We offer comprehensive classes for beginner and intermediate students.

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Students learn how to make and decorate glass beads using a hot glass technique called “Lampworking”. Lampworking is the technique of melting glass rods in a small flame until the glass becomes molten. At this point it can be manipulated and formed into bead shapes. The glass is then cooled at a slow rate.

The type of glass used is an Italian made soda lime (soft) glass most commonly called Moretti or Efettre. We use either a Nortel Minor Burner or Hot Head torch to teach with.

Class fees include all materials and use of safety glasses, tools and equipment. Fees vary according to teacher (local or visitor), length of the class and material used. For more information, please contact us.

Metal Magic – learn to apply silver leaf, copper leaf, enamel powder and reduction flame to soft glass and achieve beads with stunning metallic effects. Accomplished lampworker and teacher Astrid Riedel has more that 3 years experience in glassbeadmaking.

Vessels – learn to make off-mandrel vessels in soft glass with experienced lampworker Anat Golan. She has more than 3 years experience in working with glass and is a master of various techniques.

Tips & Tricks – accomplished lampworker for more than 3 years, Carmen Isaacs has a wealth of knowledge obtained with various teachers in the USA and shares various tips and tricks freely to achieve great results in glassbeadmaking.

Stringers & Twisties – learn how to make advanced and complex twisties and learn how to correctly apply stringers and twisties to beads with the queen of twisties Anat Golan.

Beadmaking – beginners

This two day class gives you both the necessary information and basic skills to start making beads on your own.

You will learn about safety, equipment, materials, the different types of glass and the importance of annealing your beads. Bead shaping and heat control at the different flame levels will be emphasized. Students will learn how to pull stringers and simple decorative cane. Raking, feathering and all sorts of basic bead ornamentation will be done. You will make simple but beautiful beads using dots applied with a stringer.

Setting up a home studio will be discussed, and individual attention is available to assist you in making choices that will work for your particular situation.

The class size is 4 to 6 people. No prior experience required. Let’s just have some fun melting glass!

Intermediate beadmaking

This one day class is for students who have had at least twelve hours of beginner classes and want to try new techniques to improve their skills as a bead maker. The intermediate class is usually tailored to suit the needs of the student(s) and according to the instructor’s field of expertise.

Some of the examples of what might be included in this type of class are the refinement of basic skills, making complex twisted cane, perfecting bead shapes, hollow beads, encasing, airtrapping, surface manipulation, florals, stringer control, reduction frits, goldstone, advanced shaping methods and use of foils/leaf.

Individual

Individual instruction is offered as a personal option. We keep our class groups small (4-6), so that everyone receives individual attention, assessment and feedback. However, there are times when an individual prefers one-on-one attention.

Please send us an email if you would prefer individual instruction.

Please consider reading one or more of the following books before you attend a class, to familiarize yourself with the terms and process of glass beadmaking: (This helps a lot!)

Making Glass Beads by Cindy Jenkins
The Complete book of Glass Beadmaking – Kimberly Adams
Passing the Flame by Corina Tettinger

All classes are taught as "hands on" workshops. Each student will be provided with all materials including: Didymium safety glasses, tools, torch and glass. Please wear natural fibre clothing to classes and the studio. Bring yourself and your desire to learn about hot glass!

Registration and Payment

The first step in registering for a class is done by emailing or phoning us with the class / dates you are interested in. We will then give you the full detail on deposits, payment and directions.

A non-refundable deposit will confirm your booking for the class. If you are unable to attend the class, the deposit can be applied towards enrolment in another class at a later date. If the class is cancelled due to insufficient registration, we will notify you as soon as possible, and refund your deposit, or apply it towards another class.

Remember to check “News” regularly or send us your email address for an update on new classes.

Instruction of advanced techniques acquired abroad: R120.00 per Hour

Torch time with instructions - R80.00 per hour