I was able to use this press for a month through the www.lampworketc.com “Press Game” in the Gameroom section.  This is a new press made by www.goodglass.com.  As you can see in the picture, this press allows you to make heart beads with horizontal and vertical holes.  The hearts are very full.  Actually, the largest heart, with a vertical hole, was just too full for my taste.  I actually tried making it and flattening it.  I just wasn’t successful.  When I tried to remove the chill marks, I lost the shape.  You might have better luck.  However, I loved the size of the smaller vertical hole bead.  That bead is a very versatile size…good for necklaces and bracelets.  Using the vertical holes, I was able to pull the point of the heart easily for another option.

I also liked the twofer–getting the grooved plate on the reverse of the base piece.  This press requires a base to use.  I just plugged it into my Cattwalk base and it worked like a charm.  For UK lampworkers this press seems to be a good buy.  For those of us in the US, the shipping and handling could be an issue.  For lampworkers making beads for Beads of Courage, this would offer some more possibilities.  The hearts are easy to build and most beginners to presses wouldn’t have much trouble making this press work for them.

Thanks to www.goodglass.com for making this press available to LE members.