Saturday, June 13, 2009
Torch thoughts.
I'm on a ruffle kick lately. There's something therapeutic about making ruffles - although I never thought I'd feel that way about making multiples of ANYTHING. I've also been obsessed with mastering fuchsia/purples - whether it's in Amber Purpler, Double Amber Purple or Triple Passion. I see others pushing such beautiful colors and I've been into such muted tones, perhaps because of my torch set-up.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Jumping into Etsy
I've made a major decision to expand my store and begin selling in Etsy. Looking at the EBAY traffic reporting tells me traffic has dropped a lot in the last year. I'm still selling almost everything I list, but want to be sure I am in the most productive market places available. I've decided to keep listings in both EBAY and Etsy for at least 6 months and see how the 2 compare, and make a decision after that as to whether or not I continue with both or drop one.
I know one thing for sure, my EBAY customers may have dropped in numbers, but they are very loyal and I don't want to lose them!
Lately, I've been experimenting with oxygen content in my flame. I use a Mini-CC torch with natural gas, and 2 oxy-cons strung together. I had them strung together in such a way that I suspect I was not getting the most out of the more powerful oxy-con. I believe the critical issue is the percentage of oxygen - and the second oxy-con that I have boasts it produces 95%, while the first one only 91-93%. I'm thinking I've been oxygen starved for a bit - even though natural gas doesn't need as much as propane. I've been getting some brighter results lately - finally!
I'd be interested in hearing from any other boro beadmakers who use natural gas. I tried once to post a string on WCanvas or one of the other boards to see if I could get a dialogue about torch/oxygen settings - no one out there wanted to talk. Seems there aren't too many of us around. Most with this set-up use Moretti I'm guesssing :(
If you're reading this and have any special requests, concerns - please let me know!
On to the torch....
I know one thing for sure, my EBAY customers may have dropped in numbers, but they are very loyal and I don't want to lose them!
Lately, I've been experimenting with oxygen content in my flame. I use a Mini-CC torch with natural gas, and 2 oxy-cons strung together. I had them strung together in such a way that I suspect I was not getting the most out of the more powerful oxy-con. I believe the critical issue is the percentage of oxygen - and the second oxy-con that I have boasts it produces 95%, while the first one only 91-93%. I'm thinking I've been oxygen starved for a bit - even though natural gas doesn't need as much as propane. I've been getting some brighter results lately - finally!
I'd be interested in hearing from any other boro beadmakers who use natural gas. I tried once to post a string on WCanvas or one of the other boards to see if I could get a dialogue about torch/oxygen settings - no one out there wanted to talk. Seems there aren't too many of us around. Most with this set-up use Moretti I'm guesssing :(
If you're reading this and have any special requests, concerns - please let me know!
On to the torch....
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Molly Kate Jewelry Design necklace
I love this necklace Molly Kate Jewlery Design - these are Indigo Luster wave beads and coordinating ruffles. Great with denim!!
About Me
- Norma Brink Glass Arts
- Belmont, MI, United States
- I've been making borosilicate glass beads and selling exclusively on EBAY for the past 5 years. Recently have started selling beads on ETSY as well. I have a home studio and have 2 assistants, and 2 studio dogs (important assets!). I am married to a wonderful and tolerant man with whom I have 2 grown daughters.