Anybode who has made glass bracelets?

[Floorkasp]

I have a round bracelet mandrel and will get started this weekend on trying it out. I have a GTT Cricket, so a fairly small flame.
I think I might struggle with keeping the whole thing hot enough. I can try both 104 and boro.
Any helpful advice on how to go about this? Right now, I am thinking of doing what I do when I make a ring: get the mandrel nice and hot, try to get an even footprint. Add more glass, melt it in, marver it gently. And in the mean time, make sure that the back does not cool down so it cracks....

[Eileen]

I have never even heard of such a thing for lampworked glass, only fused.
Do you have a link or photo?

[Floorkasp]

I have a mandrel from Devardi, but there are other mandrels around. So it must be done.....
http://www.devardiglass.com/mandrels.htm (About two thirds down)

[Eileen]

Interesting! I'd guess that keeping the mandrel hot would be important so it doesn't pull the heat from your glass. Let us know how it goes, I'd love to see.

[Floorkasp]

Might be that I will try to do something that is impossible. Guess there's only one way to find out.....

[Eileen]

Nothing is impossible so they say, you can do it!

[labelleperle]

I think you might find it difficult on a cricket, to keep the heat needed. The mandrel is going to suck the heat from the glass, so it will be an interesting process. But never say never! Experimentation is a big part of the glass journey, so please keep us updated on how it goes

[IreneFH]

Very interesteing! I have a Cricket torch too, so Im curious to find out if you can make this work. It was a lot of Nice mandrels on that Devardi page. I particularly liked the 1/4 Round Bracelet Mandrel and the Larger Stainless Vessel Mandrel. Feel the need to buy something....

[KJohn]

I saw that mandrel too, and it looked interesting. I will say that I don't think you need to cover the whole thing but could vary the width and length. That might be easier to start with, too.

I'm not sure how you would put holes in the ends, maybe a tool to push in a hole in the hot glass, or glue something to the back? or maybe insert looped wire into the ends? I'd love to see what you do

[Pat]

I'd be careful. Years ago a woman on WC told of making glass rings. A lady said she was in an accident or something and the ring cut off her finger. She sued the lampworker and I've never seen that gal on any forums.

[Floorkasp]

Thanks. My idea was to make a bangle, so to make it fully around the mandrel, but not very wide. I'll let you know if I make any progress.

[Floorkasp]

First attempt. It is in boro, single wrap of glass. Quite surprised it is still in one piece.
It is indeed very difficult to get both the mandrel hot enough and the glass hot enough at the same time. The result was that the glass would not stick to the mandrel, and was more wrapped or folded around the mandrel. Not bad for a first attempt though. It is way too fragile to wear, and the size is also too big for me, and I think for most people. I'll continue to have some fun with the mandrel and try some more things.

[2xMI]

Congratulations!

Mimi

[beachbeads]

talk to Deb Crowley, she makes beautiful glass bracelets