First lentil tool / bead press - which one to get??

[Carrie-Jane]

Hi,

I am looking to buy my first glass bead squashing tool, but looking around there are so many to choose from!
I am wanting something not too big so I don't have to melt too much glass! but that makes a nice flattened shape so I could make some focal beads.

Any ideas anyone?
Or what is your favourite press you use all the time!

I have some money burning a hole in my paypal account.

[GlassOcean]

I just ordered a tile set and lentil set press from Maria Louisa off here, £83 in postage from France, waiting for them to arrive, she is posting them today!  YIPPEEEEEEE

[mariag]

Sandy of Spheres of Glass has presses for sale & some new designs due out soon
http://www.spheresofglass.com/presses.html

[Billie]

I think lentils/sprees are supposed to the be the easiest to use.  I started with a spree.  Still trying to get to grips with a pillow press, but the kalera is good too.

[Maria Louisa]

I just ordered a tile set and lentil set press from Maria Louisa off here, £83 in postage from France, waiting for them to arrive, she is posting them today!  YIPPEEEEEEE

I'm not in France though, I'm in Holland.
I'm sure you will like them both. 

[GlassOcean]

Sorry Maria! 
I think I got mixed up because of the last thread where 2 people offered the lentil press!

[Vicki]

curvey shapes are easier to use than cornery shapes

[sparrow]

curvey shapes are easier to use than cornery shapes

Yup....I only tried to make two tiles so far - one cracked, one didn't.....hope I get to improve on the 50% success rate!

I started with a spree press too, but have to admit I still ordered a lentil one as well.......I think I'm a press-hussy!

[Sulis (Hazel)]

The small ovals from Sandy are great, - plus I'm currently hankering after one of those lovely focal crunches that I was lucky enough to have a play with whilst at Glassworks recently. The good thing about the crunch is that you have a little more room to mess about with, so you don't have to be quite as precise with the amount of glass you use in them - which is great when you're starting out using these type of things. Having said that, you do get used to using presses after a little bit anyway...

So many presses and soooo little time/money/bench space   

[Carrie-Jane]

Thanks people,

There are so many to choose from, I see that you could get addicted to buying them and end up with a little collection of them on a set of shelves!

I had a look at Sandy's presses and either fancy the simple Spree press or one of the new mini combination presses.
I would also like to get one of those Crunches and just squish and see what happens!

I have loads of stuff sitting around I have sorted out ready to Ebay off, I haven't got round to it yet though. I thought if I visualised it all as a second or third press I might shift it all bit quicker!

[tillymint]

  Ive just bought a spree press from Sandy and have had a little go.Iv'e tried using the blue tack method to use the right amount of glass.I need a lot more practise!! Has anyone any other tips?

  Carol x

[Kaz]

That's a great idea!!!
I also like the idea of visualising stuff you need to sell off as something else that you desire. I have 2 laptops I need to ebay and they are now starting to look very much like bead presses.....
Kaz

[Carrie-Jane]

Well my old sewing machine is currently at DHL depot in bristol on its way to a lady in Swansea. The cash is in my Paypal account, Yippee!  and is enough for a couple of presses,
or maybe some more glass,
or some more bead release,
or more beady books,
or 1/6th of a kiln?

The list is endless!
Will have to dig out more stuff to Ebay. I actually sold a baby changing bag for double what I actually paid for it new!?
Unfortunately it was so long ago don't think TK Max have any more left.

[GlassOcean]

Carrie-Jane,
When you next take stuff to the tip look in their little shop, I got some clothes from there thinking they would fit a friend but they didn't so I put them on ebay and for a £1 bag of clothes (bin bag) I got nearly £50!
I haven't played with my presses from Maria Louisa yet, they are wrapped and waiting for Christmas!!   

[Carrie-Jane]

Thanks Karensa,
Our local tip is a bit expensive sometimes though.

DH says I am turning into the Ebay Queen.
I have got loads of bargains off Ebay lately.
Got an IMac. The ones that look like a lamp. DH is going self employed from 1st February and I will be doing all his accounts on it.  I love it, it looks so cute.
DD has got a great dolls house and furniture from Early Learning Centre new in box! 
I got some racking for £1.99 for my glass and I picked it up today. I have made up cubes and just thread the glass through.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230200572403&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=013
It's not about not being able to afford stuff, I just love bargain hunting.

I have to say with all my Ebaying and putting stuff in the freeads, we have hardly needed to go to a cash machine as we are just spending what people give us for our old stuff! I have even paid a gardener that I saw working down the road to clear up the garden a bit and get rid of all the fallen leaves.

All I need to do now is to be able to buy more hours in the day.


I sold a baby changing bag for £40, I only paid £19 for it new from TK Max! 
The lady is really pleased with the sewing machine I sold her so the £100 or so is mine to spend.
I have loads of stuff to get rid off. The latest being an light oak table and 4 chairs as we have bought a new table with 6 chairs.

DH has bought a new computer monitor so I now have his old 19" flat screen one (is like new). He has worked so hard lately at work he deserves a treat. He says he will treat me to something too, not sure what to go for yet, quite fancy some proper beading lessons.

The house would like a new washing machine as the spin doesn't seem to be as good as it used to and its rather old now.
However lovely DH said that is not classed as a treat for me. Ah. love him.