Using Effetre Calico Glass

I bought this interesting Effetre glass called Calico and, to be honest, was quite uninspired when it arrived.  However, I thought I’d have a go at making some beads to see what effects I could tease out of it.

I made a dark ivory base and wrapped calico glass around to the correct size for making a round bead.  I did find that this glass wanted to de-vitrify, but by turning the propane up a bit and using a cooler temperature, I kept it at bay. I then wrapped some silvered ivory around the centre.  It could have been the pink tinted glasses I was wearing, but they definitely looked quite pink and amber when they went into the kiln, but on inspection of them in the morning, I found them to be more honey coloured with a hint of pink instead.

I wasn’t sure whether I liked this glass as first in it’s shiny state, so I decided to stone tumble them to see what happened.  I was pleasantly surprised after I’d cleaned the lampwork beads as the subtle pinks and honey tones were softened and the silvered ivory gave some contrast with their dark colours.  I think I quite like this calico glass now!

What do you think?

Organic Ochre Lampwork Beads Made with Calico Effetre Glass