos and books I have (and I have lots of each). These are only two small examples, there are more.

Corbin Freeman does something in his videos that I think is a good "best practice" by showing a technique once, and in future clips speeding up the video where he's repeating something (like melting in dots, for example). He puts little fast-forward arrows at the top of the screen to indicate that you're seeing a speeded-up version.

That said, I'll offer up my services as a proofreader/tech writer if you want someone to go through text to see if it makes sense from a beginner's point of view. I write "trained monkey can to it" instructions for people as part of my job and have helped a friend of mine who makes/sells beadwork kits by going through her instructions and making sure they're clear and concise.

Jood