The base bead is started, creating a long tube.
One end of the bead is built up, creating a bumper for the bangles.
Here, the first end (bumper) is built up, and the tube is almost ready for the bangles. Bangles are created in a previous session, annealed and cleaned, then warmed in the kiln before being placed on the tube bead.
The bumper is decorated to add visual interest.
The first bangle bead is placed onto the tube. Now the fun begins--keeping everything warm!
Now the other end bumper is built up
The whole thing needs to be kept happy; warm enough to prevent cracking, but not so warm that the bangle sticks.
The 2nd bumper is decorated to match the first
Here, the completed bead is given one last heat soak before going into the kiln.
