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View entire thread: Displaying photographes
Posted by Gina Bull on Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:39 PM    Post subject: Re: Displaying photographes



There are several free web-based image storage/display sites. Two popular ones are Flickr (www.flickr.com) and WebShots
(www.webshots.com) . The rec.crafts.scrapbooks members use WebShots a lot, possibly because it uses the concept of
albums to organize the images into categories (which is what scrapbookers do, anyway). I have a WebShots account for
my fledgling scrapbook hobby, but hadn't really thought about putting images of my beading on there. All the photos
I've taken of my bead projects are ... ugly. :-) Gotta work on that. Gina Jan G wrote: [quote:625877db64]One of the
things I love about this group is the chance to see people's work. It is high time to take myself from my comfort zine
and do two things. Photograph my work before it leaves me, sold or to the gallery. Then, I must file the photos. I
know nothing about displaying them so I can show you my work. Any suggestions welcomed. Cheers, Jan[/quote:625877db64]


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View entire thread: OT: Update on me and the babies
Posted by Barbara Forbes-Lyons on Tue Jul 18, 2006 2:59 PM    Post subject: Re: OT: Update on me and the babies

Glad to hear from you Cindy. If you've got access, several of us are on instant messengers and many are available for
quick chats during the day. Another option for you would be to take up some seed beading or chain maille projects,
just to keep your mind and fingers active. I know there are only so many TV shows and audiobooks one can take! Keep
those babies baking! Barbara Beader and Polymer Clay Crusader http://www.penguintrax.com and
http://www.backseatgrammarian.com There is a very fine line between a hobby and mental illness. (Dave Barry) Need
quality, inexpensive web hosting with site builder and 50 apps? Check out http://www.lyonshost.com. Cindy Schoepp
wrote: [quote:de82cf24f8]I haven't listed or responded to posts forever so I thought I'd send a quick note to everyone.
I am going through bead (lampworking withdrawl) as I haven't been able to do so for 3 weeks now as I have been placed on
bedrest at 24 weeks. The babies share a placenta so there can be significant complications from that...right now very
minimal signs of problems, but the only treatment at this point in my pregnancy is bedrest. Wow does that make for long
boring days. I try to make some jewelry, but not feeling very inspired. Now that I look back the three weeks have
gone quickly or more quickly than I expected. I don't respond to many posts as is a slow process as I only have access
to internet via my handheld as we don't have a laptop...I think Carlos is looking at buying one...YIPEE...that would
really make time go quicker. I hope all is well with all of you and your families!! [/quote:de82cf24f8]


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View entire thread: My Mother's Necklace is getting published
Posted by Kenda on Tue Oct 31, 2006 3:07 AM    Post subject: Re: My Mother's Necklace is getting published

YEAH!!!! That is just too cool!! Congrats! -- Kenda (Remove NOSPAM to reply) View my projects @:
http://community.webshots.com/user/kendalee101 Projects completed for 2006 243 cards 3 mini books 12 LO's 6 quilts 3
beaded braclets, 2 beaded necklaces "a-scrapbooking-diva" <happy2scrapbook@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1162080983.230688.61820@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com... [quote:e3e9ba14ce]HI. Surprises abounded in my inbox
today. I wrote the women who made the focal point bead on my mother's necklace to say how my necklace came out. They
wrote back and want to publish it in their marketing paperwork. I'm getting $1,500 for my image. I'm also getting
published on their website once they update it (www.beadladies.com) with two of my business links. I'm so excited.
Here's the necklace that made it: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2748055200032555428XIawgv Kate {{running
to the bank to deposit the money into the house fund}}} [/quote:e3e9ba14ce]


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View entire thread: OT: I made a couple of necklaces
Posted by Kenda on Thu Oct 19, 2006 2:04 PM    Post subject: Re: I made a couple of necklaces

Very nice Kate!!! You did a fantastic job on your Mom's necklace!!! I have a friend teaching me how to bead, I must
admit that it is addictive! LOL Your' mom will love it. -- Kenda (Remove NOSPAM to reply) View my projects @:
http://community.webshots.com/user/kendalee101 Projects completed for 2006 212 cards 3 mini books 12 LO's 6 quilts 3
beaded braclets "a-scrapbooking-diva" <happy2scrapbook@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1160883915.249747.25570@f16g2000cwb.googlegroups.com... [quote:e15ba26fd7]HI. Here's a necklace that I made for my
mom for her birthday (11-1): http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2748055200032555428XIawgv and here is one I
made for me: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2483948440032555428kIUHwX Kate [/quote:e15ba26fd7]


