Intermediate Techniques in Soft Glass: Double Helix Reducing Glass

Sometimes you need a metallic look or pearlescent shimmer to your beads or marbles.

Meeting Times

Sat, 5/18/2024 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sat, 5/18/2024

Closed

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About

Learn how to use Double Helix brand reducing glass to achieve a reflective metallic finish on the surface of your soft glass work, or a pearlescent shimmer under clear encasement.

Double Helix is a soft glass but can sometimes produce effects that make it look similar to some kinds of borosilicate glass. You'll learn how to achieve a neutral, reducing, or oxidizing flame at the torch, and how to use this to change the appearance of the Double Helix glass. You'll learn how to encase glass beads in clear while keeping the modified appearance of the Double Helix glass.

The instructor will demonstrate techniques and you'll have time to make several beads while practicing those techniques with several different colors of Double Helix glass.

You'll be making beads in the class, but the techniques for achieving the metallic reactions will transfer to other objects like sculptures and marbles.

Details

Experience level: Intermediate

Materials

A $44 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers the use of studio tools, multiple colors of COE 104 Double Helix rod, clear rod for encasing, and black Effetre rod for the base of your beads.
You're required to bring a minimum of 15 pre-dipped mandrels.
You're encouraged to bring any tools and colored soft glass rod you like working with.

Prerequisites

You must have taken Introduction to Torchwork: Beadmaking or Introductory Lampworking with Borosilicate Marbles class and be comfortable making medium-size beads.
Students with only borosilicate experience are welcome but encouraged to try out soft glass at least once during open studio time before coming to 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.

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.