my space
glass storage
mandrels ready for a bead
The 'studio' is in the corner of my lovely big shed.
The cricket torch is set up next to the hot head. The torch is silent, so now I can work to music and watch episodes of Dr Who and Midsomer Murders. I have finally purchased a Canta 5ppm Concentrator which is enough for the cricket to run off.
I still keep the hothead as it's perfect for smaller beads, sculptures, and certain colours - it just takes longer for the bigger beads and you get different effects from the glass from just the propane - turquoise and ivory for example. Try really hard not to burn the blues. The hothead is also perfect for sculptured beadwork
A FEW LESSONS I HAVE LEARNT:
make sure you have everything you need with you before you start.
keep containers of water within reach...and make sure one is at least hand sized...see next point....
don't try and catch the mandrel or rod if it slips through your fingers.
start an aloe vera plant in a pot.
don't answer the phone while you're working.
make sure dinner is organised or cooked before starting - nothing worse than being in the middle of a great bead with a starving child staring at you
make sure dogs are not sitting under the chair when you are working with glass that shatters easily - i.e. anice white.....!
don't assume you have enough just enough gas left in the cylinder if you plan to do a long session.
watch a demonstration on You Tube at least once a day.
ask questions and share your stories with other beaders, join a forum - it gets lonely on the torch sometimes.
BEST WORK CAN BE DONE AT MIDNIGHT
