Introduction to Lampworking (5 hour class)

Instructor: Amy Waldman-Smith

Course Outline

This class will introduce you to the wonderful world of making lampworked or flameworked beads. Topics covered include:

1. Overview of the equipment and tools, basic safety information. Setting up a home studio is also discussed.
2. Types of glass
3. Making Glass Beads

Students usually make about 6 -12 beads, depending on their aptitude. The beads you make in class will be kiln-annealed and will be available for pick-up the following day. If you are from out of town, we are happy to mail them to you at no extra charge.

Skill Level: Beginner

Prerequisite: N/A

Technique:  How to make a basic round bead, dot beads, bumpy beads, stringers, shaped beads, encasing, florals, and other techniques as time permits, and depending on aptitude.

A few rules:

- Please wear cotton fabric clothing, long, tight-fitting sleeves, old jeans, and if you have long hair, please tie it back.

- Closed toed shoes are a studio requirement.

- If coffee makes your hands shake, you may want to refrain before the class.

- Students must be at least 18, in order to take this class.

Price: $190 (+HST), payment in advance required

Students receive a 2 hour complimentary Glass studio card. Please note that this may not be combined with our Happy Hour 2 for 1 Discount. To book glass studio time, please call 416-701-1373 ext 1 to reserve your spot.

Supplies: Included

To enroll in this class, please call 416.701.1373

or toll free 877.473.2323

(877.473.BEAD)

Instructor Bio:

Form and symmetry are hallmarks of Amy's beads. She pays close attention to the technical details and strives towards uniform, functional beads. She has been making glass beads since 2001 and began working from her home studio in Richmond Hill in 2003. Prior to that, she haunted the beadFX studio in every spare moment. Amy has been teaching people how to make lampwork beads at beadFX since 2004.

Working with glass is a natural high for me. In the total concentration that results then I am "at the torch" the world disappears for a time. My focus is on what I am creating and how it moves in the flame. I lose all track of time. The way the glass flows when hot, but is a solid when cool continues to amaze me. I work with a material that flows and moves yet I create solid objects! One of life's mysteries I guess!

I have always been an artistic person. Since childhood I have been creating in a variety of mediums.

In 1977 I began to experiment with photography. I spent many hours creating in the darkroom. I have taken a number of photography classes over the years including four semesters at college in the 1980s where I was studying at an advertising program. This program encompassed many areas including design, topography, graphic arts and photography to name a few.

I have had a love of beads and jewellery forever. Recently my parents moved and found an old piece of beaded loomwork that I had done in the mid 1970s!

I have taught arts and crafts to children for a number of years through different organizations that I have been involved with.

Glass is my current focus. I was able to take a weekend course with the renowned bead-maker Lezlie Winemaker in early 2000 which was my introduction to flamework. I have continued to practice my craft and am now teaching others how to make glass beads.

I am always experimenting with new ideas, styles and forms. I am a patient teacher who enjoys seeing the light in my student's eyes as they too fall in love with playing with molten glass.