Join Aja in demystifying off-mandrel hollow beads made on an Italian-style blowpipe. Students will learn relative advantages of blowing beads using this method. Basic techniques will focus on reading heat, centering air bubbles, and even wall thickness. Students will learn to use diamond shears, which is a skill not as commonly taught that allows for even holes in blown beads. Multiple methods of making holes in hollow beads will be covered. For students without an Italian-style blowpipe, a heavy-walled hollow mandrel can be used. Troubleshooting videos and cheat sheets will help visualize how to fix common mistakes. Having a good foundation will make it easier to experiment with other shapes and techniques.
Aja will share her workbench set up and help you choose your tools. She will offer comparisons and how to use them to create the foundation needed for expanding your hollow beads.
Setting up Your Workbench
Visual of Tools Used in this Course
How to use your Hot Fingers
Diamond Shears comparison
Grabbing tools for transferring
Aja will share the cleaning and maintenance of her tools
The very Foundation of all hollow beads is starting with a round bead
Lets add on to our skills by creating off set holes on bobble beads
You will learn how to create an encased round hollow using a tungsten pick to create the holes.
Taking the foundation and adding to our shaping skills with a cube shape.
building on the foundation with tube beads
Trouble shooting Common mistakes.
Step by step guide on how to achieve a wonderful matt finish by etching your beads.