I'm trying to master this combo, I'm really happy with the stringer work but each bead I make has an area which has just reacted too much and gone yukky brown - should I just be working faster or does anyone have any tips..
Here's an example of a side I'm happy with..
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4266626660_0b052b2cbd_m.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53211004@N00/4266626660/)
and one that's gone mucky..
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/4266626666_5b3528c270_m.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53211004@N00/4266626666/in/photostream/)
I was wondering if another glass might be better?
Hi Kathry,
for me it looks like working too hot. What glass did you use?
Effetre..
It's just a little overworked. If you use any reactive glass - any ivory and turquoise combo - you'll get the reaction and the more heat you give the the more it will react. You can work it slow but go right up into the top of the flame and melt the stringer in really really slowly In fact stop heating it while it's still a little bumpy. By the time you flame polished it and finished your shaping it will be flat but not too reacted. Heat, then rest, heat then rest - type of thing. The reaction isn't as strong with the lighter turquoise.
If you like the two colours together but don't actually want the reaction at all go for clear encased ivory. In my limited experience you might find that Vetrofond is not quite as murky a reaction.
Thanks Sal, I will try that - I suppose I had thought that taking too long would make it worse so I probably hurried and gave it too much heat. Also, I'll try the vetro too, see what happens :)
If you get hold of a pale batch of opal yellow, or use silver pink, you'll get a similar look without the reaction.