Triangle Bead Mold Instructions

fused bottle glass beads

The Triangle bead mold kit is easy to use and versatile, you can change the size of the beads easily, as well as embellish them with paint and mica.  The basic instructions for triangle beads are included here.

Step 1:

Prepare Mandrels by dipping in bead release and set aside to dry. (DIY Mandrel Drying Rack Tutorial Here)

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bead mold mandrel rack

Drying rack for kiln formed bead molds

 

Step 2:

Cut desired glass for beads.  For thinner beads, use single strength float or thin bottle glass.  For thicker beads, use regular bottle glass or double strength float glass.

Thin glass for skinny triangle beads
3 strips @ 1/4” each (.64 cm)

Bottle Glass for thick Triangle beads
1 strip @ 3/8” (.95 cm)
2 strips @ 1/4”

fused glass beads

Cut flat glass into small rectangles

Step 3:

Place the larger 3/8” (.93 cm) against one side of the V shaped mold channel. Continue as desired. Leave a small space between pieces of glass. This glass will form one side of the triangle bead.

fused triangle beads

Side 1 of the triangle bead.

Step 4:

Add a smaller (1/4” ,.64 cm) piece to the other side of the V channel. This piece of glass will form the second side of the triangle bead.

Add side 2 of the fused beads

Step 5:

Add prepared mandrels to the beads

Add the mandrel

Step 6:

Add top layer of glass

Add the top piece of glass to mold

Step 7:

Fire to a full fuse using the Full Fuse Firing Schedule

fused glass triangle beads

beads fused on the triangle side of the mold

Step 8:

Remove beads from mandrels by twisting and pulling off.  If beads are stuck or stubborn, soak the entire mandrel in water and vinegar.

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Tips and Trouble Shooting:

  • If the gap is too small to slide pieces together, you’ll need to widen it with either a diamond file or a diamond bit on a dremel tool.  Use plenty of water and wear a mask.
  • Make sure the feet are level, if your vase isn’t balancing, you may need to grind the feet larger and flatter
  • If your fiber paper doesn’t come out cleanly, add water and dig it out with a skewer or hooked wire.
  • Yes, the vase can hold water

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