But unlike the title, these are really very large hole beads. By Alaska Boro standards, these surpass the 4.3 to 5 mm Pandora Big Hole beads. These beads are being made on a 3/8 inch stainless steel mandrel with a finished hole size of 10 mm.

As a size comparison, both 3/8 inch and 3/32 inch mandrels are pictured. The large red/tan bead in the lower left corner is 24.91 mm in outside diameter, 8.69 mm in thickness with a 10.10 mm diameter hole.

So how to define a really large hole bead is a matter of opinion. For Alaska Boro it is now defined at 10 mm. For those on Esty, BHB (Big Hole Beads) are 4 to 5 mm hole size. Seems that there is no standard. And it also seem it is hard to find handmade boro beads in the very large hole classification.

What made the LHB torching task easier was the reformulation of our bead release. The new batch goes on thinner and does not crack or flake under boro temperatures. More testing will be in order to solidify the formula. But so far, it is running ahead of expectations.

Because of the heat required, the Cricket has been retired and replaced with a GTT Scorpion. The outer flame has made a huge difference. A lot bushier, more heat and faster work times. The addition of one more 9 PSI at 5 LPM oxygen concentrator was needed to adequately run the torch. With three concentrators running into a manifold the torch is performing well.

August 16, 2010

Catherine, located in Hilton Head, South Carolina and the creator of Shadow Dog Designs has produced another winner using beads from Alaska Boro. Her new earring creation is called “Lunar Dawn” after the name given for the beads.

The set uses handmade borosilicate lampwork beads from Alaska Boro; "sapphire" Swarovski crystals; copper bead caps and beads; sterling silver ear wires with copper bead accents.

A comment by one of her viewers describes the beads….
“These beads actually reminded me of a photo I saw in the last month or two taken by Hubble - waves of reddish/bluish/ purplish bands stretching through space.”

To see this and other creations by Shadow Dog Designs visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shadowdogdesigns/4857299167/

August 7, 2010

Alaska Boro is working with a new technique for that wispy bead look. It is similar to high altitude thin clouds. This is a design that has almost unlimited possibilities.

The process takes longer, but also produces some interesting results. The beads look great in normal room light and just ‘out of this world’ in sunlight. The key is to lighten up both transparent and opaque colors. The right amount of clear mixed with color is the answer. How much? Well that all depends on the desired outcome.

Some colors, especially striking types require more rod. While opaque, may take a lot less. The aim point is to thin to a consistency that produces that random wispy look.

Additional colors can be added for effect. A little white, adds highlights. Some black for depth. Two striking colors can be used in different combinations for interesting effects. Just flame strike to the desired colors.

Adding amber and a blue striking rod will be blue prior to flame striking. After striking, the blue turns to a nice pale green. How much green, will depend on the amount of and the number of times the bead is flame struck.

Mixing colors expands the palette. The same colored rod can produce many shades of color and in combination with other colors some most spectacular beads.

June 22, 2010

A new GTT Scorpion lampworking torch has been added to the arsenal at Alaska Boro. The present Cricket torch is adequate for making small beads and pendants. However, the Scorpion has both an inner and outer ring of fire. Thus more heat for larger projects.

Boro (Borosilicate glass) in comparison to soft glass requires more heat for the same project size. Harder glass plus bigger creations all add up for more heat and a larger torch. Thus the newly designed GTT Scorpion lampworking torch will fit these needs.

The Scorpion was worth the wait. It was one week short of six months for delivery. The packing was well done and sent by USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Box. The shipping and handling cost from Pennsylvania to Alaska was $28 while for UPS it would have been in excess of $40.

The shipping weight is three pounds, much lighter than expected. GTT could have used a smaller flat rate box, but then the added protective packing would have been comprised. The product was shipped on Friday and arrived in Anchorage on Monday. Great USPS Priority mail service.

The torch will burn more fuel due to the 8 jet outer ring, but what a flame. This Scorpion will melt 12 mm boro rod much faster than the smaller Cricket. And with a four stud unit, the outer ring can be turned on or off as needed. Of course, the inner ring must be on at all times.

The Scorpion runs very nicely with three 5 LPM 9 PSI oxygen concentrators combined into a manifold. The added feature of a four stud torch is that one can add a foot pedal to turn the outer set of flames on or off. Thus if more heat is needed, just hit the foot pedal for additional heat. This also saves on fuel as more heat is not always needed nor desired.

So far the Scorpion is being run through its paces. In addition, plans are being made to construct a foot pedal with valves to control the outer ring. And maybe, add an oxygen storage or surge tank to keep the oxygen flow even and steady.

June 9, 2010

Alaska Boro is working on additional designs for its boro bead collection. These new beads just scream, color and more color. One process uses a mixture of clear with a striking color. When coated with a thin layer of clear, this bead provides a wispy look of swirling clouds.

The next approach is a bead with a built in magnifier. By heavily encasing a bead in clear, the design is magnified. Much like that of a colorful paper weight. The color under the clear moves as the bead is formed, creating a most interesting pattern.

The best part is that when viewed in room light these beads offer a color brilliance that can only be achieved through the wonders of boro glass. In sunshine, the beads offer a super spectacular color display.

This design will be incorporated into bead sets to provide the jewelry designer with sufficient material to create both a necklace and bracelet. Some sets will additionally include two smaller beads on 1/16 inch mandrels for earrings.

May 25, 2010