Yes, a *slightly* reducing flame helps to strike the Kronos as you wrap it onto a bead (see post above).
I prefer a lighter color for a base, uranium yellow, pale ink blue. I wouldn't use it on ivory because it reacts heavily with the ivory - it's a nice effect but isn't the iridescence like in Teresa's vessel (very kewl vessel, Teresa!)
Don't be afraid to practice with the glass - you can't learn how to use it unless you use it
If you haven't had experience striking or reducing glass before, you can practice on some other colors and then try the doublehelix. That might be less expensive - transfer your skills to the doublehelix. You can practice reducing the rubino/ruby gold to a gold color. It's fussy but that's the point - it will give you experience in reducing.
Practice striking tongue pink or opalino pink. That will give you practice on the in and out of the flame and being careful not the lose the color.
Once you're confident doing those colors, then you will feel more confident using the doublehelix. I can tell you that I've only used a rod of each so far. Using stringer or dots is a good way to practice and then not use too much while you're on the learning curve.
Hang in there!
Cindy