Greetings!
Hope you had a good week!
The store has been restocked and all the new products are on the store. Over 80 new products have gone on! See what's new. Don't forget to check out the Bead Shapers, the're selling fast.
We're always looking at ways to make your art glass supplies more affordable
and we know that shipping is a substantial factor for many of you.
So we're making them easier and even more affordable with ....
 That's right, now when you order you'll have peace of mind knowing that your shipping is
not going to be any more than $9.90, no matter what!
WOW! Check out the new pricing for our Simax! We have purchased in volume so we can pass the savings onto you.
You can now buy Simax in Australia substantially cheaper than buying overseas! PLUS with our new fixed rate shipping of just $9.95 you know exactly what you will pay, right from the start!
The new Double Helix Zepher is on its way in. Zepher will be sold in 1lb lots only and there will be a limit of 1lb per person for the initial shipment. Zepher comes from Double Helix in 1lb lots wrapped and untouched by human hands.
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| MOUNTAIN BEAD TUTORIAL |
| Wet Canvas Thread |
 Found this Mountain Bead Tutorial on Wet Canvas.
The bead takes about 20 minutes to make and the tutorial sets out step by step diagrams so you can easily see how these beads are made.
The bead to the left is by Hillside Gardens Art Studio. Click on the thumbnail to see the full picture.
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MURRINI MAKING TIPS
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Natalie Monkivich
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Pulling murrini:
When pulling murrini (or indeed any large gather of glass for cane) once heated evenly always pull vertically slowly and in a controlled manner. Hold the thicker end upwards which will help the glass flow down using gravity as you elongate the pull. Of course you can blow hard on the sections that have reached the desired diameter to freeze them at that width whilst still pulling gently on the rest of the gather. Removing murrini from the Punty: If you are pulling to a bead diameter (ie. 4-7mm) then you can either use your glass nippers and allow the cane to cool on your bench or cut directly into a heehawed kiln and anneal as you would your beads. I often pull large diameter murrini and use some glass scissors to cut the first end then cut the second end "almost" through then blow on the small connection before gently tapping off into the kiln for annealing. I personally like to anneal all of my cane that is above the 4mm diameter for additional stability of the finished slices.
See Beadmonki Murrini |
| MAKING STARBURST CANE MURRINI |
| You Tube Video |
This tutorial is by Lauri Copeland. She shows you how making simple murrini is easier than you think.
This tutorial uses soft glass but the same technique would apply to borosilicate. This is an excerpt from Lauri's DVD "All fired up"
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KILN HELP
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Estimating heat loss through Bead Doors
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I had this in a recent newsletter but wanted to run it again since I am asked this question so often.
Many people when first buying or using a kiln worry about the loss of heat through the bead door. The loss is actually very minimal as indicated in this article by John S Hohenshelt, President of Paragon Kilns that I found posted on the Glass Community website.
John tells us... "Electricity costs about $0.13 per kilowatt hour. This means you have to run a 1000-watt device for one hour straight to use $0.13 of electricity. Most annealing ovens power the heating elements for only about 50% of the time they are "ON". This is easily observable by the clicking ON and OFF of the relay..."
Read the rest here.
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| BOBBIN BEADS |
Lampwork Etc thread
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One of the new tools to the store this week are Bobbin Mandrels.
I loved the concept of Bobbin Beads when I first saw it on Lampwork Etc. in this thread. Take a look as there are a number of good ideas for using bobbins for your beads.
Click on the image above to see this and other bobbin beads by Dawn's Art Glass
The bobbins can be easily sourced from Australian online stores or ebay by doing a Google search.
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JOLLY GREEN DRAGON
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You Tube Video
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See how to make a "Jolly Green Dragon".
Watch the video here
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| TIPS ON CONSISTENT LENTIL HOLES |
Wet Canvas Threads
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 Do you get frustrated trying to get your lentil holes looking consistent?
You are not alone! Take a look at these WetCanvas threads for some helpful tips.
Lentil bead above by Sally Sheppard of Happily Ever Artist
Maureen Kennedy discusses other ways and tools for making Lentil Beads here
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ANNEALING DIGEST
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Asking "how do I anneal correctly" is like asking "what is the best clear". There are so many opinions and perspectives, all different that its hard to give a definitive answer!
There is some good reading for you on Wet Canvas on the subject that could be helpful.
And some more information here by Mike Aurelius on LampworkEtc. here
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BEADS TO SUPPORT KENYA AID
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One of the Charities we support is Kenya Aid. They are having a major fund raising dinner in November to raise much needed funds so they can continue their amazing work in Shikunga, Kenya.
Kenya Aid has made a huge difference to this community by providing medical services, a new hospital and a variety of health programs and education. Their SHARE program is the flagship of their women's health projects which is making it possible for young women to stay in school and complete their education. Read about their other projects here . They would be very appreciative of any Lampwork/Flamework pieces for one of their fund raising events, a Silent Auction, at the dinner. It's a great chance to not only give to a worthy cause but to also raise your profile. Your cards will be put alongside your donation for people to take. From my personal experience of donating in the past it was definitely worthwhile.
If anyone is interested in donating to this worthy organisation, please send me an email and I will let you know the details. |
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A GREAT IDEA TO US UP YOUR SHORTS!
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How much glass is wasted with all our left over shorts!
Well here is a great idea on how to create Cabochons from them to use in your jewellery designs I found on the Julsbeads Designer Jewelry Glass Art Beads website. See the tutorial here from Julsbeads.
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