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<H2>Craft Tips from Something Glassy</H2>
<P><STRONG>Grinder Head Woes: This is going to be my first tip, because it just happened to me. If your grinder head is getting difficult to remove ,or move up or down the shaft, remove the head ( I hope you don't have to use a puller like I did!!)  take a strip of emery cloth ( fine sandpaper will do ) and with the grider running let the sandpaper polish the shaft. Hold the sandpaper by the ends and let it rest on the whole length shaft, it will get hot , so be carefull. oil the shaft and replace the head. It will be like brand new!! </STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG> (7/24/05) Foiling: If you have a piece of glass that is heavily textured or thick, hold the backside edge at a 45 degree angle and give it a swipe with the grider. This will give a slightly beveled edge so the foil will adhere better.</STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG> (8/01/05) Store any foiled pieces , that won't be used right away, in a zip lock bag. This will keep the foil from tarnishing until you get around to soldering them. Flux will make tarnished foil shine again.</STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG>(8/22/05) This is a great way to burnish a lot of <A href="http://stores.ebay.com/Gerrhagirls-Stained-Glass_STAINED-GLASS-SUPPLIES_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQftidZ2QQtZkm">nuggets</A> after foiling. </STRONG><STRONG>Clean your nuggets , I swish mine around in rubbing alcohol, and dry them good. Wrap with foil, do not burnish. Place all the nuggets that are foiled, in a plastic container, butter dish etc, close the lid and gently shake and swish them around. This takes a couple of minutes, keep checking until they are burnished. I use a rock tumbler, no grit or water of course. Just foil, put in the tumbler, the fuller the better, and let them tumble for a few  hours. As many nuggets as I use in my projects, this has really been a finger saver. If you are having trouble getting the foil to stick, give the edge  a swipe with the grinder.</STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG>Scrap Glass: We all have it. I found a great way to use mine. I take small pieces of scrap, no larger than 1-1 1/2 inches, put it in the rock tumbler, add a handful of sand, fill with water, and tumble for about 4 hours, just enough to take the edge off. If you want more of the "beach glass" look, just tumble until it looks the way you want. You can then use this glass for any project. </STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG>(9/9/05) I received an email from someone wanting to know to keep your copper patina bright.  I tried to email an answer back, but the address was undeliverable--so-- I will post it here. This is a technic that I use from the " <A href="http://thestainedglasslady.tripod.com/patina/index.html">Stained Glass Lady</A>". After you have soldered and washed your project, let it dry completely, apply copper patina, wipe off access with a towel (DO NOT WASH) , apply  wax , let dry and then buff to a shine. The trick is to not get water on the project after you have patinad. If the patina gets wet, it darkens. I happen to like the darker look. It gives it an aged look that really looks good on some pieces, like the <A href="http://www.somethingglassy.com/cart/edit.asp?p=99129">Vintage Hearts </A>that I make.</STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG>(5/4/06)  This tip is for using black patina. When you are ready to patina your solder lines, don't use a brush or Qtip.!! Use a cotton ball soaked with patina and don't be shy about slopping it all over your piece. I always wear disposable gloves ( the kind you see in the doctors office when he says bend over :) You can get them really cheap at Sam's or the drug store. After you have finished playing in the patina, rinse your work off and let it dry for at least 24 hours before polishing with Kempro. About the gloves. I also  wear them when I am soldering. Keeps that nasty flux from ruining your hands.</STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG>(9/14/06) Be sure and take advantage of getting the Stained glass News. It is loaded with stained glass information , readers tips , new products reviews . This is only available through your stained glass retailer.</P>
<DIV>(4-7-07) Soldering irons need love to! To keep you tips in good working order they need to be kept clean. I keep a damp cloth towel beside my soldering station, and give the iron tip a wipe after I complete a bead. If the iron isn't heating properly, it could have deposits in the shaft. Unscrew the shaft ( make sure the iron is cool and unplugged) and gently tap it on your work suface to remove any residue. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>For you kaleidoscope makers--did you know that if you break the front surface mirror  when cutting ( You aren't holding your tongue right !!) you can salvage it, as long as it's not too bad, by tapeing the mirror together before removing the protective coating. It can be a little tricky handling it and make sure that you don't see any light when it is in place. If you do--toss it and re-cut!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>(6-07) If you are using mirror for any project, boxes in (6-07) If you are using mirror for any project, boxes in particular, you must be protected from--"<U>THE CREEPING BLACK CRUD</U>"!!!! Have you ever made a box and the a few days after you have it all finished--polished, and sitting there looking all prettty and then--you open the lid and see--"THE CREEPING BLACK CRUD"!!!! well--the next time you will know that the way to prevent--"THE CREEPING BLACK CRUD"!!! is to spray your mirror with a protective sealant. After I have cut my mirror to the size for my project, I turn it reflective side down, on newspaper ( do this outside or in a well  ventilated area) spray with acrylic making sure to get the cut edges. Let it dry, foil and it is ready to solder, Try to be stingy with the flux and rinse well. You can also use clear nail polish  to seal the edges. </STRONG><STRONG></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG>Click<A href="http://www.spectrumglass.com/Dictionary/DictionSet.html"> here</A> for a description of types of glass and other use full  information.</STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=6> <FONT color=#cc3399>B</FONT><FONT color=#cc3399>EAD Size Chart</FONT></FONT>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_dataheader colSpan=2>Inches to Millimeters</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>Inches</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>Millimeters</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1/16 in.</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.5mm</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1/8 in.