For the Beginner & the Forgetful

by Janie Jones

As long as glass is hot, keep the mandrel moving so the glass doesn’t sag.

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To make sure your finished bead is cool enough to go in the kiln, hold it under the table to see if it’s still glowing.

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Use heat and gravity to make a bead round – just keeping it in the flame will not make it round.

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Put a hot bead in a hot kiln. Put a cold bead in a cold kiln.

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To check your ventilation watch where the smoke goes from a blown out match.

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Always keep your mandrel parallel to the table when the glass is hot.

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Take breaks, drink something, walk around if necessary – don’t forget to blink and *breathe*

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Periodically, focus out the window or at something in the distance to give your eyes a rest.