How to Make Stringers for Glass Beads

Making a plain glass bead is fun, but decorating it is even better! Thin glass rods called stringers can be applied to the bead surface to add lines, squiggles and small dots. They can also be used to manipulate glass on your molten bead.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety Shoes
• Clean Rags
• Exhaust Fans
• Clean Rags
• Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Extinguishers
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Needle-nose Pliers

1. Make sure that your work area is safe and that your torch is secured to your work surface. See "How to Make Glass Beads" in the Related eHows.

2. Wipe a glass rod with a clean rag to remove any oil, dust, dirt or contaminants.

3. Put on your safety glasses.

4. Light your torch with your sparker. If you use a lighter, be sure to put it someplace where it cannot possibly come in contact with hot glass.

5. Melt the end of the rod in the flame until you have a round molten glob. Rotate the rod occasionally to heat it evenly.

6. Remove the rod from the flame, pinch the end of the glob with needle-nosed pliers and remove the pliers to allow them to cool. This step will provide a good place to grab the glass for the pull.

7. Allow the outside of the glob to cool slightly.

8. Slowly pull the glass with the pliers (like taffy) until it becomes too stiff to pull.

9. Flame-cut or break the stringer from the source rod.

10. Set the stringer aside to cool on your heat-proof work surface.

11. Repeat steps 5 through 10 until you are well-stocked with stringers.

Tips & Warnings

• A stringer's size depends on your preferences and your skill as a bead maker. A common and useful size is about 12 inches long and 1/16 inch in diameter.
• Different brands of glass expand and contract differently when heated and cooled. Do not mix different brands of glass in the same bead, or stress-related cracks will result.
• Quickly applying ice to mildly burned skin will help prevent blistering. For serious burns, get professional medical assistance right away.
• Heating the glass rod too quickly can cause popping, sending hot glass pieces flying.
• Using a torch will create a lot of heat and carbon monoxide. Prevent a buildup of both by working outside or ventilating your work area with an exhaust fan.
• Always keep your heat-proof work surface clear of all flammable materials.
• Molten glass exceeds 1,000 degrees F and can cause severe burns on contact. Even glass that doesn't look hot can still be hundreds of degrees!
• Always remember which end of your glass rod is hot.
• Tie back any long hair and avoid wearing loose-fitting long sleeves.
• Improperly heated or cooled glass can pop and shatter, sending glass pieces flying. Always wear safety glasses and shoes in your work area.