TurtleBeads Studio

~ A glass turtle for everyone!  Flameworked artglass beads and custom jewellery by Ania Kyte.


 

~ Classes...

~ In this section, you will find information on my private instruction bead-making classes, along with detailed class descriptions , cost outlines, and studio photographs...


Although there are many fantastic books on the topic of lampworking/bead-making, I believe that one of the best ways to learn how to make artglass beads is to take a class with an experienced lampwork artisan in an established workspace.  I offer two types of classes: Introductory and Intermediate (details below).  Classes are private instruction only, and are held in my home studio in Mission, B.C., Canada.
If you are considering whether glass beadmaking is an artform for you, taking a class is a good way to discover your potential.  In a relatively short time, you can safely:
  •  learn the basic skills of working with hot glass,
  • learn about different kinds of glass and their origins,
  • take your time making a bead without distractions,
  • examine basic materials, equipment and supplies,
  • see what's required to set up a working studio,
  • and ask as many questions as come to mind!

Side-by-side workstations 


Level 1 - Introductory Class

This is a good class for someone who has never worked with hot glass and would like to try the experience of making glass beads.  This is a less-intensive course than the Level 2 Intermediate class, and is recommended for those who would like to explore the idea of whether making glass beads in a torch flame is their artform of choice.

The Introductory class includes the following:

  • 1.5 hours of private instruction
  • student-dedicated workspace
  • all materials and equipment used during class

The Introductory class covers the following topics:

  • safety and equipment
  • pulling stringer (thin rods)
  • making a round bead
  • decorating a basic bead
  • cooling and cleaning your beads
  • books, suppliers, and online resources

The Introductory class cost = $75.00 Cnd.

 

To purchase an Introductory class:

1. Email Ania to arrange a class date/time at

turtlebeads@hotmail.com

and/or

2. Click on PayPal button below to purchase a class:


Level 2 - Intermediate Class

This is a good class for someone who has previously tried working with hot glass either in a private or group setting, or for someone who is ready to take on the challenge of learning all the basic techniques of making glass beads.  This is a more intensive course than the Introductory class, and is recommended for those who plan on setting up a studio or who have decided to make a commitment towards making beads on a regular basis.

The Intermediate class includes the following:

  • 3.0 hours of private instruction
  • student-dedicated workspace
  • all materials and equipment used during class

The Intermediate class covers the following topics:

  • safety and equipment
  • pulling stringer (thin rods)
  • making a round bead
  • decorating a basic bead
  • shaping a bead using a mold
  • decorating a bead using dots
  • encasing a bead in transparent glass
  • cooling, annealing, and cleaning your beads
  • setting up your studio or workspace
  • recommended books, suppliers, and online resources

The Intermediate class cost = $145.00 Cnd.

 

To purchase an Intermediate class:

1. Email Ania to arrange a class date/time at

turtlebeads@hotmail.com

and/or

2. Click on PayPal button below to purchase a class:


Gift Certificates

~ If you would like to surprise someone with a special gift of a bead-making class, you can purchase a gift certificate. The gift certificate can either be printed by you, or can be mailed to you, or directly to the recipient, whichever you choose.  The certificate can then can be redeemed by the recipient when arranging a class at a later date/time. 

~ Please email Ania at turtlebeads@hotmail.com after your purchase to indicate your request and specific instructions.

 

A) To purchase an Introductory class

Gift Certificate = $75.00 Cnd.

Click on PayPal button below:

B) To purchase an Intermediate class

Gift Certificate = $145.00 Cnd.

Click on PayPal button below:


 
Preparing for your lampwork class:

~ Class confirmation, along with detailed instructions and directions to the studio, will be provided in an email or by phone once your class arrangements are finalized.  For reasons of safety and comfort, please prepare yourself for the class as follows:

 
a) please wear old jeans, an old long-sleeve cotton shirt, and old cotton socks;
b) if you have long hair, bring something to tie it back;
c) if you wear glasses of any type, please wear/bring them;
d) if you are interested in taking notes, please bring a notepad.
   

Instructor's workspace

Student's workspace


Studio Set-up - Beginner Kit

~ Many of my students discover during the class that they want to make beads on a regular basis, and this requires them to set up some sort of studio/workspace.  Since some of the equipment and materials are specialized, I try to make the initial set-up easier by preparing and providing a beginner set-up kit to my students upon request.  The kit includes the following:

 

 
  • Tools, equipment, and supplies:

- Hot Head Torch

- Torch mounting hardware

- Gas hose

- Bead Release powder and jar for mixing

- Ceramic Fiber Blanket

- 20 Bead Mandrels (10 @ 1/16", and 10 @ 3/32")

- 20 rods of Assorted Moretti/Effetre Glass

- Sample frit (crushed glass) and 2 frit holders

- Basic Safety glasses

- Needlenose pliers (for pulling stringer)

- 2 printed hardcopy articles on setting up your studio space and decorating beads, both written by Ania Kyte

  • The total cost of the above-listed kit is $195.00 Cnd. and includes all of the above supplies, tools and equipment.

  • In addition to the beginner kit listed on the left, you will also need to prepare the following to finalize the set up of your workspace:

- a work table, covered with tile/sheet metal/etc.;

- a tin filled with sand or gravel for drying mandrels;

- a BBQ-size propane gas tank;

- a ventilated work space.

------------------------------------

  • In addition to the above, start saving for two additional pieces of equipment required in the future after your initial set up:

- a pair of special safety glasses called Didymiums: these protect your eyes from long-term effects of the flame, which you will need if you are spending any significant amount of time at the torch;

- an annealing kiln in order to cool your beads slowly for longevity and durability (if you plan to sell your beads or use them in jewellery, you want them to last, therefore, kiln-annealed beads are the standard for North American artisan beads).


 
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