Flameworking 101 (Lampworking - or making glass beads!)

Instructor: Dwyn Tomlinson

An 8 week lampworking course for beginners.

Fascinated with the idea of making your own glass beads? You've seen these beads in jewelry, in collections. You've seen them online and on ebay. You're intrigued with these handmade works of art and the process of making them yourself draws you like...a moth to the flame? In this 8-week class you will learn how to make your very own glass beads, starting with nothing but the glass beads, starting with nothing but the glass and a flame. Plenty of practise time for each technique will be included.

Each student will have their own torch to work at. Beads will be annealed and available for pick up at the next class.

Topics covered will include: (but not be limited to!)

• The basic round bead
• Dots & Bumps
• Beads don't have to be round: Using tools to shape the glass.
• Stringers, Twisties.
• Raking and Poking
• Controlling the glass
• Florals
• Sculptural Beads
• Tricky colours and interesting effects
• Hollow Beads
• Foil, cubic zirconia and other interesting doo-dads
• Encasing

Also covered:

• Safety
• Setting up a home studio
• Selecting equipment

This class is appropriate for beginners.

Time: 7:00 - 9:30, 8 sessions.

Price: $480.00 + GST.

Glass is included for the first night. Students can purchase a "Starter pack" of glass rods (about 7 lbs) on the first night, for delivery on the night of the second class. Price is $124.00. (A smaller starter pack is also available, approx $30.) Alternately, students can purchase glass from the studio as required for prices ranging from $0.70 - $2.50 per 13 inch rod. Everything else is supplied, including the use of the correct didydium safety glasses. Also included is a studio cards with 10 hours of (non-instructor) practice time!

Students will need a toolbox or similar, to hold their glass for storage. At least 14 inches long. Requirements will be discussed the first night. This is not required until the second class.

The beads made in class will be kiln-annealed and will be available for pick-up the following business day, or at the next class date.

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

Bonus: 15% store discount applies for each class night! In addition, during the class period - students can purchase a studio card for additional practice time at a discount.

Prior payment required. To enroll in this class, please call 416.701.1373 or toll free 877.473.2323 (877.473.BEAD) or email info@beadfx.com

The Instructor:

Students flock to Dwyn Tomlinson's classes - coming from great distances (Brazil, Spain) or just down the street. Her enthusiasm and passion for glass spills over onto the students and gives them permission to delight in the wonder of this new found obsession. Her sense of humor, patience and background in technical writing and adult education serve her well in teaching beginners.

She likes to give students a solid foundation which they can build on so they can realize their own tastes and styles. She is never reticent to share "secrets" of the trade and will demonstrate any bead that she can make - even her "signature" wave beads.

"Wave" Beads

Encased Dichroic

Sculptural Beads