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 on upcoming courses, including cost and to enrol:
BBM1: Beadmaking – Beginners, Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February, 2025. 9:00am to 3:30pm (2 days)
BBM2: Beadmaking – Beginners, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May, 2025. 9:00am to 3:30pm (2 days)
BBM3: Beadmaking – Beginners, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June, 2025. 9:00am to 3:30pm (2 days)
BBM4: Beadmaking – Beginners, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, 2025. 9:00am to 3:30pm (2 days)
BBM5: Beadmaking – Beginners, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October, 2025. 9:00am to 3:30pm (2 days)
BBM6: Beadmaking – Beginners, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, 2025. 9:00am to 3:30pm (2 days)
Glass Bead Making – Beginners Extension
Extension courses are for people with some experience in bead making. You will review basic torching skills before new bead shapes and use of molds are introduced.
Students will learn further techniques to add to their “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 on upcoming courses, including cost and to enrol:
BME1: Beadmaking Extension – Shapes and Decoration Sunday 2 March, 2025. 9:00am to 2:30pm (5 hours)
BME2: Beadmaking Extension – Twisties and Encasement Sunday 23 March, 2025. 9:00am to 2:30pm (5 hours)
BME3: Beadmaking Extension – Shapes and Decoration Sunday 20 July, 2025. 9:00am to 2:30pm (5 hours)
BME4: Beadmaking Extension – Twisties and Encasement Sunday 7 September, 2025. 9:00am to 2:30pm (5 hours)
Experienced in beadmaking but course is full or dates don’t suit?
Further dates for 2025 are planned. Let us know your interest in being contacted. Don’t forget to check the “Course-related Question” button and tell us the course name – Beadmaking Extension
WORKSHOPS
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
There are no upcoming events at this time
Making Beads Independently – Members Only
Tutor: There is no tutor for these sessions.
When: Bead Making facilities are available for members’ use with a minimum booking of 2 hours during Members’ Project Times.
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.
Numbers: Maximum 5
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 speak to tutor, Vicki Beldan, if unsure of your ability to undertake this activity.
Cost: $20.00 for 2 hours minimum, plus $10.00 per hour thereafter, for use of torch, fuel and tools. 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. Pay on day to volunteers in attendance.
Enrolment: No notification required at present.