Sharing the process! These are the decals I use on my lampwork glass beads. Someday, I will use them on a MUCH larger scale (When I figure out how to expand my studio space to accommodate the big sculptures I think of.)
The decals are available for sale at my site; first come first serve. All decals come with instructions (this is just a basic step by step here at the blog; without the super inside scoop!)
(The beads I have made with the decals will be on Ebay all summer!! (I am having a lucky number Super economy sale…check back next week to read more on that!)
I am sharing the process today! This is a big part of it. (After all of the designing parts.) Preparing the decals for flame-working, and then actually doing it. Each design is an inspiration.
The decal sheets can be cut like paper. The decals themselves are durable. I do not fold them, and I treat them like a fragile medium. Although they can stand up to rubbing, and a little bit of pull.
Strips can be cut into 3,4, or 5 images, and placed at one time. Or they can be cut up individually. I wear gloves to protect from absorbing metals into my skin.
I hold the decal in warm water for about 30 seconds. Because they are so small, I do not let go. If I did the image with the binding agent would slide off in the water and float.
While holding the decal on one corner, I gently pull the paper out from underneath the decal image.
This is called a water-slide process. The decal “slides” off with water.
I hold the decal down with one finger while I squeegee the water out from beneath.
After I burn off the binding agent the magic begins.
I grab the mandrel by the tip, and bring it straight to the flame…
introducing the bead (background ~intaglio print -1997 Sheila Farnell (Morley today!)
A wet paper towel does the trick! As I introduce the bead to the back of the soft bushy flame, I cool the mandrel at the same time.
tiny people bead
The glowing enamel is so beautiful in the flame. It reminds me of molten bronze days…
Such an inspirational medium. So much detail can be acquired on a little tiny tiny Lampwork bead.
New peace symbols, flowers, and people designs are available at my website. (Free shipping today!)
The possibilities are endless…
This is only the beginning! So much can be done with this medium; check back and see!
*All imagery is copyright 2009 Sheila Morley
Patent pending
What do you think? Comments?
thinking of my friend Rodney/ “Yendor”)
