Glass Arts
Techniques in Soft Glass Torchwork: Hollows
Try your hand at making hollow beads.
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Sun, 2/9/2025 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sun, 2/9/2025
Closed
About
This class, the first in a series of ways to build beautiful hollow beads, focuses on the "clamshell technique." You'll learn how to build even-walled discs onto a mandrel. While discs are the building blocks for this technique, they could also be used on their own as focal beads.
You'll learn how to manipulate the discs to closure and then how to heat the entire piece without causing the collapse of the hollow bead. Hot air inflates the closed discs, creating a beautiful hollow bead made entirely on the mandrel. NO BLOWING IS INVOLVED. Finishing these beads will be discussed as well as recommendations for brands and colors that are best for making hollows.
Several of the skills taught in this class can be applied when using other techniques such as blown beads made with a “puffy” mandrel, and traditional blown beads made on a blowpipe.
Details
- Skill level: Advanced beginners and intermediate.
- Effetre glasses, including “opalino,” will be used.
Materials
- A $35 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers the use of studio tools and fuel, and the cost of the soft glass rod and stringer.
- You're required to bring pre-dipped mandrels (minimum 20), and encouraged to bring any tools and colored soft glass rods you're more comfortable working with.
Prerequisites
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.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. 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.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Michele Benson
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