Designing your jewelry is an incredibly rewarding experience. Glass bead-making is the perfect way to create truly unique pieces. With the basics of glass bead-making or Lampworking, you can create beads that perfectly match your style and preferences. You have complete control over the size, shape, and colors of the beads that will adorn your necklace, bracelet, or earrings.
The class will introduce you to the equipment and safety procedures necessary to start your journey towards creating beautiful, handmade jewelry. In the class, you'll learn the art of manipulating glass by heating it in a torch flame, wrapping the molten glass onto a mandrel, and using heat and gravity to shape the bead.
The Flameworking class will equip you with the skills needed to work on the torch and the techniques to make basic beads, which can be decorated with different colors and textures. By exploring color and form, you'll gain an understanding of how pattern and texture can transform your designs.
The introductory glass bead class will provide a strong foundation to hone your skills and create stunning beads. You'll learn how to consistently form a good base bead, pull a stringer, and apply stringer decoration. You'll also learn how to create flattened beads, bi-cone beads, and barrels, among other types of beads. By the end of the class, you'll have the confidence and knowledge to create beautiful glass beads that reflect your unique style and personality. Get ready to embark on a journey of creativity and self-expression and discover the joy of creating your handmade jewelry!
What to Expect:
- Beadmaking requires a little practice at heat control with the torch to create successful beads.
- After demonstrations, expect to make between 2 - 6 successful objects in this class, and a couple failures, while gaining confidence and skill in the studio.
Eligibility:- No previous experience required.
- Open to High School students.
Pick-up:- The glass needs to cool down overnight then be carefully removed from the mandrels, so the students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work.
School Notes:
Preparing for class
- It is recommended that students bring notebooks and water bottles to in person classes. All basic materials and supplies needed for the class will be provided. If students wish to use specific tools or materials not supplied in class they are responsible for obtaining these items themselves.
Studio Attire
- For your safety, protective eyewear must be worn at all times in all areas of the UrbanGlass Studio. We will provide appropriate eyewear for your use. Appropriate work clothes are also required. Flammable or synthetic fabrics, sandals and open-toe shoes are not allowed. Long hair must be tied back.