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View entire thread: 1st side distorts (flattens) when 2nd side is soldered
Posted by Adrian Brentnall on Sun Apr 30, 2006 5:38 PM    Post subject: Re: 1st side distorts (flattens) when 2nd side is soldered

Hi On 30 Apr 2006 08:23:15 -0700, eganders@yahoo.com wrote: [quote:700baad055]Here are some photos of the area I am
concerned with: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/eganders/Completelyfoiledreadyforsolder002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/eganders/Completelyfoiledreadyforsolder003.jpg This shows the entire layup:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/eganders/Completelyfoiledreadyforsolder005.jpg [/quote:700baad055] Some of the
gaps are a bit on the large side - but not impossibly so. Not being rude - but is this one of your first projects? (it's
quite ambitious - you're very brave ! - and it's looking pretty good <g>). If you've not had that much practise
at the soldering - why not find some 'scrap' glass (cheap, clear window glass will do fine) and have a bit of a 'play'
on that first ? you'll be that much more confident and expert when you're doing it for real. Try cutting a sheet of
window glass into four or six pieces - foil them & then solder them back together again...? Be aware that it's
possible to crack the glass by leaving the iron in position too long - maybe try doing this deliberately on the cheap
glass - so's you know how to avoid it on the expensive clock-face! Also - wipe the crud off your iron on a dampened
sponge, rag or, 'brillo' pad or newspaper every time you pick it up - helps to remove the oxide that builds up as you
solder. For what it's worth - here's how I'd go about soldering up your clock project... speaking only as an
enthusiastic amateur <g> Set the parts up on your wooden board, as per your last photo. Put little 'dabs' of flux
on the copper at key points (you're going to tack the panel before doing the 'proper' soldering) Tack the panel with
small 'blobs' of solder. Make sure that everything is where you want it to be (adjust if necessary) Flux all the copper
tape - with the possible exception of the outside edges - then wipe a thin layer of solder down every seam - don't worry
too much about forming a neat bead at this stage. Using another wooden board - flip the panel over so you are now
working on the back - careful - it's not very strong yet ! Flux the back of the panel - and solder it, taking care to
get a neat, rounded bead (this is why you were 'playing' with the clear glass earlier. Once you're happy with the rear
of the panel, use the wooden board again to flip it back the right way up - and solder every seam - making truly
excellent rounded beads <g> As you solder these front beads you'll find that, if you time it right, you can get a
nice bead on the front without the solder on the back getting hot enough to melt - because there's a fair old thermal
mass of solder there now. There's a knack to getting the iron moving slow enough to get a good melt, but not so slow
that the heat penetrates to the back... Sorry if I'm teaching you how to suck eggs..... ... but hope this helps. By
the way - some books say that, if you have really large gaps, you can use masking tape to stop the solder from falling
though - but I guess if the gaps are that large then the 'right' way is to re-cut the glass... You could also 'caulk'
the gap with a small piece of rolled-up foil - but if you can get the soldering right then there's really no need to...
Now stand back and congratulate yourself! Good luck Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take
out the papers and the trash to reply


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View entire thread: Amulet bags
Posted by Anonymous on Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:06 PM    Post subject: Re: Amulet bags

Hi Windy, About has some great stuff: http://beadwork.about.com/od/amuletbags/ I typed 'free amulet bag patterns' into
my search engine and lots more came up. Hope that helps. Marisa www.galleryvittoria.co.nz windy wrote:
[quote:70822e0e3c]Hi, I make amulet bags and head bands out of delicas and seed beads. Does anyone know of a website
that offers free designs for these? I am just starting to do the amulet bags and would love to have patterns. I also
want to know which magazine would have more on projects out of the smaller bead weaving projects rather than the
jewelery stuff. Thanks, Windy[/quote:70822e0e3c]


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View entire thread: Amulet bags
Posted by windy on Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:09 AM    Post subject: Amulet bags

Hi, I make amulet bags and head bands out of delicas and seed beads. Does anyone know of a website that offers free
designs for these? I am just starting to do the amulet bags and would love to have patterns. I also want to know
which magazine would have more on projects out of the smaller bead weaving projects rather than the jewelery stuff.
Thanks, Windy