</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>3mm</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1/4 in</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>6mm</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>3/8 in</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>9mm</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1/2 in</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>12mm</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>5/8 in</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>15mm</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>3/4 in</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>18.5mm</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>7/8 in</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>22mm</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1 in</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>25mm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><IMG alt=JewelryResource src="http://www.jewelrysupply.com/images/jr_in_mil_ruler.jpg"><BR><IMG alt=JewelryResource src="http://www.jewelrysupply.com/images/jr_visual_bead_chart.jpg"> <BR>Remember that this is a close approximation. Screen resolution and monitor size will affect how you view the chart. <BR><BR><SPAN class=jr_head><A name=beads_per_inch></A><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" color=#cc3399 size=5>How many beads per inch</FONT></SPAN><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" color=#cc3399> <BR></FONT><BR>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_dataheader colSpan=7>Beads Per Inch</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>Bead Size</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>Per Inch</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>7"</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>16"</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>24"</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>32"</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>36"</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>3mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>8.25</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>57</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>132</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>200</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>265</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>288</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>4mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>6.25</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>43</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>100</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>150</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>200</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>225</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>5mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>5.00</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>35</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>82</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>124</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>160</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>180</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>6mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>4.25</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>28</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>67</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>100</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>132</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>153</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>7mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>3.50</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>24</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>57</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>85</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>114</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>126</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>8mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>3.25</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>22</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>50</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>75</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>100</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>112</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>10mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>2.50</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>18</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>40</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>60</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>80</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>90</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>12mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>2.00</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>15</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>33</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>50</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>66</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>72</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>14mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.75</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>13</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>29</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>43</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>56</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>63</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>16mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.50</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>11</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>25</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>38</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>50</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>54</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>18mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.25</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>10</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>23</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>34</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>45</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>50</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>20mm</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.20</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>8</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>20</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>29</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>38</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>43</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR>Remember to allow for the length of your clasp. If you use spacer beads or mix sizes, this chart may not be accurate. <BR><BR><SPAN class=jr_head><A name=seed_beads></A><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" color=#cc3399 size=5>Seed Bead Sizing</FONT></SPAN><BR><BR>Seed beads are sized in aughts, which are different than millimeters. The most popular school of thought of the sizing of seed beads states that the size (6/0) refers to the number of seed beads per inch (6 beads per inch). Another sizing theory is that the size is based on the rod used to make the beads. The larger the number, the smaller the bead (20 is small, 3 is large).