I offer three to six hour classes on glass bead making. These are hands-on workshops, including lectures, demonstrations, and extensive workshop practice. I teach how to use the HOT HEAD, an inexpensive non-oxygen torch to lampwork unique glass beads at home with very little equipment.
     Class fees include everything but fuel (MAPP Gas canisters may be purchased at Lowe's) -- students use my torches, tools, and I supply the glass. No glass experience necessary!
     The three hour class is structured as below; the workshop includes the same plus demonstrations of a few more decorative techniques, expanded practice sessions, and a break.

1. Basic Bead-Making Lecture/Demo 30 minute lecture discussing safety, torch setup, glass selection, and a demonstration of basic beads.

2. Practice Session
   20 minutes of supervised hands-on bead making, with individualized instruction, focusing on making two to three basic beads.

3. Second Lecture/Demo
   20 minute demonstration of simple bead decorating techniques, including dots and stripes.

4. Second Practice Session
   25 minutes of supervised practice.

5. Cleaning and Prepping
   20 minutes to clean the used mandrels and re-prep them for the next practice session. Simultaneous discussion of mixing separator, cleaning bead, and trouble-shooting.

6. Third Lecture/Demo
   This 20 minute segment presents several more advanced decorative techniques.

7. Third Practice Session
   40 minutes of supervised hands-on bead making, either continuing to work on basic bead shapes or trying out the decorating techniques as shown.

8. Wrap Up
   While the last beads are cooling, 15 minutes are spent answering questions and suggesting future possibilities for beadmaking.
   

9. 2 Day Workshop         If you should decide to take the 2 Day Workshop, then your beads will be annealed overnight in the kiln and the second day will primarily be practice and skill development with one-on-one coaching.
   



FEES

Private.................$90/student for a 3  hour lesson

Workshops require a minimum of 3 students and a maximum of 5.  This is a 2 day weekend arrangement of 3 hours per day.

At My Studio..........$170/student for 6 hour lesson

If you would like for me to come to you to provide a workshop, please call at least 3 months in advance to discuss fees and arrangement.

You can contact me by email or by phone: 

gracedorsey@att.net

828-719-5685