Does the bellflower press do beads? SUCCESS!!!!

[JKC]

I know someone in America had one adjusted to use with a mandrel, I asked Beadpress last year if they could get one done for me me, but sadly it never happened, but it can be done, although it is tricky to use. Janet

[Enchanted Cobwebs]

SUCCESS!!!!!!!
will post piccys later

Used 1mm stainless steel wire held in pin vice and dipped the wire in bead release. I made a sphere of glass on the tip and placed into the press as normal. This morning I removed the 'mandrel' used a very small ball diamond drill to pierce through from the centre into the mandrel space then reamed as normal and I have me a bead!

[Pat from Canvey]

Good for you. I only have the small press. What size are you using?

[Enchanted Cobwebs]

Good for you. I only have the small press. What size are you using?

I got the 20mm one with 8 petals as I figured I may be able to make smaller ones using less glass

[Barnacle Bay]

Wheres the pickys?  Sorry I am being very impatient 

SUCCESS!!!!!!!
will post piccys later

Used 1mm stainless steel wire held in pin vice and dipped the wire in bead release. I made a sphere of glass on the tip and placed into the press as normal. This morning I removed the 'mandrel' used a very small ball diamond drill to pierce through from the centre into the mandrel space then reamed as normal and I have me a bead!

Blimey that press is soo expensive,  are you going to sell the beads on their own? That site does have some really great stuff - very tempting.

[Enchanted Cobwebs]

Yes, photographed straight away, then forgot...its an age thing!

So, these are the first batch, so east, simple and fast. It takes longer to drill the tiny bit through than it does to make them. Made loads on copper wire to make mothers day brooches for the artisan market but not made any more of the beads

[spexy]

That's a brilliant idea, thanks for sharing.

[Pat from Canvey]

So glad it worked for you.

[Sarah9959]

What a fantastic idea 

[Enchanted Cobwebs]

 so simple on clear glass as u can see the hole position, not sure its as easy on opaque but use a clear centre?