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View entire thread: Looms
Posted by Beadbimbo on Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:15 PM    Post subject: Re: Looms

Thanks Su! I'm not thinking of taking on anything too big, so a small loom would probably just right for me now. I
can always move up later. -- Jerri www.beadbimbo.com To subscribe to my mailing list, send an e-mail to:
jerri@beadbimbo.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line. [quote:a16399b73b] I have a really nice big loom,
the only thing it does that small looms don't is allow me to work on larger pieces. Buy something that is large enough
for your intended projects. Even those cheap bead looms for strapweaving that they sell for kids will work. The main
thing is proper tension, like any weaving, and proper stringing materials. I'm plotting to warp with wire this summer
and do some free-standing weaving. -Su [/quote:a16399b73b]


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View entire thread: Looms
Posted by Su on Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:11 AM    Post subject: Re: Looms

Beadbimbo wrote: [quote:e39d54c845]The only loom work I've done is using a shoebox lid for a loom, but for those of
y'all that do this kind of thing, are the cheap looms good for a beginner? It seems like there's all kinds (and price
ranges) out there, and I don't have a clue. [/quote:e39d54c845] I have a really nice big loom, the only thing it does
that small looms don't is allow me to work on larger pieces. Buy something that is large enough for your intended
projects. Even those cheap bead looms for strapweaving that they sell for kids will work. The main thing is proper
tension, like any weaving, and proper stringing materials. I'm plotting to warp with wire this summer and do some free-
standing weaving. -Su


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View entire thread: Maybe I'll get rich
Posted by Christina Peterson on Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:02 PM    Post subject: Re: Maybe I'll get rich

We expect to get the $50K "Phase I Option" which is available to applicants in negotiation for Phase II, which
isn't awarded until September. Mary Schafer was saying that she had never had any of the SBIR projects continue to
Phase III. That Phase puts the product into manufacturing, basically a contract by the government to purchase the
product. But even if Department of Defense doesn't want us to manufacture the product, Phase II will show the product
to be viable and desirable. Phase I just shows that they are interested, and brought many potential investors to our
door. The grant is very specific about what it will or won't pay for. It fleshed out Walter's shop and paid for
materials, including special ordered/manufactured parts, instead of the make-do stuff Walter was using. What it will
not pay for is legal/patent expenses. Those have run up to $250K so far. Though that has been for patenting the basic
concepts of the engine, rather than the specific application DoD wants. Phase I Option will pay for testing of the
engine. Phase II will develop a fully ready prototype, as opposed to a working model, demonstrate it's abilities and
provide full testing. At then end of Phase II, a report by DoD is generated for public consumption which will clearly
demonstrate the viability of Walter's engine as well as the specific application. A big problem we have is that
"everyone knows" how an internal combustion engine works, and that's not how Walter's engine works. And
"no one has designed a good working Variable Compression engine". And no one has made an engine this
efficient, and even the big manufacturers/researcher have come up with something this good, so how could some backwoods
mechanic have done so. People scoff. I believe the Phase II contract is for a full year, but we should be getting more
interest as we get more proof and testing of the engine. I know Walter has always wanted to sell licenses to use the
patent. The last change in technology was the Wankle engine. Those patent licenses were sold for $30 million each to
40 or 50 manufacturers. Taking inflation into account and a greater leap in technology, I think license sales of $2.5
billion would not be surprising. I'd be dizzy with excitement with my 1% of that. And who knows, maybe it will really
happen. The possibility is closer. TRAVELING BEAD PARTY!!!! Tina "Dr. Sooz"
<penhall98@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message news:1150299047.587946.309020@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
[quote:0d26c46a57]This has been suspenseful as hell. I want to go turn on the lights and jump on their beds like a
little kid, screeching, "GET WITH THE PROGRAM, DUDES!" Christina Peterson wrote: ... and buy all the beads I
want. And have a big traveling bead party. Things are looking up for Walter's engine. Well, I guess we could say that
the Phase I SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant was a success. We got the grant last year, and finished
with it in May. In April, at DoD's invitation, we submitted application for the Phase II grant, and today the letter we
got began: "Congratulations, ....." There is some negotiation to be done. I guess you could say, the letter
is a statement that both parties want to negotiate and now the details will be worked out. Wow! Tina
[/quote:0d26c46a57]


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View entire thread: AD - New Haring set, new focals, new fish...
Posted by Cindy on Wed May 10, 2006 4:09 PM    Post subject: AD - New Haring set, new focals, new fish...

