Bead making for beginners with kathryn Wardill

Venture into the world of hot glass! Create one-off glass beads, miniature artworks that others will marvel at​. Glass bead making, also known as lampworking or flameworking, is an art that involves shaping molten glass using a torch. This ancient craft has been practiced for centuries.

The process begins with a selection of glass rods, each with its own unique colour and properties. These rods are heated the flame of a torch until they become soft and malleable. The maker then winds the molten glass around a mandrel, a thin metal rod coated with a release agent to prevent the glass from sticking. This creates the basic shape of the bead.​

As the bead takes form, the maker can introduce additional colours and patterns by melting other glass rods onto the surface or by using various tools to manipulate the molten glass. Stringers, thin rods of coloured glass are often used to create intricate designs and details of the beads surface.

Teaching the basics of glass bead making, Kathryn will  thoroughly explains all aspects of the process, no experience is necessary. Students need good eyesight and the steady use of both hands. Scheduled class times are highly structured with a balance between demonstrations and students practicing techniques. Upon completion students have the knowledge to continue to practice their bead making skills in their own studios. Topics covered include: Health and safety, understanding equipment, glass and mandrel preparation, shaping beads, using stringers, decorative techniques, general tips, tricks and troubleshooting. Please note all tools and equipment are provided. Students will be required to supply their own glass rods, or purchase at the studio for approximately $30. Kathryn prefers Bullseye and you can preview colours at our online store.

Kathryn Wardill is a contemporary jeweller who received her Masters of  Art, Fine Art by research from RMIT University in 1998. As a jeweller and glass artist she has actively participated in group and solo exhibitions internationally for the last 24 years. Wardill’s dedication to researching jewellery objects which combine metal and glass, has resulted in solo exhibitions, artist in residencies and is represented by  Studio Ingot and e.g.etal in Melbourne. More information can be found out www.wardill.com

This class runs over a weekend, 10am – 4pm Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd March