Glass Beads

I am pretty excited today.  I have always wanted to make glass beads.  I've taken a couple of classes with a family friend who does just that, but never tried it on my own. 
I received a torch and lampworking kit as a gift about a year ago, but never had anyplace to set it up.  After much time and thought, I was able to rig it up on a fireproof table on my porch, and I couldn't be happier!  The kit I received had 10 Bullseye glass rods and a hothead torch, along with mandrels and other tools of the bead making trade.  I have started researching all the different kinds of glass that are available - after I realized how many kinds are out there! I had no idea that there was more than Moretti and Boro glass, but other soft glasses that one can work with.  Glass is such a versatile, beautiful medium to work with. 

I am on a learning curve for sure, despite the instruction I have received.  My first attempts at bead making were interesting, to say the least!  Bead release, which coats the mandrel you use to construct a bead, stuck to the glass while I was working and ended up in the bead.  It was a really pretty bead, except for where the bead release showed through and left rough spots.  The next time I sat at the torch, I put the beads into the ceramic fiber insulation too quick, and the beads stuck to the fiber and marred the sheen on the bead.  in attempting to fix this, I blew up one of the beads (the other one I managed to salvage).  Sometimes the color of the rod is NOT the color that will appear in your bead.  I have a green colored rod, but when the glass reacts to the heat, it turns a lovely orange color.  I find it so exciting to make a bead, and not know exactly how it's going to look until it's completely finished and cooled.  I feel like a kid at Christmas when I'm waiting to look at the final result of my labors. 

Today has been the best attempt yet.  My dad and I rigged a new torch up with a different mix of gasses that burn at a higher temperature than the MAPP gas and Hothead torch.  I am much happier with the new setup, and make more beads, quicker, and easier.  Since we set up the new torch, I have not blown any beads up, which makes me pretty happy!  I am looking forward to experimenting with new bead shapes, sizes & designs!