Introduction to Lampworked Sculpture - Stir Sticks

Use a torch to create festive stir sticks from borosilicate glass to keep or give as gifts.

Meeting Times

Sat, 10/21/2023 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Sat, 10/21/2023

Closed

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About

You will make several torchworked stir sticks decorated in a variety of methods. A variation for making a cheese/spread knife also will be shown. These are great for holiday gifts.

Lampwork and torchwork both refer to the same process in which a torch or lamp is used to melt glass. Once molten, the glass is shaped by blowing, tools, or hand movements. It was more commonly called lampwork when oil lamps were used. This class will use borosilicate glass because it's easier to work with for beginners, but the techniques can transfer to soft glass, and any variations needed for soft glass will be discussed.

You'll learn and practice shaping and sculpting techniques with and without tools, encasing, cold seals, hot seals, and transferring to a punty (a glass or metal rod used to make small gathers or provide a handle for an object while it's being made).

Details

Skill Level: Beginner and Intermediate

Materials

A $27 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers the use of everything you'll need.
You're encouraged to bring any scrap borosilicate glass you'd like to use, as well your own tools if you prefer.

Prerequisites

You must have taken at least one introductory class so you know the basics of safely lighting the torch, turning it off, and melting small gathers to make beads or marbles. More advanced students also are welcome.

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.

BARN Policies

View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy
View BARN's current COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Please email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org to find out more or request an accommodation.
For those who might need physical assistance, learn more about BARN's Companion Program.

Instructors or Guides

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.