Bead making, also known as Lampwork, is a type of glass art where a torch, or lamp, is primarily used to melt glass. Once molten, the glass is formed into beads by shaping with tools and hand movements. Shape, colour, size, complexity and inclusions can be manipulated into complex designs and figurines.
COURSES – BEGINNERS
Glass Bead Making – Beginners
Our introductory Bead making gives students the skills and knowledge required to independently work with the torch and glass rods. Learning outcomes are:
- understanding the nature of glass and its COE (coefficient of expansion)
- lighting the torch and controlling the flame correctly with consideration of safety for oneself and the class group.
- creating a basic bead shape by winding glass around a mandrel, using heat and gravity
- using a variety of tools to shape the beads
- applying stringers in simple decorative techniques
- practising techniques and working at the torch safely without supervision
For further information, including cost and to enrol:
Glass Bead Making – Tutorials
Our tutorials are for people with some experience in bead making having done torching and completed a beginners’ course at the Creative Glass Guild or elsewhere of at least 12 hours duration. Students will review basic torching skills before new bead shapes and use of molds are introduced.
Further techniques will add to the “toolbox” of basic skills. These will include but are not limited to using dots, making twisties and canes, encasing beads, using molds, rollers and presses as well as additional designs with dots and stringers.
For further information, including cost and to enrol:
Beadmaker Buddy Up
Co-ordinator: Irene Krieger
A get-together for members and lampwork students who have done a Guild Bead Making course to share their glass bead torching experiences including latest triumphs and challenges. This group is the place to seek advice or impart tips and information with others who torch. Bring your beads and questions. Suggest a topic for discussion or a demonstration you would like to see. The group supports Bravery Beads, a Westmead Children’s Hospital Initiative.
Numbers: Minimum 2, Maximum 8
Prerequisite: Beginners Glass Bead Making course or similar if using tools and equipment.
Weekend: Saturday, 9.30am to 12:00pm (2.5 hours)
Cost: Members Free. Non-Members welcome. Torch use – $10.00 per hour pro rata (if applies) – only available to members.
Check availability and enrol
MEMBERS’ USE OF BEADMAKING STUDIO
Making Beads Independently – Members Only
Tutor: There is no tutor for these sessions.
Opportunity for members without access to bead making equipment to improve their skills. Note: Members are to abide by various additional safety conditions outlined in course notes provided by tutor when undertaking torching activities and posted instructions including signing an attendance record.
When: Bead Making facilities are available for members’ use with an initial booking of 2 hours during Members’ Project Times. Further time may be booked on the same day if desired but will need to be done separately.
Numbers: Maximum 2
Prerequisite: Guild Membership and Completion of the Glass Bead Making – Beginners course or similar, and confidence in working independently and safely at the torch without supervision. Please contact your beginner course tutor before booking your first session.
Check availability, book time and pay:
Cost: $20.00 for first 2 hours, plus $10.00 per hour thereafter, for use of torch, fuel and tools. Hour sessions cannot be booked on their own. The initial 2-hour booking is to be made first. Glass rods are not included, nor are mandrels or bead release. Glass rods are available for purchase. Bring your own dipped mandrels & container of vermiculite.
Initial 2-hour booking:
Additional hours: 1-hour blocks each to be booked separately