Tips from Birdy

Birdy Coon, of Walla Walla Washington, was gracious enough to share some tricks she’s learned over the years. Thank you Birdy, we appreciate your contribution to June’s Newsletter.

Glass slivers in your fingers? Are they invisible, too small or too delicate to grasp with tweezers? Glass splinters can live in your fingers for days. Ichthammol Ointment 20%, applied to the sore spot daily and covered with a bandaid, will help draw the splinter out. It might take a few days, but it usually draws the splinter out faster than just leaving it alone. It keeps the skin soft and supple and helps reduce the inflammation and pain. Rite Aid has it for less than $5.

Can lids make great trays for frit or enamel. They may also be used for warming murrini, dichro and cz’s. Use a can opener that unrolls the seal, instead of cutting the can. This is my favorite.

Got a muck bucket? I keep a small bucket of water handy for washing off uncured bead release to prevent it from being washed down the sink drain. Too much will eventually block drainage in the pipes. I use a bucket until the water gets too dirty, then set it aside for the water to evaporate while I start using another bucket. After the murky water in the first bucket settles a bit, I pour off the clear water at the top to speed up the evaporating time. When it reaches the ‘mud’ stage I scrape it into the trash. It’s kind of a nuisance having small buckets sitting around,but it’s much less hassle than having to take apart sink drains!