Sample Course List
Please contact me to schedule a class in your area! The following are sample courses I have taught. For availability and instruction fees please email me.
Beginning Beadmaking Workshop
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Yes! You can make your own glass beads! Join us for an introductory workshop that can lead you down an exciting path of exploration. In this class you will learn the basics of glass bead making including how to turn on the torch, wind glass around a mandrel, apply dots, manipulate the shape of the bead, and get it off the mandrel after the bead has cooled. Most importantly, you will come away from this class with a clear understanding of the proper techniques and safety procedures to successfully make glass beads! We’ll also explore raked patterns, millefiori, and dichroic glass.
Shapes & Sculpture
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In this class, intermediate beadmakers will focus on shaping and sculpting soda-lime glass (both on and off the mandrel). Techniques that will be covered include hollow beads, vessels, lentil beads, goddesses, triangular beads, and small sculptures. Bring an idea and/or a picture of an animal or bird you want to try to make as well as your favorite tools.
Surface Effects
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In this class, intermediate beadmakers will learn how to integrate metals and powders into their beads for amazing surface effects. Techniques that will be covered include using dichroic glass, silver leaf and foil, enamel powders, pixie dust, baking soda, and gold and silver fuming. You will be amazed at how these techniques will increase your beadmaking palate. Bring your favorite tools.
No Mandrel Required!
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Having trouble with bead release breaking and ruining your beads? Not to worry in this class as no mandrels will be used!! We’ll spend the day exploring ways to create small sculptures, pendants, marbles and buttons in the torch. Learn how to go “off mandrel” to expand your abilities and open new possibilities in your glass work. Some experience with the torch is necessary.
Fabulous Florals
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Need we say more? Learn to make flowers of all kinds and encase them, leave them raised, or just flush with the surface of the bead. Pansies, iris, dogwood, and crocus will be covered. We’ll also learn how to make sculptural flowers such as rose buds and daisies. Bring your favorite flower book and we’ll figure out how to create them!
Flameworked Cabinet Knobs & Lamp Finials
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Have you ever wanted to fill your bathroom or kitchen with colorful custom made knobs or even make drawer pulls for a special dresser? Learn to make them yourself in this class! We’ll spend ½ day on knobs and ½ day on learning how to make finials for lamps (you know the little thing that screws down to hold the lamp shade on)! We’ll be using the Make-a-knob and Make-a-finial kits as well as learning techniques that don’t require special hardware. Some flameworking experience is necessary. Bring color swatches if you desire and your favorite tools.
Supply fee: specify either a Make-a-Knob kit $39.95 (hardware for 12 knobs) or a Make-A-Finial kit $42.95 (hardware for 12 finials) or both. You’ll learn to use both kits and you’ll go home with materials to make more right away!