Avoiding bad habits

[Trudi]

Oh ... And start small and build up size gradually.

[Els1]

Don't stare at your newly made bead for too long even when you're absolutely impressed by finally managing a new technique. (We've all had that experience, right?  ) Will cause your bead to crack for sure.

[Pat from Canvey]

Do not put the finger of your dominant hand through the flame            Fortunately I have Boots the chemist burn gel in stock but my finger nail is a fetching shade of brown.

[Tonyb]

Don't try too many techniques at once - spend time getting good at 1 technique or design so that when you try other designs and have a bad day, you can revert back to something you do well to cheer yourself up!

[james M knox]

Pull your own stringers -

This saves money and helps a LOT with learning heat control

There are a lot of tutorials on the internet on how to do this

I cannot agree more with 'Passing the Flame' - I keep going back to this book for basic things that I keep having to refresh my poor brain with 

JMKnox

[myrica]

I've been following all the great advice on this thread - thanks everybody.

Have finally got a copy of Passing the Flame and it has made some things clearer. I could get consistently puckered ends or round beads but not both and I now know why!

I can add some things of my own now (before I forget) -

• When you buy a mixed bundle of glass, go through the list in the wiki and separate out any that are prone to being shocky. Use them later when you you've got the basics. I took out the rods that strike and reduce too.
• Get an apron with a high neck if you're worried about flying glass. Cat gave me one and it's been helpful in building my confidence.
• Have a plan for what you'll do when the glass won't stick to the mandrel or if the bead cracks when you're working on it - it'll help you not to panic.