general frit problems

[mel]

Hello people,
Frit problems. I tend to stipple glass from a rod if I want a more interesting base, but everyone uses frit so well and I dont seem to gel with the stuff. I bought three ages ago but all I get is yuck. I do work on the hot side, is this the problem? I usually use ivory as a base, but have also tried a transparent base, pale blue I think. My results were so uninspiring, I think I made 3-4 beads and now the pots are collecting dust. The three I bought are:
Aubergine, Aquamarine blue and iris green frit. Should I be reducing any of these?
Can anyone suggest a base colour with one of these that is a good combo? Is it possible to fry frit until its frazzled?
Any guidance here very welcome.

[Jolene]

Ivory base is your problem, it conatains sulphur which reacts to yukky brown with many other glasses.

Not sure about reduction for those frits tho. I tend to put frit on pale opaque base colour which works best for me

Jo x

[Lush!]

My favourite base for frit is a pale transparent.  I'd recommend using less than you think you might need, and yes, you can overcook it.

[♥♥Tan♥♥]

Definitely don't use ivory as a base, it reacts to all blues, greens, yellows and oranges and can turn them all yukky as cak Try having a practice over white and over clear, two simple bases that will show the colours off to their best.

Make your bead, let it set then flash it back into the flame to warm it slightly then roll it in the frit, some will come off, don't worry. THen just introduce it back into the flame and melt slowly. THe iris green should spread if you really cook it and yes you should be able to reduce it.

Aubergine is a funny old colour, try it over a soft green or soft yellow, if the aquamarine is clear then try it over clear or white for its best colour

[mel]

Many thanks, will definately explore with white and other colours next session and will try not to overload or cook too much!

[♥♥Tan♥♥]

You can overload and overcook with some really fantastic effects, especially on the silver/iris colours, don't be afraid to have a good old go, try dipping a clear rod in your frit and pulling it into a stringer then applying it that way, its great fun