Bead Release

So today's rant has to do with bead release. I just HATE it when I've not done anything for a while (in this case 2 months) and I open my jar of bead release to discover -- it's drying out.

Sure all you have to do is add a little water and stir. First is how MUCH water. I know the folks who make the stuff say things like "it should be the consistency of a thick milkshake" but do they mean that frozen glop you get at the local fast food joint or do they mean like a real old-fashioned milkshake or malt made with real ice cream, milk and flavors? They really are two different things.

Secondly is the stir part. OK I'm getting old(er) and have the beginnings of arthritis in my hands. I don't have the grip strength I once had. But still.

As I was wrestling with the heavy mandrel and the thickened bead release this morning I found myself wondering if one of those stick blenders would do the trick. Probably, I thought then looked at the jar. But it won't fit in this thing. Too bad it would be such a mess to dump it into a blender (which I had sitting on the shelf and had bought specifically for using in the studio. I think I tossed it. I'll have to go look), add water and hit puree. jeez. This is such a PITA WHY do I do this?

I put the lid on tight, turn the jar upside down, store it in a plastic bag. And it STILL dries out. And before you tell me I should just buy a smaller jar, I only have the pint sized one. whine. It may not even be that much. Robin Foster didn't specify on the label (that's how old the stuff is ... she sold the biz quite a while back).

Well anyway. the mandrels are dipped and just for the record I added too much water (you know like an extra milliliter? 2 drops too many? That's all it takes and your release just rolls down the side of the mandrel) so I fast dipped 'em in the hope enough will stick to the metal I can get my beads made today.

I put up 3 new sets in my Etsy store 2 days ago. Today I"m making easter eggs. This should be fun!