Drop (shaped) beads

[aoturoa]

Do you really need a kiln when making drop beads?

I did one this afternoon, as part of a set, and it cracked. This makes me Sad, because I only have one rod of the glass left and it's rather short now.

I really wanted a drop bead as the focal, but I don't want to waste the glass I have left if it's not going to work. I'm wracking my brains (what I have of them) to figure out what I did to make the bead crack, but the only thing I can think of is that it may have cooled down too quickly.

Failing all else, I'll just make a bigger round bead 

[garishglobes]

I make drops all the time and just stick them in vermiculite! I'd say, make sure you are keeping all the bead warm, and try to ensure the thin end isn't too thin (otherwise it can crack up there) - but apart from that and a good bathe before putting them away, I can't see why you'd have a particular problem.
Unless you are wanting a very big drop, which might be the issue?? Mine are usually about 15-18mm thick (at base) and 18mm long. Much over that and I probably would be considering using a kiln.

[aoturoa]

Hm. Perhaps it just cooled too quickly then.

I'll practise. But with a colour I have plenty of I think