Glass Bead Flameworking

Working over an open flame melting a glass rod and forming the molten glass onto a metal mandrel to form a bead. All supplies and safety gear will be provided, no experience needed!

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Safety Rules –

• Keep fire extinguisher handy.

• Good Ventilation – flames create caron monoxide.

• No flammable materials in work area.

• No loose clothing.

• No dangling jewelry.

• Long hair must be tied back.

• Always wear didymium glasses when working in flames.

• Keep a cup of water available

Equipment Provided

• Didymium Glasses – Eye protection. Must be work over eye glasses if you have

them.

• Hot Head Torch

• Bracket-Clamps

• Table protector

• Mandrels – a stainless steel rod coated with bead release. This allows the bead

to come off the rod after annealing.

• Bead Release – Clay substance on mandrels.

• Glass Rods – Soft glass, COE 104. It melts at a lower temperature and easily

manipulated.

• Rod Rest – holds the hot glass rods after use and holds them so they don’t roll

around.

• Carbon Shaper – used to manipulate glass.

• Dental Pic – Tool used for decorating.

• Needle nosed pliers – tool to handle hot glass

• Vermiculite in crock pot – holds beads for annealing.

Beginner Class Goal – To allow the student to become comfortable working over an

open flame handling the glass rod and mandrel properly to create a bead.

Advanced classes gradually build on the user’s skill to create decorative beads and

other small glass items.

Instructor – Cathie Brailey

I have been a lampwork instructor for the better part of 40 years. I taught at the Clear

Creek Jewelry Academy in Golden Colorado and a Bead store in Loveland, Colorado

many years ago. I recently retired from the corporate world and want to expand my lampwork teaching. Look for more classes coming soon at Iris & Stone Pottery Studio. I look forward to meeting everyone!!

Also check out other Workshops in Summerville, Meetups in Summerville.