Making Bubbles with Brass Shavings

If you have never played with brass “frit” (technically brass shavings) then you are in for a real treat! A few of us were perusing the Lampworketc website and came across this post started by Dawn Ceccacci. 

Here are some key points:

1. Brass can give off toxic fumes when heated, USE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.

2. You must be careful when using brass frit. It is sharp and can cause injury. The key to success is to use very little of it, and roll your heated glass bead through it ONCE. It will NOT pick up all the brass.

3. Next, keep the bead below the flame and encase it in a heavy layer of clear or a colored transparent, covering all the brass frit fully. A heavy encasement of clear adds a lot of depth to the bead. Be careful not to place the brass  frit directly into the flame. It will spark and burn off the bead.

4. Heat the encased bead until you see the gold bubbles form, where the brass has vaporized. Don’t heat your bead too long because it will bring bubbles to the surface of your bead where they will pop.