Hi Wendy! This is a debatable issue, so what I say here is *my own personal opinion*. You *can* do each of those things, to varying degrees of success. The smaller the bead, the less likely it is to break from shock, generally. If you're using soft glass (Moretti, Murano, etc.) the beads are more sensitive to temperature changes. Most beginners start with soft glass. A fiber blanket is better than using the torch to flame "anneal", in my opinion. You can save those beads for later batch annealing in a kiln. Of course, putting the beads in a kiln immediately is almost always the best option, if you can. I *personally* would not sell any bead that has been batch annealed or not annealed in a kiln. Batch annealed beads (or beads cooled in a fiber blanket) are usually just fine for giving away, making into jewelry for yourself, or selling inexpensively as a hobby, in my opinion. Professional beads should definitely be properly annealed. That said, kilns are expensive, so make sure you love this art before investing. But once you get one, you'll probably love it. :) Have fun!!
- posted
20 years ago