In beadmaking Mandrels are the things you wrap glass around to make beads. Below are some basic bead mandrels and 2 bigger mandrels that I use to make glass rings.
They are stainless steel and the grey coating you see on the top of them is a chemical release that's coated on otherwise the hot glass would weld itself to the metal and you would have some glass decorated metal sticks!
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| Beads on Mandrels |
The grey stuff is called "bead release" and it does what it says on the bottle!
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| Finished Tube Beads on Mandrels |
You can see that I've just cleaned off the bead release around the beads, but they are still attached as you can see the bead release near the bead holes!
Actually these were pretty stuck at the time - but I'm happy to report they all eventually came off!
If I couldn't get a bead off the mandrel...
What could I do with it?
(Let your imagination run riot!)
What could I do with it?
(Let your imagination run riot!)
Beautiful! Just beautiful!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.svcambria.com/2016/04/m-is-for-money-saving-tips.html
Thank you! So glad you like them :)
DeleteMars xx
When I see Mandrel I think of Doctor Who :) http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Mandrel
ReplyDeleteI imagine glass decorated metal sticks aren't overly useful when you want beads :) I would probably fail totally at getting the beads off the mandrels.
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
Lol that made my laugh! I definitely wouldn't want to be getting my beads off one of those Mandrels, they can keep them!
DeleteThe secret is generally good bead release, but my tube beads are physically manipulated a lot on the mandrel and put under a lot of pressure so they get stuck for quite some time!! I saw some really beautiful tube shape beads being made this weekend at Flame Off, really beautiful!
Mars xx
I am really enjoying your posts every day. I'm learning a lot!
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Thanks Cherrie, I've not been around much as I've been at "F" for 4 days so I'll be trying to catch up and not get much visiting done but hopefully will get some proper time at the weekend to come say hi properly!
DeleteMars xx
Glad that those pretties came off of the mandrels! I would be very nervous trying to get them off. But, if I couldn't, I guess they would make an interesting and unique bouquet :)
ReplyDeleteTracy (Black Boots, Long Legs)
I might just do that, have only got one bead stuck beyond redemption (although those took a few weeks to get off and one took a whole month), but it wasn't a particularly pretty bead so a bit boring!! Would have been gutted if these hadn't have come off.
DeleteMars xx