About

This class, the first in a series of ways to build beautiful hollow beads, focuses on the "clamshell technique." You'll learn how to build even-walled discs onto a mandrel. While discs are the building blocks for this technique, they could also be used on their own as focal beads.

You'll learn how to manipulate the discs to closure and then how to heat the entire piece without causing the collapse of the hollow bead. Hot air inflates the closed discs, creating a beautiful hollow bead made entirely on the mandrel. NO BLOWING IS INVOLVED. Finishing these beads will be discussed as well as recommendations for brands and colors that are best for making hollows.

Several of the skills taught in this class can be applied when using other techniques such as blown beads made with a “puffy” mandrel, and traditional blown beads made on a blowpipe.

Details

• Skill level: Advanced beginners and intermediate.
• Effetre glasses, including “opalino,” will be used.

Details

• A $35 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers the use of studio tools and fuel, and the cost of the soft glass rod and stringer.
• You're required to bring pre-dipped mandrels (minimum 20), and 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 beads.

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants of natural fibers. Wear closed-toe shoes (preferably leather or cotton). Stretch fabrics are prohibited.