Glass Arts
Torchwork Techniques: Hollows on Puffy Mandrels
Build on your hollow bead skills with a puffy mandrel.
Member$175.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$206.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Sun, 4/27/2025 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sun, 4/27/2025
About
This is the second in a series of classes on hollow beads, where we expand on the “clamshell technique” by introducing the “puffy mandrel.” These mandrels are the next step towards using a glass-blowing technique. You’ll learn or improve on building even-walled discs onto the mandrel and manipulate the discs to closure. After heating the entire piece, you'll learn to puff into the hollow mandrel to inflate the bead to a larger diameter than the hot air inflation method can achieve. Because the mandrel hole is on the side, you'll also practice balancing the hot glass as you blow to get an evenly inflated bead. Finishing these beads will be discussed as well as recommendations for brands and colors that are best for making hollows.
Materials
- A materials fee of $50, included in the price of the class, covers use of studio tools and fuel, four puffy mandrels, and the soft glass rod and stringer.
- You need to bring five pre-dipped mandrels, and are encouraged to bring any tools and colored soft glass rods you’re more comfortable working with.
Prerequisites
You need to have had some experience with beadmaking or taken at least one introductory beadmaking class, such as Introduction to Torchwork: Beadmaking. You should be comfortable forming and shaping disc beads.
Class Policies
- Ages 14 and older are welcome.
- Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required in the Glass Arts Studio at all times.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Please email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org to find out more or request an accommodation.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Michele Benson
Michele has a bachelor's degree in studio art from Potsdam State College in New York and a master’s in social work from Portland State University. After many years in child welfare, Michele retired and opened Sandhill Glass Studio where she taught lampworking (torchwork) for more than 10 years until she moved to Washington state. She has taught lampworking (torchwork) at the Oregon Institute of Technology and Klamath Community College, and has written articles for Soft Flex Jewelry Company. Michele is a long-time member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers and is currently a member of the Glass Dragons.
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