I'm eyeing up all those lovely bead presses and graphite tools but ...
Has anyone tried turning artists graphite sticks (e.g. the Derwent natural graphite sticks) into moulds for shaping beads?
If so, how did it go?
Thanks!
I have - worked fine for what I wanted it to do :) The sharpened end was perfect for doing pokey things and the curved edges shaped hot glass nicely too. Mine weren't Derwent (IIRC they were a cheap, unbranded version). Just make sure you slice the outer wrapping off with a knife!
oooh, these sound good. Where do you get them from ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370316682935 - mine was like this (I say "was" because I haven't used it in ages and think it's now lost amongst the clutter in my workshop ;) ).
Thank you Jane, it looks very interesting and a good price, I think I will order one today; there are so many lampwork tools that I dream of, i'm going to have a big christmas list this year especially after spending the day with Madeline and seeing all of her lovely tools x
Quote from: Jane C ♫ on October 03, 2013, 11:54:39 PM
Has anyone tried turning artists graphite sticks (e.g. the Derwent natural graphite sticks) into moulds for shaping beads?
Yes but I got mine from the cheap bookshop "The Works" I think it's called. http://www.theworks.co.uk/page/art-craft Their stock seems to change rapidly though. Good for poking holes in sculptural beads for eye sockets for instance. Also look in charity shops for items that are made of brass that could be used for imprinting on beads.