Reflection- The Bead Making Process

Much to my surprise, the glass bead production process was far easier than anticipated, allowing for the creation of 14 individual beads varying in size, shape, pattern, and color within the allotted 3 hours our group was scheduled for (Examples of which is shown in the images above).

 

Throughout the process, I intended to test how well and in what ways different colored glass adheres to the other, noting afterwards that the cracking and shattering of 4 of my beads was most often at the point of union between 2 (or more) colors. In reflection of their construction, I am able to draw notable reminders for our next visit to the workshop:

1)   Molten glass distribution must be evenly and slowly melted onto the mandrel. This is to avoid pulling the glass against the mandrel, which may lead to bubbles and the cracking of the protectant clay.

2)   In combining glass colors, the bead must be held within the heat of the flame to ensure secure adhesion of one color of molten glass to the other.

3)   When producing embellishments, such as a risen spiral on the outer portion of the bead, consider pressing the decoration slightly into the bead while molten. When cooled, the embellishment will be less prone to popping off, as it will be less raised from the bead surface.

4)   Black glass is prone to melting faster than other colors.

5)   White glass has the tendency to burn more obviously than other colors, turning a rather undesirable yellowish-brown. Thus, when combining colors with white, it often takes the longer time in a cooler area of the flame.

6)   The development of straight lines (whether it be in a design or the actual shape of the bead) is extremely difficult. Straight lines require attention to detail, a greater amount of time working the glass, and a sturdy hand.  Unfortunately, my intended quadratic bead looks more like an unusually warped blob.

7)   Keep all metal tools away from the flame so to keep cool. A warm tool creates a surface to which the molten glass can stick, rather than being shaped. This is a mess best not dealt with.

8)   When using stringers to achieve a dotted design, allow the stringer to melt thoroughly into a rounded bulb and drop onto the bead on its own for a perfect circle shape. Pressing the stringer onto the bead when it is not fully molten creates a more spikey or misshaped design.

   

I’m inclined to say my most successful beads were the black-and-white segmented and heart pattern beads, both of which took the longest to produce out of all 14 beads. My main conclusion; bead crafting is certainly not for those who like to rush!