Flameworking Workshops...
G L A S S , C O L O U R , C R E A T I V I T Y... and a chance to make something of your own.
I run friendly, hands-on workshops from my smaller satellite studio in Knowle.
Whether you're completely new to glass or already love getting creative, I'll show you the basics, guide you through the process and give you plenty of opportunity to experiment and create something that's your own.
Discover the magic of turning rods of glass into beautiful beads using a flame.
There is something completely mesmerising about flameworking. You start with a solid rod of glass, heat it in the flame until it becomes soft and glowing, and then slowly shape it into something completely new.
In this hands-on workshop, I'll introduce you to the basics of flameworking and show you how to safely work with the torch and molten glass. You'll then have plenty of time to experiment with different colours and techniques to create your own collection of glass beads.
And don't worry if you've never worked with glass before — this workshop is designed for beginners.
W H A T I S F L A M E W O R K I N G ?
Flameworking, sometimes called lampworking, is a way of working with glass using a torch.
Flameworking, also known as lampworking, is the process of melting glass rods in a flame until they become soft and molten, then using gravity, tools and a little bit of skill to shape the glass into beads, figures and other objects.
The name lampworking comes from the early days of the craft, when glassworkers used lamps or small flames to heat and melt their glass. Today, we can use a modern gas torch to achieve the same basic principle — heating the glass until it becomes wonderfully soft and workable.
In my workshops, we'll be working with Murano glass rods, melting them in the flame and winding the molten glass onto a metal rod called a mandrel to create beads.
It's quite magical watching a solid glass rod transform in the flame. One minute you're holding a piece of glass, and the next it's glowing, moving and taking shape under your hands.
W H A T W I L L I M A K E ?
You will create a collection of beads using a variety of techniques that you are able to take home with you on the following day. This is due to the nature of glass and the need to anneal your beads in a kiln.
You'll learn how to make your own glass beads, experimenting with different colours and simple techniques to create your own collection.
I'll guide you through the process step by step, from heating the glass and winding it onto the mandrel to shaping and decorating your beads.
You can then turn your finished beads into a bracelet to take home — a little reminder of your time playing with glass and fire.
W H A T W I L L W E D O ?
I'll guide you through everything step by step, starting with an introduction to the equipment and how to work safely with the torch.
We'll then look at:
How to heat and handle glass safely
How to create a basic glass bead
How to work with different colours
How to shape your glass
Simple techniques for creating patterns and decoration
How to finish and safely cool your beads
Creating your own collection of beads for your bracelet
There will be demonstrations along the way, followed by plenty of opportunity for you to have a go yourself.
What's included...?
Your workshop includes:
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All the glass you'll need
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Use of the flameworking equipment
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Safety equipment
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Tuition and demonstrations
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Your own collection of handmade glass beads
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Materials to turn your beads into a bracelet
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Tea, coffee and biscuits to keep us going — and possibly cake if you're lucky!
Everything you need is provided.
F A Q ' S
Do I need any previous experience?
Absolutely not! The workshop is designed for beginners, so you don't need to have worked with glass, a torch or jewellery making before.
I'll demonstrate everything step by step and guide you through your first attempts. There is a bit to think about at first, but you'll soon get the hang of it.
What should I wear..?
We will be working with a flame so please ensure that you are wearing appropriate clothing. The studio is a wooden shed in the garden so layers are good as in the summer it can be warm, and winter it can get cold.
Comfortable clothes made from natural fibres are best, with long trousers and closed-toe shoes. Please avoid loose sleeves and dangling jewellery.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Nothing!
All the glass, equipment and materials you need are provided.
Just bring yourself, some enthusiasm and perhaps an idea of which colours you like.
How many people are in a session?
I currently have one flameworking torch, so I teach a maximum of two people at a time.
This means you'll take it in turns to watch and have a go. This might sound like you aren't going to get much making time, but it's actually a really useful part of learning. When you're watching, you get a chance to see what I'm doing, think about the next step and process what you've just learnt before having another go yourself.
At first, flameworking can feel a little bit like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time! There are lots of things to think about — holding the glass, watching the flame, controlling the heat and keeping everything moving — so having a little time to watch and take it all in is really helpful.
Can I book the workshop on my own?