Take your beadmaking skills to the next level. Over the course of 8 weeks, explore a range of techniques including dots, stacks, raking, and bead shaping with an emphasis on focal beads, encasing murrine bits, applying dichroic glass, and more. Demonstrations will also include wire wrapping and turning your one-of-a-kind creations into wearable jewelry.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

This class is great for someone looking to expand their beadmaking skills.

Class does not meet on 3/3.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Beadmaking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Ages 16+

Learn the art of glass beadmaking and make an array of colorful beads. Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll learn the basic skills of heating colorful rods of glass with a torch and how to use gravity and tools to form and mold them into unique beautiful beads. Once you’ve practiced creating forms, learn how to add decorative color and designs with dots, frit, and trails to create intricate designs. This class is suitable for all levels. Experienced beadmakers will focus on more advanced decorative techniques.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Class does not meet 3/4.

Ages 14+

Fascinated by the intricacies of colorful glass beads and glass jewelry? In this introduction to bead making, learn the basic skills of heating glass, applying it to a mandrel, and shaping it with tools in just 4 weeks.

 

Plus, learn important decorative techniques, such as dots and trails. You’ll make several different kinds of beads that you'll want to wear or share.

 

Ages 14+

Ready to turn fire and glass into wearable art?

Join us for an immersive beadmaking experience where you'll learn to shape, decorate, and design stunning glass beads.

No experience? No problem.

Already started? We’ll help you grow.

In this five-day class, you will begin by learning how to set up and work confidently but safely in a studio environment. You’ll gain a solid understanding of ventilation, personal protection, proper heat management, and the tools of the trade — mandrels, marvers, graphite paddles, bead release,etc.. Special attention is given to the nature of soft glass, COE compatibility, and proper cooling.

Through guided demonstrations, you will explore the fundamental techniques of bead shaping — from round basics to more sculptural forms like ovals, barrels, hearts, bicones and figurative beads. You'll also learn essential surface decoration methods including stringer application, dot work, encasing, and simple layering to create depth and complexity in your designs.

Along the way, the class introduces the principles of color theory and glass reactions and the use of silver foil. You’ll also develop basic troubleshooting skills to overcome common issues such as cracking, bubbling, and devitrification.

The class includes an introduction to hollow beads for beginners— and blown beads for advanced beginners. Both techniques challenge your control of heat, shape, and wall thickness.

During the class or in your open studio time, whether you’re building a consistent set, experimenting with personal motifs, or developing a signature style, this course supports your growth as both a maker and designer. You’ll leave with a collection of finished beads, the foundational skills for continued independent practice, and the inspiration to keep the torch burning.

This is a perfect class for beginners or for those who feel they need to review their basic skills in order to go further in their exploration. But you have to remember that learning how to work with hot glass is a personal and unique path. Take your time and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Alessia Fuga at www.alessiafuga.com

Beads have served as vessels of history, trade, and personal expression—and in this five-day class, they become a laboratory for flameworking exploration.

Using the bead as our central object of study, you will progress from mandrel-wound soda lime beads to hollow, off-mandrel, and blown sculptural beads in both soft glass and borosilicate. Along the way, we’ll cover color use, surface pattern and treatment, hollow-form techniques, and strategies for efficient production.

Grounded in almost 30 years of professional glasswork, the instruction combines deep technical knowledge with inventive problem solving. Expect a fast-paced but relaxed environment, filled with demonstrations, hands-on practice, and plenty of tips and tricks that you won’t find in books.

The focus is on pushing technical skills, broadening your design vocabulary, and helping you refine or reinvent your own beadmaking practice. You’ll leave with a collection of beads—ranging from small studies to oversized sculptural objects—that can stand on their own or be integrated into jewelry, strands, or other creative projects.

Expect to make a lot of beads, gain new skills, and walk away with fresh inspiration for your work.

This class is ideal for intermediate to advanced flameworkers, though adventurous beginners are welcome.

Additional Class Materials

A blow hose assembly kit is required. Students may bring their own or kits are available for purchase on-site on the first day of class for $40.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Amy Lemaire at amylemaire.com

This class introduces students to the fundamentals of flameworking with borosilicate glass chain fusing. Learn to create colorful, expressive glass beads by mastering torch safety, shaping, and surface decoration techniques. Explore the process of making strong, artistic glass chain links using methods such as the parallel rod technique and surface texturing. Perfect for beginners and intermediate flame workers, this class offers hands-on practice and creative exploration to build your skills and confidence in glass jewelry making.

Discover the vibrant world of glass art in this hands-on, multi-session class where creativity meets craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build intermediate skills, this immersive course offers step-by-step guidance to create stunning glass jewelry from creative patterns, chain, and fusing.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Ghislaine Sabiti at www.ghislainesabiti.com