Description:

Learn the basics of flameworking. The thrill of sticking a rod of glass into an open flame and working with the resulting molten glass is mesmerizing. In this one-day hands-on class we will cover the basics of flameworking. As well as safety, tools and equipment, we will do a lot of melting, stretching and winding of molten glass working in the flame of a torch, ultimately resulting in a hang-able bead/pendant,marble or small sculpture.

Class Goals:

This one day introduction class covers the basics of flameworking and beadmaking. The day will start with an overview of safety, tools and equipment, then we'll dive in and melt rods of glass into shapes and beads. 

This is the first step for anyone without experience working hot glass interested in using the Artisan's Asylum hot glass studio as a member.

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials:

A $30 materials fee, payable to the instructor, will be collected the day of class. There will be assorted color rods of transparent and opaque glass to be used. All tools and equipment will be provided by instructor and Artisan's Asylum.

Instructor Biography:

With a background in Fine Art and Jewelry design and many years as a Gemologist, Joanne Soroka wanted to be able to supply all the materials for her jewelry designs. She turned to Lampworking to learn how to make her own beads. Once she put her first rod in the flame, she was smitten. Joanne has now been melting glass for 9 years. She studied in Murano Italy with Lucio Bubbaco, a master flameworker who has been trained by some of the finest lampworkers in the field today. Joanne herself has now taught many students of her own, of all ages. Her work has been published in books and magazines, and her beads are shown and sold in many galleries and shops around the country.

Michael Soroka has lost his marbles. Please help him make some replacements. I'm sure he knows a thing or two about making marbles and melting glass, just look at all the marble race tracks he has built. He has been an apprentice to Joanne Soroka, lamp work instructor and professional glass bead maker, and he has studied with internationally renowned kinetic glass flame workers. He must know something.