A stainless steel mandrel is prepared by dipping the end in bead release, a ceramic-type material that allows the finished bead to break away and slide off the metal after it is completed.
The release is allowed to air dry, or can be dried in the flame, and the prepared mandrels are placed within easy reach while making the bead.
The torch is lit by igniting the propane first, then oxygen is added to the flame mix to get a cleaner flame that also burns hotter. The working temperature is approximately 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.
A rod of glass is warmed by dipping the end in and out of the flame. The mandrel is simultaneously heated in preparation for the application of glass.
A larger gather of molten glass accumulates by angling the rod up and working the flame along the length of it. Since the glass is now accustomed to the heat, it is not likely to pop and can be worked at an angle more parallel to the body for easier viewing.
When the gather of glass is the appropriate size for the size of the bead being made and is evenly heated, it is touched to the mandrel which is then rotated in order to wrap the glass around it.
The molten bead is taken out of the flame and allowed to cool slightly in order to firm the glass into shape. When it is at the stage of heat shown in the photo, it must still be carefully rotated so that it stays on center and does not droop.
After the base bead is formed, decoration may be applied to the surface with stringers, very thin strands of glass that have been pulled ahead of time. This is the most common way to get detail into a very small area.
The bead is reheated to melt the decoration smoothly into the surface.
A stainless steel mandrel is prepared by dipping the end in bead release, a ceramic-type material that allows the finished bead to break away and slide off the metal after it is completed. 
The torch is lit by igniting the propane first, then oxygen is added to the flame mix to get a cleaner flame that also burns hotter. The working temperature is approximately 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.
A larger gather of molten glass accumulates by angling the rod up and working the flame along the length of it. Since the glass is now accustomed to the heat, it is not likely to pop and can be worked at an angle more parallel to the body for easier viewing. 
When the gather of glass is the appropriate size for the size of the bead being made and is evenly heated, it is touched to the mandrel which is then rotated in order to wrap the glass around it. 
The molten bead is taken out of the flame and allowed to cool slightly in order to firm the glass into shape. When it is at the stage of heat shown in the photo, it must still be carefully rotated so that it stays on center and does not droop. 
After the base bead is formed, decoration may be applied to the surface with stringers, very thin strands of glass that have been pulled ahead of time. This is the most common way to get detail into a very small area.
