Hi, it's Diane here!  This is how to use the Enamel Animal bead dies - there are some tips at the end.  With a little practice, you'll be a pro!

**Safety precaution:  Glass powder (enamels) can be hazardous.  Follow manufacturer’s precautions while using enamels.**

Materials:

6 x 6” marble tile (I got a 12 x 12” tile from Home Depot for $1.75 and got two free cuts down to size)
OR 1 ceramic tile that is ABSOLUTELY flat on the surface (otherwise you won't be able to reclaim all of your enamel!)
½” enamel sifter
Blade or scraper
Thompson Enamel for Effetre glass
Enamel Animal bead die

Procedure:

• Place bead die onto the tile
• Place sifter onto tile and hold tightly against the tile

• Shake some enamel into the sifter
  
  

• Tap sifter over die to coat raised design – take care not to fill the voids with too much powder
  
   

• Empty sifter back into enamel container
• Make the base bead and shape as desired
• Heat the surface of the bead and get ready to roll or press
• Let the glow subside and either press or roll the bead onto the die
  
   

• Flash the bead in the flame to relieve cold stress from the bead touching the die
• Melt design flush if desired (this may dissipate very fine designs and is only recommended for thicker lines)
• After bead is finished, empty the die onto the tile and use your scraper to put enamel back into its original container
  
   

• Wipe die, tile and sifter with a damp paper towel to safely remove enamel residue

Tips:

• Flattening a bead and pressing onto the die is easier than rolling – pressing is a great place for the beginner to start
• If your beads are smashing out of shape, let the entire bead cool longer; heat just the surface and let the glow subside before rolling/pressing
• If you are picking up enamel from between the lines, you are either putting too much enamel onto the die, or you are mashing a bead too hard or too hot
• For really fine lines on the die, use the lightest of taps on the sifter to carefully add the enamel - it stays on the die better that way.
• Tiny scoops can be found at hardware stores or online at Harbor Freight that will allow you to put more than one color of enamel onto a die. This, however, mixes your enamels and you will not be able to regain and reuse the excess enamel.  You can still use the mix of enamels to make a new color.
• My hands shake, so I have devised a platform system for rolling beads with both hands.  Also, since most patterns that you'll use require that the bead be rolled or pressed nice and flat, your mandrel will need to be held horizontally.  Elevating the working surface/die helps A LOT because your knuckles will clear the table.  Not elevating your die can result in unconsciously tilting the mandres upward on the one end, resulting in a light or fading or non-existent section of your pattern
  
  

• Above all, have fun and practice, practice, practice!