GetCrafty Craft Facts

Q: I'm researching how to make a glass bead press but I'm having trouble figuring out exactly how they work. Has anyone ever seen or maybe even used one? All assistance appreciated!

A: Do you mean a tool to press hot glass into a flat bead? You can buy one from several outlets, such as Frantz Bead at 206-426-6712. The area code might be wrong, as it's changed, but if so, a Voice will give you the correct one when you call the number. See if you can find a copy (try interlibrary loan) of Perlen aus Gablonz (Glass beads from Gablonz) which has a lot of the old Czech presses and machinery and methods in it. It's written in German and English. What kind of presses are you making, foot or hand and in what shapes? I could be interested in some flower or leaf shapes. I have one leaf shaped press but some flat ones could be interesting as well.