filligrana

[catriona]

Hi
i,m looking for a whole range of filligrana martin has a few colours but i,m looking for more colours any ideas ladies .
xxcatxx

[Trudi]

I like to make my own - I find the commercial ones are too thick, shocky and expensive!

Try a white base, a dark transparent and encase in clear. Rubino over white is gorgeous!

[Jolene]

I make my own too, but have always tended to go for a solid opaque coloured core with clear. Top tip there Trudi

[Trudi]

cheers!

Here's some ribbon beads I made to show you some colour ideas



White was just white!
Dark green
Ink Blue
Rubino
cobalt

I like to put a reasonable layer of colour on as it "dilutes" as you pull!

If anyone needs instructions just ask!

[Louise Menzies]

OO yummy I may just have to have a go at this 

[Trudi]

I like to layer my swirls too - so once i have a wrap, I encase and put the next spiral "inbetween" - simple but effective!

I shall be round to inspect!

[elburnzo]

instructions would be gd, im a newbie      


ETA meant to add tht those beads are gorgeous!

[Trudi]

Flattery will get you everywhere!!!  I don't have pictures, but it's not difficult!

I make mine on 2 mandrels (un coated)  - thicker ones 2.4mm

heat the end of 1 mandrel

get your glass ready - 1white, 1 dark trans and 1 clear

wind a few wraps of white on 1 mandrel  -marver into shape (marver in between layers to stop air bubbles)

encase with your coloured transparent - I make this a thick layer - or 2 thin ones - marver smooth

encase with clear -marver smooth

get your other mandrel and heat the end - and heat the free end of your glass and attach.

Without twisting the glass, evenly heat the glass

When it is molten remove from the flame -wait a few seconds - and then slowly pull
* if you pull too soon it will be too thin *


so give it a go and lets see your beads!!
Hope that helps! Trudi x
Snap the glass off and put the mandrelsin your water jar to shock off excess glass

[elburnzo]

fabtastic! Thanks, gonna give it a shot later on, love those beads!

[princess pink]

ooo cheers for the tips honey!

[Trudi]

I'm going to be expecting pictures you know!!

[Trudi]

and with pictures

[catriona]

Thanks Trudi for great info and pics i,ll have a go at that .
xxcatxx

[Dreams of Glass]

ooo thank you Trudi, I've never made my own filigrano, that looks doable... but then again always got Martin to fall back on 

[elburnzo]

i should really take the laptop with me to the shed or something! Had a go- too much white, not enough colour and forgot to marver! But after seeing the pics i know what i'm supposed to be doing lol thanks xxx