<BR><BR>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_dataheader colSpan=3>Seed Bead Sizes</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>Aught Size</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>mm diameter</TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>beads per inch</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>6/0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>3.3</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>10</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>8/0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>2.5</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>13</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>9/0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>2.2</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>15</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>10/0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>2.0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>16</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>11/0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.8</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>20</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>13/0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.5</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>27</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>14/0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.4</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>24</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>15/0</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.3</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>25</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>delica</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>1.8</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>20</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><BR><SPAN class=jr_head><A name=birthstone></A><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" color=#cc3399 size=5>Birthstone Chart</FONT></SPAN><BR><BR>
<TABLE class=center_content cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="75%" border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport width="25%">Birth Month </TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport width="25%">Modern </TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport width="25%">Traditional </TD>
<TD class=jr_datasupport width="25%">Mystical </TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>January</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Garnet</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Garnet</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Emerald</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>February</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Amethyst</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Amethyst</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Bloostone</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>March</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Aquamarine, Bloodstone</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Bloodstone</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Jade</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>April</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Diamond</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Diamond</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Opal</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>May</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Emerald</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Emerald</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Sapphire</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>June</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Pearl, Moonstone</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Alexandrite</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Moonstone</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>July</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Ruby</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Ruby</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Ruby</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>August</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Peridot</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Sardonyx</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Diamond</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>September</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Sapphire</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Sapphire</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Agate</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>October</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Opal, Tourmaline</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Tourmaline</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Jasper</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>November</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Yellow Topaz, Citrine</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Citrine</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Pearl</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD class=jr_datasupport>December</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Turquoise, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Zircon, Lapis Lazuli</TD>
<TD class=jr_tabledata>Onyx</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><BR><SPAN class=jr_head><A name=thread></A><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" color=#cc33cc size=5>Thread, Cord and Wire.</FONT></SPAN><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" color=#cc33cc> <BR></FONT><BR><STRONG>Silk Bead Cord</STRONG> - is used for beads with smaller holes such as freshwater pearls and beads under 5mm. You can add a designer look by using our Tri-Cord knotter, and placing knots on either side of the pearl. Wide spectrum of colors. <BR><BR><STRONG>Nylon Bead Cord</STRONG> - is used as an all purpose bead cord. You can use Beeswax to coat the cord to keep it from fraying and tangling when it is repeatedly threaded through metal beads with sharp edges. Wide spectrum of colors. <BR><BR>Using light colors against a dark bead will lighten that bead color... Dark color cord will darken a light bead. Example: White cord with Garnet bead will add to the luminosity of the bead. <BR><BR><STRONG>Tiger Tail</STRONG> - is a commonly used stringing material, and does not require a needle. <BR><BR><STRONG>Beadalon</STRONG> - is our favorite stringing material. Unlike Tiger Tail which can sometimes kink, Beadalon wire remains soft and pliable, even when using the smaller beads. Beadalon is a multi-strand braided stainless steel wire with a nylon coating. <BR><BR><STRONG>C-Thru Translucent Cord</STRONG> - is perfect for stringing Austrian Crystals, or any light colored bead when you don't want the cord to be visible. <BR><BR><STRONG>Stretch Magic</STRONG> - is a flexible clear elastic cord. It is often used for slip-on crystal bracelets, and is a beader's favorite as it only requires a knot to finish. <BR><BR><STRONG>Memory Wire</STRONG> - is a pre-coiled stainless steel wire that retains it shape. Very popular for wine charm markers and bracelets. <BR><BR><STRONG>Rattail</STRONG> - is a round, satin-like cord, often used to show off one large pendant or centerpiece as it's beautiful colors beg to be seen. <BR><BR><STRONG>Leather Cord</STRONG> - is always a popular stringing material as there is no finishing required. Simply add a pendant or centerpiece, tie a bow and go. <BR></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>