Our Glass Studio & Lampworking Classes, and Lampworking Supplies

Lampworking Classes

We regularly offer an "Introduction to Lampworking" class, which is taught by one of our experienced lampwork instructors. These classes are usually scheduled for Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday, but we can adjust to accommodate your schedule.

The class is 4 hours, with an optional 1/2 hour break, for a total of 4.5 hours (or 4 hours without the break). The cost is $120.00, and includes all the equipment and class that you will require. Topics covered include:

• Overview of the equipment and tools, basic safety information. Setting up a home studio is also discussed.
• How to make a basic bead
• decorating with dots
• Beads in various shapes other than round
• Encasing
• Making and working with stringer
• Other techniques will be demonstrated if time permits, such as working with foil, florals, etc. If you are interested in a particular technique, please just ask.

The beads you make in class will be kiln-annealed and will be available for pick-up the following business day. Alternately, we will mail them to you at no extra charge.

Students are requested to wear cotton fabric clothing, long sleeves, old jeans, and tie back long hair.

We also offer an 8-week "Lampworking 101" class - more details here.

Check here for our class schedule.

Our Instructors: (see more of our instructors' beads, and some students' too!)

Introduction to Lampworking

• Amy Waldman Smith
• Dwyn Tomlinson

Intermediate/Advanced Lampworking Classes

• Jennifer Tough Jennifer opened beadFX as a bead store and lampworking studio. She is know for her precision and her consistently sized beads. See her range of beads on our lampwork bead pages, in the store, or for sale on ebay.
  
  Private one-on-one tutoring on the technique of your choice can be arranged with Jennifer at the rate of $40.00 hour. Call to arrange.

Renting Studio Time

Our studio is located in the Warden and Eglinton area of Scarborough, in an industrial area. We currently have 6 workstations which are each equipped with a Minor torch, Dididyium safety glasses, and a basic tool kit.

We stock a selection of Moretti/Effetre glass which is available for a nominal fee. Specialized tools and materials are available through special order. You are also welcome to bring your own glass and other tools. Many of our regular lampworkers store their glass with us to save schlepping it back and forth. ;-)

The glass studio is open during our regular business hours. It is advisable to call ahead to reserve space as our studio is getting busy. (416.701.1373)

Studio time rates are $15.00 per hour - but a block of 10 hours (a studio card) can be purchased for $120.00 ($12.00 per hour). This includes torch time, pre-dipped mandrels, use of the basic tool kit and safety glasses, and kiln time for annealing your lampwork beads.

For safety reasons, studio time is available only to those who have had at least one lampworking class. If you have never worked with glass or a torch we require that you enroll in our or another lampworking course. Your first session will be monitored to ensure that you are comfortable using the equipment safely, and will treat the equipment with care.

An experienced lampworker is always available to assist and troubleshoot if you have any questions.

To book a class or studio time, or for more information, please call 416.701.1373 in Toronto, or toll free 1 (877) 473-BEAD (2323) and we will be happy to help!