I sometimes buy lampwork seconds to save money but I don't have access to the materials in the article. To fix a broken or uneven edge around a hole I make a matching bead cap out of PMC. If necessary I epoxy the two together so they stay lined up correctly. On one large focal coin bead the holes had caved in leaving scallops on the front and back sides. I found that a 6/0 bead fit perfectly in the holes and really added to the look of the bead.

Yes! I too throw my broken or ugly beads into the kiln, and then look what happens! They are beautiful cabochons, and I wrap them in seed-beaded bezels. Much better than stones...