Good morning Bead Heads!!! I listed a few new focals last night. A really great blue dart frog sitting on a Haring
bead!!! A fishie and a focal that is FULL of life. Now today I just listed a really fabulous Haring set, my last in the
series, the beads are done in black and red - a little silver and bam you have yourself a necklace - yes there are that
many beads! Or you could get multiple projects out of this set... HARING in black
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8935646993&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1 all
of my acutions! http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZfull_circle_galleriaQQhtZ-1 Have a fabulous Wednesday!!!! I wonder if
I'll get my house clean today???? Cindy


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View entire thread: DJBeads.com Newsletter
Posted by djbeads.com on Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:02 PM    Post subject: DJBeads.com Newsletter

Our sale bead page is now updated with this weeks deals! Our newest items are up! This week we're starting a new line
of semi precious gemstones in 6mm round and flat stars. We also are starting to carry a new line of magnetic clasps.
You can see these and all our other new items here: https://www.djbeads.com/BeadStore.html Remember that if you've
received an Oct. coupon they will be expiring on the 31st! Make sure you get those used before they expire. Coupons are
being sent out to everyone that has ever bought from us, the first round that was sent out are going to be expiring Oct.
31st. If you've ever made a purchase from us and have moved recently please email me your current address at
carrie@djbeads.com to make sure your coupon gets to you. We have some free shipping auctions ending today on Ebay. See
all the items we have listed here: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZdjbeads_dot_comQQhtZ-1 Announcements It's a new
month and this month we are doing something very special. To honor our friend Jane that we lost last month, Anna and
myself have made a tribute page for her. You can view our pieces here: https://www.djbeads.com/Featured.html Our
featured colors are Amethyst, Light Amethyst, Tanzanite and Plum Pearls We are now introducing new lower shipping
rates. Our shipping prices are as follows: Flat rate priority $4.55 First Class will start at around $1.11 with an
additional cost per item depending on the items weight. Flat rate global priority $5.50 for most bead items (books and
other large items will be more) Due to the new actual shipping price structure we are putting a $20 minimum order in
place on all orders. We have also lowered our free shipping magical number from $75 to $50. After our free shipping
weekend is over, all orders over $50 will automatically receive free shipping. October is Breast Cancer Awareness
Month, remember to do those exams ladies! To celebrate women we're putting ladies charms on sale all this month! This
week, a .925 Sterling Silver Survivor Ribbon charms. Our new book is up for sale this month as well. The title of the
book is Decorate with Beads, but I think it's more like every husbands worst nightmare. There are tons of bead projects
in this book to decorate your entire home, candles, lampshades, egg ornaments and more. Just goes to show, if it'll
hold still long enough, you can bead it!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beads on sale this week can be found
here: https ://www.djbeads.com/BeadStore/SaleBeads.html New Variety Packages are up and ready for sale ~ This months
theme... HALLOWEEN of course! Included in this package: SKELETON JIGGLE 1 GLASS FIGURINE PUMPKIN 2; LG CERAMIC BAT 1;
5X5.5 HG CUBE:OPAL ORANGE/HYAC 50; 6MM PYRAMID EYE JET/GI 25; 9X9 SHELLS - ORANGE CREME/AMETHYST 25; CZECH GLASS
BEADS:13MM NOUVEAU BUTTON DISC 25; 8X12MM HG POINT FRINGE - ORANGE/CRYSTAL 25; 10X4MM TWIST HEX TUBES - JET 20; 3X10MM
DAGGER - OPAL ORANGE 50; 6X8MM CZECH GLASS NUGGETS - JET 25; GEMSTONE:6MM GOLDSTONE STAR 25; 9MM FLAT SQUARE CZECH
GLASS:JET 25; 9MM DAISY DISC - GOLD INLAY JET 25; CZECH GLASS-6MM AB/MATTE JET 50; All of these beads for only $26 .95
Have a GREAT weekend everyone! DLishUs Jewelry and Bead Stores https ://www.djbeads.com Located in Windsor Colorado and
shipping beads to the world Delica's sold by the gram, Czech Glass beads, Findings, Handcrafted Jewelry and all your
Jewelry Making Needs in one store!


