Introduction to Torchwork: Beadmaking

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

Meeting Times

Sat, 4/27/2024 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sun, 4/28/2024 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sat, 4/27/2024 - Sun, 4/28/2024

Closed

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About

Learn to prepare your 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 will work with frit and its application techniques.

Materials

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

Prerequisites

You must have taken the glass studio orientation to sign up for this class, but beginners are welcome!

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.

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

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 Florida Glass Dragons. When not in her studio, Michele volunteers for the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County and for the Kitsap Humane Society.