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Intermediate Techniques with Soft Glass: Focus on Murrini

Create pictures in glass rod to incorporate into your beads or marbles.

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Intermediate Techniques with Soft Glass: Focus on Murrini

Intermediate Techniques with Soft Glass: Focus on Murrini

Create pictures in glass rod to incorporate into your beads or marbles.

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Registrations Closed

About

Murrini are colored patterns or images made in glass cane that are revealed when the cane is cut into thin cross-sections. Infinite designs are possible from the simple circle or square to complex patterns or even portraits of people. 

This class gets you started with soft glass, and you'll learn techniques that will transfer to borosilicate glass. Techniques for applying murrini slices to beads and marbles will be discussed.

Details

  • Skill level: Intermediate students.
  • Students with only borosilicate experience are welcome, but encouraged to try out soft glass at least once during Open Studio before this class.
  • You're encouraged to bring a snack or lunch for the class break. A microwave and refrigerator are available on the lower level.

Details

  • A $30 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers the use of studio tools, the cost of multiple colors of COE 104 rod, and 12mm boro rods to be used as punties. You may have some rod left over to take home after class, depending on how quickly you work.
  • You're welcome to bring additional glass and materials like mandrels if you want to practice applying the murrini onto a base bead or into a marble.
  • You're encouraged to bring any tools according to your preference.

Project

You'll use the torch and colored rod to build and pull two-three murrini canes. The instructor will demonstrate each design and you'll have time to make your own with assistance from the instructor, as desired.

Prerequisites

You should have taken an introductory beads or marbles class and have spent time in open studio practicing your skills. Students who have worked with only borosilicate are encouraged to spend a session or two practicing with soft glass before this class.

Class Policies

  • Ages 14 and up are welcome.
  • Wear close-fitting long-sleeve shirts and long pants of natural fibers. Stretch fabrics are prohibited.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes (preferably leather or cotton). 
  • Long hair should be tied back.
Instructor
Laura Arns

Although she's a computer scientist by day, Laura Arns has been working with glass in various ways for more than 20 years during her free time. As a lampworker, she is somewhat unusual because she hasn't specialized but instead works with both borosilicate and soft glass to create beads, marbles, blown ornaments, sculptures, goblets, and more. She particularly enjoys collaborative projects with artists and artisans who work in other mediums. Over the years, she's had the opportunity to learn from numerous well-known lampworkers. A former college professor, she's looking forward to more teaching in BARN's Glass Arts Studio.

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