I have been trying for weeks to get my Double Helix glass to do anything other than turn out colours akin to baby poo. I got a mixed bundle of DH from Tuffnell Glass in January and was so excited that I would be able to produce these magic striking and reducing colours. I did my research and began to work my rather expensive rods of glass eagerly awaiting mystic pinks and swirling purples and metallic sheen galore on my little hot head.... and I got baby poo rather consistently.
Then 2 months on I discovered Triton and Aurae and my faith was restored in my abilities to reduce glass. I have burnt my fingers covering holes in the torch to get a reducing flame (yes half of you will say “tut tut” for not using tinfoil and the other half will say it because it is a little risky messing blocking essential oxygen intake in to the flame). I have found that Triton, Aurae and Pysche work really well on a HH and silvered reduction effects can be achieved by bringing the bead into the blue cone, without actually having to cover the holes - but a better effect can be achieved by actually reducing. It has been great fun to have a play with - if not a little frustrating and expensive at times).
I’ve done a bit more research and am going to have a more constructive and realistic attempt at the striking glasses such as Gaia and Luna; and if I’m feeling brave then I will have a go at the kiln strikers. I have to say thanks to all of the good advice and lessons learnt from the guys at Frit Happens - it would have been an unmitigated disaster without such essential intelligence!
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