How to make an Iris look like an Iris??

[graceandbeauty]

I am trying to make an iris bead that actually looks like an iris. I made one last night but the petals of mine do not look like real petals like the others that I have seen posted here. As you can see all I was able to get was blobs. Should my petal cane be thicker and flatter?

Basically I need help with the laying the stringer/cane down for the petals. How do you do it without it balling up or mixing into a basic lump? I cannot get it to look like I want it to, basically skinny at the bottem and then fatter at the top. Does this make sense?

Thanks!

Melissa

[graceandbeauty]

Don't know where the pic went?

[ValorieCox]

Kristen Franzen Orr makes the prettiest iris beads (in my opinion ), and in her class last year she taught us a little about making flower decorations on beads. One thing we did was make very complex care. For example we may start with a white rod, and layer over it lengthwise long strips of deep violet transparent. Then when that bundle was pulled into a stringer, it looked pale violet, with very delicate strips of darker violet--very much like a flower petal.

Then when we made the individual petals, we heated our stringer slightly, started at the base of the flower and sort of 'painted on' the glass, with a slight pull up at the end, which was the top of the flower petal, and as it melted, it expanded out. If you'd like, PM and I'll send a photo of one of Kristin's beads in my collection in the style I'm talking about.

Your bead looks great by the way!

Val

[BethOlson]

Kristan F Orrs beads are really gorgeous. She is also a really sincere and nice person.

[BethOlson]

[BethOlson]

Grace, your bead is really nice. I love your color choices and the shiny effect.

[Ignuss-Fatuus]

oo I just got that beads of glass book im gonna have to check out that iris tutorial a little closer...I really love iris's probally one of my favorites! well the japanese mini ones anyway...
karin

[Lenda]

Hi Melissa, this is how I apply the petals. Get the end of your cane very hot, it is going to then be touched and swiped on your bead. It is very much a painting with glass technique and will take a little practice. If your cane tip isn't hot enough, you will get a blob and then a thick piece of the stringer layed down, definately NOT what you are after. So , heat the end of the cane very hot, touch and swipe in the direction you need to go. You are working from the outside to the inside. Hope that helps.

[Onalee]

how thick is the stringer that you are working with when you make the iris? Onalee

[Lenda]

Onalee, I work with a 2-2.5mm stringer, that is, if you are asking me!

[Onalee]

Lenda, yes I'm asking you. Thanks. Onalee

[swamperfolk]

Originally Posted by Lenda

Hi Melissa, this is how I apply the petals. Get the end of your cane very hot, it is going to then be touched and swiped on your bead. It is very much a painting with glass technique and will take a little practice. If your cane tip isn't hot enough, you will get a blob and then a thick piece of the stringer layed down, definately NOT what you are after. So , heat the end of the cane very hot, touch and swipe in the direction you need to go. You are working from the outside to the inside. Hope that helps.

Lenda, what do you mean by "working from the outside to the inside"?

[swamperfolk]

Bump for Lenda.

[midniteburner]

Linda: I think what Lenda meant was from the outside of the flower petal to the inside, where the stamen is. If this is the way you work it, that will explain why I have so many problems.

I am going to try this technique and see if it helps.

Sara

[jokersdesign]

I think you bead looks good. I know your looking for better detail, I never made one so all I can tell you is keep trying until you get it right.