Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Lampworking Tip n Tricks => Topic started by: flowerjasper on March 10, 2008, 11:15:04 PM

Title: pixie dust
Post by: flowerjasper on March 10, 2008, 11:15:04 PM
just got in from the shed, my glass came from moretti and more today,
sooo lovely didnt mind paying customs to much!!
i seem to be getting the hang of the seeded glass etc,(intense black frit is fun)
but the pixie dust is so light and clumpy i wasnt sure what to do with it!!
i have it all over my hands, two coats (its cold out there!)
any tips on how to use it?
i have two tubs of it!!
sandy
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: ♥♥Tan♥♥ on March 11, 2008, 09:56:24 AM
Make a bead, let it cool ever so slightly then roll it in the pixie dust, tap off the excess then put the bead back in the very tip of the flame, the coolest part and gently warm it so it sticks, .....voila!!
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: jaz on March 11, 2008, 03:29:45 PM
I keep mine in glass jar that I bought herbs in - threw out the herbs first of course. The jars are long enough that you can put the bead and mandrel in and give the jar a turn to coat the whole bead. Just don't keep the bead in there too long as the jar gets hot.

Helen
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: Caroline on March 11, 2008, 03:43:47 PM
oh thats a fab idea Helen
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: ♥♥Tan♥♥ on March 11, 2008, 03:46:34 PM
ooo that is a fab idea Helen
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: Billie on March 11, 2008, 03:55:06 PM
Indeedy, that is a fab idea Helen  :)
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: GlassOcean on March 11, 2008, 08:27:54 PM
Oooo what they said Helen, I can feel a trip to the pound shop coming on!
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: Kay on March 11, 2008, 11:01:21 PM
can I be thick and ask what pixie dust is ???
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: flowerjasper on March 11, 2008, 11:25:12 PM
i brought 2 tubs not knowing what it is!!
meant to add sparkle,  ???    would you like a sample? pm me,
thanks for the tips will try tomorrow,
should i encase or leave it ?
sandy
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: Kay on March 11, 2008, 11:46:14 PM
is it Mica powder?
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: jaz on March 12, 2008, 07:52:29 AM
Yes, it is mica powder and I think encasing it will spoil the lustre effect but I don't think I have ever tried encasing it. Also don't heat the bead too much after you apply the mica or it will disappear.

Helen
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: Kay on March 12, 2008, 09:51:55 PM
I have Pearl Ex pigments, not sure if its the same stuff???
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: jaz on March 14, 2008, 07:36:46 PM
I haven't used PearlEx but I have tried similar stuff. It seemed more dense than the normal mica and went on in a thicker layer. It survived annealing and stayed on. I guess you just have to try it and see what happens.

Helen
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: Mary on March 14, 2008, 08:05:12 PM
Some PearlEx just burns to ash, some is good, it depends on the colour. Mica for soap making works well and you get loads.
Here's a useful chart.

http://www.listen-up.org/kitty/beads/pearl/charts.htm
Title: Re: pixie dust
Post by: Kay on March 14, 2008, 10:00:08 PM
Thank you for the link Mary, very useful x