Twist It
In a previous feature, I described some of the basics of torch work and how to make glass stringers. Once you've made a few stringers, then you can learn how to give them a twist or two. These are called twisties.

The first way to make a twistie is to add two colors of rods together. To do this, you'll need a glass torch setup, a pair of long tweezers, insulation blanket, and at least two different colors of glass rods.

You will be working with a rod in each hand. One rod will be your main rod which will be used to melt the other color rod onto. The other will be melted and applied to the main rod like tooth paste on a tooth brush. So, I'll call the 2nd rod the "tooth paste" rod.

1. After selecting two different colored glass rods, hold the main rod in your left and the other rod in your right hand. (These instructions are written assuming you are right handed. Left handed people will probably need to adjust by switching hands so this is more comfortable for them).

2. Start by heating the main rod at the top of the flame and slowly bringing it down into the hotter part of the flame. If you go too fast, the rod will crack and break.

3. Do the same with the other rod while holding the main rod directly behind the flame about 1-2 inches. The tooth brush rod must get molten to the point of almost dripping.

4. Now bring both rods into the flame and place the hot glass of the tooth paste rod onto the main rod. Pull the tooth paste rod away and out of the flame while keeping the main rod hot in the flame. Set the tooth paste rod down.

5. It will probably take awhile to get the main rod as hot as the glass just attached to it. Keep it in the flame until it is molten but not dripping.

6. Now, take a pair of long tweezers and grasp the end of the hot glass rod.

7. The next part is like rubbing your tummy and patting your head. Simultaneously pull the rod to the left and tweezers to the right (away from each other) and twist each in opposite directions. The longer you pull the thinner the twistie will be.

8. Heat the end of the glass twistie, which is still stuck onto your main rod, into the flame and pull it away.

9. Put your twistie in an insulation blanket so it cools slowly.

This is not the only way to make twisties. Some people prefer to use both rods and pull and twist with the glass rods instead of using tweezers. Also, the more colored rods used, the more colorful twisties can become.

Twisties are used by lampworkers to decorate beads. For example, they may use a twistie to create a stripe on a solid colored bead. Fusers use twisties to adorn bowls and pendants.

Though you can purchase premade twisties, it's fun to make your own. It takes a good deal of practice, but it can add a special, personal touch to your glass pieces.

For more instructions on twisties and stringers, I recommend Cindy Jenkins' book Making Glass Beads.

All graphics created by Tammy Powley.

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