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Torchworked Beads: BLING!

Glass Arts

Torchworked Beads: BLING!

Learn about fine silver, silver foil, and dichroic glass while creating your own cosmic torchworked bead.

Member

$163.00 (any noted materials fee included)

Guest

$198.00 (any noted materials fee included)

Tuition Assistance and Other Policies

Meeting Times
  1. Sun, 10/5/2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sun, 10/5/2025

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Type:
Class, Has Prerequisite

Location:
Glass Arts Studio

Interests:
Glass Torchworking

About

Fine silver and dichroic glass are two of the most versatile and attractive applications that can be added to torchwork (often called lampwork or flamework) glass.
This class includes discussions about fine silver and its various forms and applications. Beyond silver's familiar shine, a variety of mystical looking colors and effects can be created with the heat of the torch. Also covered is silver foil, and dichroic glass, a glass that appears to be one color in reflected light and another color when light shines through it.
While there are records of dichroic glass being used in some Roman drinking vessels, another version was developed by NASA to protect sensitive spacecraft instruments and humans from the harmful effects of cosmic radiation when in space! Of course, the version we use is somewhat different. It is very beautiful and sparkly and comes in a multitude of colors.

Project

You'll create a cosmic bead with the glittering stars and purple-blue atmospheres of faraway galaxies.

Materials

  • A $25 materials fee, included in the price of the class, covers everything needed except mandrels.
  • You need to bring 20 pre-dipped mandrels to class.

Prerequisites

  • You need to have had some experience with beadmaking or taken at least one introductory beadmaking class, such as Introduction to Torchwork: Beadmaking.
  • You should be comfortable forming and shaping beads and applying dots.

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

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 Glass Dragons.

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