I think we've discussed something like this before ... sorry! ... but I've been asked to make an open heart focal - and then make it up into a necklace, with a couple of toning bumpy beads.
I'm going to have a go at adding a small wire loop while the heart is still molten in the hope that the glass will fuse the loop into place - but I've no idea if it will work!
The wire needs to be silver (colour) or black, so no point trying copper - but does anybody have any suggestion what kind of wire is likely to withstand the temperatures?
This is the kind of focal bead I'm talking about.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a111/biggirlsblouseuk/P5240430.jpg)
Julie, I have no idea about this from a lampworking point of view!!!
However, I use these a lot in my PMC work
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa275/beccic/smalleyelet.jpg)
The prong part sinks into the clay, leaving the loop exposed. It's fine silver.
If you think it might work. I could send you a couple to try.
Rebecca
Ooh that looks fab, but the prong is rather long - do you think it could be cut down?
Julie, yes normal wire cutters are fine. I do that if I don't have the space for the whole prong.
Do you want to try it?? PM me your address if you do
Rebecca
I'd love to - thanks!
PM on its way ;D
OOoo..... do you sell these Rebecca ???
xx
Yes Les I do!!
It's 4mm round with a 2mm hole, there is a smaller size too, from memory it's a 1mm hole, but the pesky things have disappeared into thin air!! I really need to sort out my stock and workspace!!
Rebecca
Silver melts at a lower temperature than glass so I expect you'll end up with melted silver on your heart bead. Have a look at
http://www.kitco.com/jewelry/meltingpoints.html
Why not make a wrapped loop once the bead has been annealed. A video is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of_6Cdqtj8g
That way, you don't run the risk of spoiling the heart bead whilst the glass is soft.