When I am at Higham Hall, teaching basic glass beadmaking, I always take four Lampworking books with me for the students to borrow, but I have to admit I have only ever flicked through them myself, so often the students will come to me with a page open saying how lovely a bead looks.
So, this time I brought the books home with me, and promised myself I would try out some of the tutorials.
The bead I fancied trying first was the Tiger bead from "Passing The Flame", by Corina Tettinger.
I made myself promise not to pick up any other glass, or frit, or tools, than the ones needed to make this particular bead. I didn't even take my usual glass of wine with me !!
I pulled some stringers, made some twisties, dipped my mandrels and off I went.
I didn't have one of the glasses suggested - Dark Amber - so I made a few with 'Dark Topaz' and some more with 'Straw' This was the only variation I made.
Of course this morning I was chomping at the bit to get to the kiln. But when I did I was quite chuffed with the results.
Dark Topaz based beads.
Straw based beads.
And a Straw based focal bead.
Wonder what I shall try next.....
Great beads Sooz, I like the straw colour best. I think it's good to force ourselves out of our comfort zone sometimes. It's definitely where I learn new stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judith, that's interesting you like the paler ones, I much prefer the darker ones :)
ReplyDelete