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Introduction to Torchwork: Beadmaking

This beadmaking boot camp is designed to get you up and running when it comes to making torchworked beads.

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Introduction to Torchwork: Beadmaking

Introduction to Torchwork: Beadmaking

This beadmaking boot camp is designed to get you up and running when it comes to making torchworked beads.

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About

Learn to prepare glass for shaping, how to use basic tools, and how to apply glass to achieve donut- and tab-shaped beads. If your torch skills are rusty, we'll review the basics. You'll develop confidence and muscle memory for the skills being taught. Each session will cover specific skills and practice time. You'll also be provided with mandrels and a glass rod assortment to take home and use for future use during an Open Studio.

Details

  • Day 1: After a brief introduction, you'll learn the basic properties of “soft” glass, the compatibility of glass (COE), reactions between different colors of glass, how heat can affect glass, embellishment techniques including applying stringers and dots, and simple manipulation of embellishments.
  • Day 2: After reviewing and practicing skills from the previous day, you'll learn the techniques of two-color twists, filigrana, and applying stringers and/or twists onto a cylinder bead. You'll learn how to make cased beads, which will prepare you to make a tiger bead. And finally, you'll work with frit and its application techniques.
  • Skill level: Beginners welcome.

Details

A $55 materials fee, included in the price of the class, covers everything needed. 

Prerequisites

You must have taken Glass Studio Orientation.

Class Policies

  • Ages 14 and up are welcome.
  • Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants of natural fibers. Wear closed-toe shoes (preferably leather or cotton).  Stretch fabrics are prohibited.
Instructor
Michele Benson

Michele has a bachelor's degree in studio art from Potsdam State College in New York and a master’s in social work from Portland State University. After many years in child welfare, Michele retired and opened Sandhill Glass Studio where she taught lampworking (torchwork) for more than 10 years until she moved to Washington state. She has taught lampworking (torchwork) at the Oregon Institute of Technology and Klamath Community College, and has written articles for Soft Flex Jewelry Company. Michele is a long-time member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers and is currently a member of the Glass Dragons.

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