I use an ice cream scoop. The sides dip enough that the mandrel isn't obstructed and the bowl is deep enough that you can get the whole bead in there or if you are doing something else, say a frog or goddess you can get body parts dipped too.

 

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Here's what I use: I bought the spoons at a thrift store for about 10 cents. I bought the shot glass at a dollar store for $1. I use them all of the time.

 

 

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I use those triangular metal beading trays. Nice and shallow, with corners for pouring it back into the pot.

 

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I prefer keeping mine in glass spice rack jars...like these.

 

 

I can peel the sticker off the frit and stick it on the bottle or lid. I can apply the frit right from the bottle-just tilt it and put the bead in through the hole

 

I'm looking at getting a gross or so of the jars at some point, unless I come across a good stash at a thrift store soon. I can store the jars in...spice racks, LOL, which I have also found at thrift stores! Plus mount some little shelves in my workroom too. Probably go with the shelves soon.

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I use those mini stainless steel gravy boats. The mouth part is just perfect for the mandrel to fit into and they pour really well. They aren't perfect, however. I am still looking for the perfect frit holder.

 

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I use these really shallow glass candle holders (they are for pillar candles - they have a tiny lip on them, just enough to go up around the candle... probably about 1/4" deep) that I got at Pier 1 a couple of years ago. They work GREAT.

 

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I use a lid off a metal watch case on a sm paper plate. If you make a mess, it is easy to clean up and not waste any frit.

 

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I use small soya sauce dishes found in the local Chinese supermarket. They are square, appr 2"x3", and perfect as it's possible to roll the bead in the frit without spilling.

 

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I use those little round metal au-jus dipping cups. I can leave frit in them and stack them up. One inside of the other. I like them because they were cheep at 4 for $1.00, I can use a little frit in it if i tip it sideways and i love that i can stack up 3-4 of them and put them away. They are smaller on the bottom so they don't tip over. I have even made frit in them by filling with water then putting the end of a molten glass rod in it.

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I have a set of flat bottom measuring spoons (a couple of bucks at Meijer's grocery store) bend the handle so it sits flat on the table. Pretty much just use the 1/2 tsp and the 1 tsp. unless I'm making BIG beads.

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[in reference to Janet's method] DITTO...I get mine at Dollar Tree and they are stainless steel. They call them Condiment Cups. I love them and have them lying all over my studio! LOL

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I cut soda or beer cans and they work fine for me with a bit of bending the edges to remove the sharp edges. Cheap and very easy to make.

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I use the flat metal replaceable tops used for canning - I think "Bernardin" is the brand. When I'm finished, I use a paper funnel to pour it back into the jar or bag.

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I use a frit tray that my husband built for me out of stainless shim stock. I love it because the frit doesn't skitter away from the bead when I roll it in the frit. Pours back into even the small sample jars with ease. Now as to the way I usually roll the bead in the frit I make a round bead then lay on a couple of wraps of the same colored glass, heat just the wraps and dip in the frit then melt in the frit a little to keep it adhered, repeat on all edges of wrap. When the frit coated wrap is melted in it spreads the frit out nicely and I usually use a gravity swirl to spice it up. (see sample beads here)

 

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Submitted by Tina

 

I use a graphite mold:

 

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My friend Stacy's husband made us both frit trays from a piece of pipe cut in half with a little base riveted on it for stability. Works great and it is just the right size that when you are done you just funnel the frit back into your jar!

 

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I love the ceramic chinese spoons! they are less than a $!