February 22nd, 2007 at 9:33 pm
How to Make Glass Beads/A Beginners Kit
I have made a list using this article of all the things needed to make glass beads 
I would definitely suggest reading the article along with Jo’s Website for some excellent tips all about getting started. It doesn’t look like an easy hobby to just ‘pick up.’ It takes lots of safety precautions and money!
Here is the list of things needed:
A mandrel (a metal rod for building beads)
Bead release (a fireproof material for coating a mandrel)
A MAPP/propane/oxygen propane torch with a clamp
Didymium safety glasses
A BBQ lighter
A marver (a flat, heatproof, metal or graphite surface)
Fiber blanket/heated vermiculite
Extra fine emery paper
Ideally a well ventilated shed or workshop area
For advice about whether or not a kiln is needed please go HERE
I have also found a starter kit here for 150 pounds.
Happy Beading
I would definitely suggest reading the article along with Jo’s Website for some excellent tips all about getting started. It doesn’t look like an easy hobby to just ‘pick up.’ It takes lots of safety precautions and money! Here is the list of things needed:
A mandrel (a metal rod for building beads)
Bead release (a fireproof material for coating a mandrel)
A MAPP/propane/oxygen propane torch with a clamp
Didymium safety glasses
A BBQ lighter
A marver (a flat, heatproof, metal or graphite surface)
Fiber blanket/heated vermiculite
Extra fine emery paper
Ideally a well ventilated shed or workshop area
For advice about whether or not a kiln is needed please go HERE
I have also found a starter kit here for 150 pounds.
Happy Beading
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Hi
I started making glass beads about seven months ago and have found using a MAPP propane canister from B&Q very expensive, we use a barbeque gas cylinder which is much cheaper and lasts for ages. The flame is not as hot but for making glass beads using the glass rods from Tuffnell Glass it is great. If you are using just normal glass rods this is brill and really keeps the cost down. I make two coloured beads by rolling a plain white rod around the mandrel and then roll a clear turg glass rod on top and they come out a lovely mixture. Or the lastest is cream first and then a clear tan glass rod and it comes out all stripped. Everyone loves my necklaces and they are much cheaper than a box of chocolates as a present.
Your site is great.
regardyvonne Caine
August 4th, 2009 at 4:17 pm