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View entire thread: DJBeads.com Newsletter
Posted by djbeads.com on Sat Oct 07, 2006 7:44 PM    Post subject: DJBeads.com Newsletter

Our sale bead page is now updated with this weeks deals! Announcements It's a new month and this month we are doing
something very special. To honor our friend Jane that we lost last month, Anna and myself have made a tribute page for
her. You can view our pieces here: https://www.djbeads.com/Featured.html Our featured colors are Amethyst, Light
Amethyst, Tanzanite and Plum Pearls We are now introducing new lower shipping rates. Our shipping prices are as
follows: Flat rate priority $4.55 First Class will start at around $1.11 with an additional cost per item depending on
the items weight. Flat rate global priority $5.50 for most bead items (books and other large items will be more) Due to
the new actual shipping price structure we are putting a $20 minimum order in place on all orders. We have also lowered
our free shipping magical number from $75 to $50. After our free shipping weekend is over, all orders over $50 will
automatically receive free shipping. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, remember to do those exams ladies! To
celebrate women we're putting ladies charms on sale all this month! This week, a .925 Sterling Silver PMS charms. Our
new book is up for sale this month as well. The title of the book is Decorate with Beads, but I think it's more like
every husbands worst nightmare. There are tons of bead projects in this book to decorate your entire home, candles,
lampshades, egg ornaments and more. Just goes to show, if it'll hold still long enough, you can bead it! We are now up
and running on the new SSL Secure server. If you find a page that gives you a security warning can you please report
which page(s) using our Contact Us page. Thank you!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beads on sale this week can be found
here: https ://www.djbeads.com/BeadStore/SaleBeads.html Our newest items can be found here : This week we have an
exciting new item, Horse Shoe Wire Protectors. Wire protectors guard all stringing material from the everyday wear and
tear caused by toggles, clasps or other findings. They are base metal, available in silver and gold color. https
://www.djbeads.com/BeadStore.html New Variety Packages are up and ready for sale ~ This months theme... HALLOWEEN of
course! Included in this package: SKELETON JIGGLE 1 GLASS FIGURINE PUMPKIN 2; LG CERAMIC BAT 1; 5X5.5 HG CUBE:OPAL
ORANGE/HYAC 50; 6MM PYRAMID EYE JET/GI 25; 9X9 SHELLS - ORANGE CREME/AMETHYST 25; CZECH GLASS BEADS:13MM NOUVEAU BUTTON
DISC 25; 8X12MM HG POINT FRINGE - ORANGE/CRYSTAL 25; 10X4MM TWIST HEX TUBES - JET 20; 3X10MM DAGGER - OPAL ORANGE 50;
6X8MM CZECH GLASS NUGGETS - JET 25; GEMSTONE:6MM GOLDSTONE STAR 25; 9MM FLAT SQUARE CZECH GLASS:JET 25; 9MM DAISY DISC -
GOLD INLAY JET 25; CZECH GLASS-6MM AB/MATTE JET 50; All of these beads for only $26 .95 Have a GREAT weekend
everyone! DLishUs Jewelry and Bead Stores https ://www.djbeads.com Located in Windsor Colorado and shipping beads to
the world Delica's sold by the gram, Czech Glass beads, Findings, Handcrafted Jewelry and all your Jewelry Making Needs
in one store!


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View entire thread: Kilns & Insurance
Posted by Anonymous on Thu May 04, 2006 4:20 PM    Post subject: Re: Rheostat

The instant you place solder onto the iron, the iron begins to lose heat as it's transfers heat to the solder, until the
iron is no longer hot enough to melt the solder. When that happens, your solder is no longer a smooth molten bead, but
has developed a rough surface similar to alligator skin. An iron with a large metal mass will take longer to lose heat
than a small one. When an iron has cooled, it's the wattage (and ONLY the wattage) that determines how fast it reheats.
The higher the wattage, the faster the iron will regenerate heat sufficiently to again melt the solder. For small
projects, a small iron is sufficient. For larger projects, it's common to either have 2 irons plugged in and switch
back and for as one cools, or to work with a larger iron. A large iron can do small jobs, but a small iron can not do
large jobs. There is no single iron that works well for all work. Our shop has 5 different irons and uses all 5
routinely. In my professional opinion, 100W is the smallest wattage iron that should be considered for other than
intermittent hobby work, and for professional work is suitable only for small jobs and soldering leaded joints. I
believe the only way a 100W iron is adequate for applying beads to a foiled panel or lamp is when you run with 2 irons
plugged in and switch irons as each one cools - unless you enjoy spending more time waiting for your iron to reheat then
you do using it. My recommendation? Buy 2 irons. A Weller 100 watt (and use the highest temperature tip you can get)
and a Hexacon 175 watt hatchet handle.


