First Glass Purchase...

[aoturoa]

Making the most of the sale, I'll be logging an order with GlassWorks.

This is my first ever purchase. I have never, ever lampworked before. Yes I am insane. Still, I have to start my stash somewhere right?

So... over to you guys 

[Shirley]

I'd go for one of the mix packs - the effetre one that has 3 rods of every colour is a very good place to start. I then purchased more of my favourites, which were dark purple, dark topaz and light ivory.

After that I just went mad and bought all sorts of glass, and still am

[sparrow]

Erm....well, the sale is for Vetrofond Odds & Effetre hand pulled.....I have to admit I wouldn't necessarily start with vetrofond odd lots, they're among the shockier glasses (meaning you'll end up with glowing tiny shards embedded in your clothes and body if not careful). Sale or not, I'd make sure you order some bog standard Effetre as well........by all means order a huge stash of the odds and put them away for the first few days/hours/minutes/until your patience runs out

[beadysam]

Lots of clear, lots of black, white and ivory.

[Mary]

Stick to one brand to start with, or two with the same coe (Effetre and Vetrofond usually go well together). And I'd make sure you have black, white, ivory and clear. After that, it's whatever colours you like! Don't go too mad with specials and expensive ones, you'll be wasting a lot of glass to start with.
I remember seeing threads about people buying the latest colours, and couldn't imagine ever getting bored of the standard range! I'm waaay past that now, lol!

[aoturoa]

I'm still bemused, to be honest.

[aoturoa]

Okay, I think I have it.

I'm ordering 'basic' colours - Effetre Black Transparent, Effetre Pastel White & Vetrofond Crystal Clear.

Then as extras - Effetre Dark Silver Plum, Effetre EDP & Vetrofond Seashell Swirl.

Does that sound reasonable? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[Mary]

You might not want to use EDP at first. It is well named Evil Devitrifying Purple, it is temperamental!

[Shirley]

If you want to make any sort of organic style beads then ivory is a must. Otherwise why not go for colours you like?

[spheresofglass]

Welcome to the fetish.... see glass, buy it syndrome.... most girls buy shoes or handbags, we buy glass!  It's something that my hubby often wonders at, why I'm not a girlie girl, but then he comes into my studio and sees the rack of pretty, shinny, shinny, glass!!!  (straight jacket is hanging on the door as you go out!!)  

You can never have enough glass.....  that's my motto... and frit!!  Don't' get me started on frit, I love the stuff ask Beady Sam, I'm always buying!!

I'd advise you to go for black, white, clear and a multi pack of mixed glass rods.  Find out what you like and how it works with other colours.  Best way.

Enjoy!!

[spheresofglass]

Ooooo and forgot.... some double helix!!!!  Oh yes.... shinny, shinny, shinny....

[aoturoa]

I was going to order double helix, but I wasn't sure about it. There's a small multi-pack of CiM rods I might add to the list as well.

I'm trying not to go too mad as I do have to buy the whole set up yet - that's everything from a desk up to a torch.

[Black Heart Beads]

I would recommend the mixed effetre packs, although not in the sale. They have a great range of colours that on the whole behave themselves. We all make a lot of wonky beads to start with and you don't feel like you are burning £5 notes. But some special glass while its on offer is hard to resist, and I admit I couldn't

[beadysam]

I'd avoid the EDP to begin with - it is hard to work even for experienced lampys.
Seashell swirl - well to be honest, I think its pretty boring.
Silver Plum, lovely glass, but expensive for a beginner.  It can be difficult to get all the oil slick colours unless you know what you are doing.

If I were you, I'd get a good assortment of the cheapest colours in both transparents and opaques and avoid anything fancy like Rubino Oro, EDP and the like.  If you want to go for something a bit spendy but effective, try Opal Yellow and Copper Green. Don't forget to use clear or a cheapy colour you don't like and encase it with one of the more expensive ones to make your glass go further.  Some of the classic combo's are stunning, like Ivory and turquoise.  Buy yourself some silver leaf and play with silver effects and Silvered Ivory Stringer.

You will make some crappy beads, and you will be disappointed and frustrated - thats just the way you learn your craft.  By using cheaper glass you feel less guilty, are under less pressure and have much more fun.

[aoturoa]

Hm. I think I'll follow that advice Sam. Although I might have to splash out on something a little sparkly 

I fully expect to make crappy beads. I currently make beads from Fimo and they're quite often total rubbish, but it's all good fun.