Glass scarabs

Here's a piccy of some of my glass scarabs. I am managing to get these with far fewer "needles" now by tweaking the firing schedule, but I am still not entirely happy with them. I'm starting to think that the mould hasn't enough detail, but I'm not yet at a stage where I could make my own moulds. Has anyone used Boron Nitride spray instead of kiln wash? Would that be smoother and/or allow more detail from the mould to come through? I am using 4 very thin coats of kiln wash as advised, but maybe that's still enough to obscure the fine detail.



Did anyone ever find out why we can't use the [ing width=x] or [img height=x] forms of the image tag in this forum to make images a more reasonable size?

I have to say Elaine, I have a severe beetle phobia and I find them very realistic (she says with a shudder)
Lisa x

I haven't seen these before Elaine. Are they to be used as cabochons? I really rather like them and can imagine they'd all look lovely in a silver "frame" and hung round the neck or put on a brooch.
I see what you mean about the detail being subtle but I personally feel that gives them an antique, "worn with age" effect. Which would be expected of ancient Egyptian jewellery
No idea about the sizing of the photos Elaine but I'm guessing that if hosted on flikr you can choose small, medium or large picture.

PS, I love the metallic blue scarab. It's divine.

Like the green bumpy one. Seems the darker the colour the more the definition shows.

Sorry cant help with the Boron Nitride as only ever used kiln wash in the little that I have done. Would it be worth giving Warm Glass a call or an email - they seem very helpful.

Ah now I can see what needles are! They look good, enough detail I'd say - like Odonata says to make them antiquey looking.

When I used to to a teensy bit of microwave firing, I used to just file away the rough bits with a metal file and then a coarse nail file. It worked ok? No idea re kiln wash etc I'm afraid, little Bradley has only done beads so far.

Lisa, sorry about your phobia - I'll put a "Lisa warning" on the next photos

Gillian, Not decided yet as how to use them. Probably as cabouchons with bezels or claw mounts or simply glue a bail on the back for use as pendants. I quite like keeping one in my pocket as an amulet as well. Pru suggested beading around them, but I need to get better at beading first. Must also get the hang of Flikr; I joined and put one or two photos on there, but haven't really worked out the advantages of using it.

Lynne, I'm quite fond of "green bumpy" as well It's the sparkly bits that appeal. You are right about more definition showing with the darker ones. I'll ask about the Boron Nitride spray when I next pop into Reading Stained Glass They are very helpful as well and I know that they stock it.

Kat, The needles had already been filed off these with diamond files, so what is left are just normal lumps. The needles were very thin and sharp, as attested to by my punctured fingers...

Hehe it's ok Elaine, I managed to sneak a quick look.
Lisa x

OOh lovely, I like the metallic one myself. Loving these x

I like them too the red one is nice as well as the one next to it.