getting a good bead on a glass gem.

by Daniella
(Starke FL USA)

After foiling, when I try to get a bead around the gem, I have a very hard time, it gets all lumpy and ugly when I want a smooth good bead all around. And the glass gets hot too so it is hard to handle. Is there any jig I can make/use to do it? I am trying to make some critters so I have to solder two gems, one small and one large together and then bead all around the two. What is the best way please? I am new to stained glass and mosaics, I love both of the crafts and want to be good at them.

Answer

Hold them with a spring type wooden clothes pin, or go to your local flea market and get some hemostats to hold them with (there's usually a vendor withh all sorts of dental and medical type tools at flea markets). An Ove Glove works well too and keeps your hand burn free!

Make sure the spot you are soldering is parallel to the work bench, not tilted at an angle. You'll have to turn the gem a little bit each time you solder a new spot. It's tricky but gets easier with practice.