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View entire thread: Kilns & Insurance
Posted by Moonraker on Wed May 03, 2006 1:51 PM    Post subject: Re: Rheostat

"FlameNwind" <goldengoodies.ap@verizon.net> wrote in message news:lMZ5g.5451$c%5.961@trnddc02...
[quote:4f8c57fe6f]In my classes the import was always put on the wattage of the iron (my Nazi instructor insisted that
the Weller 100w was the only one to ever use...period.) [/quote:4f8c57fe6f] What is important is the "thermal
mass" of the tip. A fine-pointed small tip obviously can't store as much heat as a wide chisel tip. The smaller
tip requires more wattage to recover temperature as you work. And, that's mostly theoretical, because most projects
aren't big enough for that to be a concern anyhow. [quote:4f8c57fe6f]I was instructed that if I stayed with the 100w,
temperature would not be a concern. Am I missing something if I do not make the higher
temperatures[/quote:4f8c57fe6f] a concern? Unless you are planning on going into production making products in high
volume and trying to set a land speed record in the process, all the posturing and chest-thumping about high temp
irons is just not applicable. Why would you want to use a iron that _forces_ you to work at a pace greater than your
comfort level? Just to save a few minutes at the expense of jangling your nerves? The solder bead looks just the same,
the joint strength is the same. What's the point? Unless you want to be able to brag that you vaporized a whole roll
of solder in 12 seconds with some hopped-up soldering iron? Brady reminds me of Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor on
the TV show...always screwing something up and grunting like a little pig. [quote:4f8c57fe6f]I mean, are there
techniques that would require a hotter (faster) iron that I should be investigating?[/quote:4f8c57fe6f] Nah. Your
Weller 100P will serve you well. I've used this iron for almost 15 years, and there have only been a few times that I
needed something bigger...like when I was attaching/re-attaching some steel re-bars to big windows. For a home hobby
studio like yours, you have what you need. [quote:4f8c57fe6f]Thanks! Lori [/quote:4f8c57fe6f] You are welcome.
Thanks for the thoughtful questions.


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View entire thread: When, and how, did YOU start beading?
Posted by Dr. Sooz on Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:38 PM    Post subject: Re: When, and how, did YOU start beading?

First -- I LOVE all these posts, they're so interesting! Thank you, everyone, for indulging my question. I know even
the people I've known for years better now. I started beading in 1966. (I know, SHE'S SO OLD! AAAAAAAA!!) I made
love beads for a local store -- I was 12. (Yeah -- I did end up being a hippie.) My sister and I came upon a stash of
old, old beads from my great-grandmother (I still have some of the best ones), and some from a hobby store, and we were
off! Entrepreneurs. Both of us still bead. I did other things in between, and abandoned beading for years here and
there. When I closed my rubber stamp business in 1997, I took some of my profits and blew them the very next day at a
fabulous bead store in Seattle (I was there for a stamp show). What a day! What wallowing and treasure and self
indulgence! I consider myself a beadweaver, PMCer, and collage artist at this stage in my life, and a connoisseur of
lampwork beads. I do some wirework too, because how else ya gonna get earrings? I don't string much at all if I can
help it (shrug~ it just doesn't interest me). I like embellished-to-the-nines beadweaving to *do*. (I'll *wear* strung
pieces happily!) I usually have projects set up all over the house, in various states of half-made mess. I find it
very inspiring to have the house all messed up with projects. I have a few webpages on Kandice's website (thank you,
dolling!!) that give info on beads -- The Links List. It's categorized and alphabetized, and has a table of contents.
Go use it! http://www.lampwork.net/soozlinkslist.html It needs a good updating and housecleaning, but it's FULL of great
stuff. (WARNING: Be sure to take snacks, and pee before you go.) I came here right before the 9/11 tragedy, so I've
been at RCB for 5 years. I've met three of the best friends I ever had here, and so many other good friends. I'm so
lucky! It must've been fate. And GOD, have I learned a LOT here on RCB! I want to return it to its former richness,
with prolific posting, exchange of knowledge & ideas, and friendships blossoming. I know I've left a lot of stuff
out, but that's basically it. RCB has been good -- and bad -- for me, but it's seldom been boring. And of course we
all know that BEADS are never boring! Love, Sooz


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