Twisties Cracked! (the good cracked)

21 Jun 2011 1 Comment

by scarletleonard in Techniques Tags: Arts, Bead, Crafts, development, Glass, how to, Lampwork, lampworking, postaday2011, Supplies, Twisties

Some time ago you may remember my quest to be able to pull twisties. I succeeded with a few then they went a little squiffy again. A little more reading and I came across yet more variations of the mandrel punty way of making twisties. Eventually I found a combination of about 4 different ways works best for me.

Successful Twisties

I’m pleased though, it took a few months to get right but now I have it my twisties come out contestant in thickness and twists.
So here is my method, I’ve found that the last three steps have helped a lot with getting the thickness of the pull just right. Where as the method of building the glass gather up gives me better lines in the finished twisties.

• Take two grotty and bent old mandrels
• Take your base colour and heat up the tip of the mandrel.
• Wind hot glass onto the very end of the mandrel like you were making a bead.
• Squish the base so you have a fat pancake
• Add another colour to each side of the glass pancake (multiple colours for more intricate canes.)
• Melt together and punty up with the other mandrel
• Heat till molten
• Pull the mandrels apart slightly so the glass ball dips in the middle
• Remove from flame, wait a few seconds until the skin forms on the glass.
• Pull and twist
• Wish your arms were longer.

A few days ago I did think I would have been sending slightly wonky twisties in for a twisty swap. I’ve had so many attempts at getting this right I’m pleased to finally be able to make twisties I can use in a set and make again at a later date.

Advertisement