Class Outline for 4-6 Hour
Beginning Bead Class

Heritage Glass

(830) 629-5956

  1. Course Overview

    2. Describe the class outline, format, goals

  2. Safety
    1. Ventilation
    2. Eye protection
    3. Burn prevention
    4. Pull long hair back
    5. Dress appropriately
    6. Don’t leave torch unattended
    7. Keep children and animals out of torch area
  1. Basic Supplies & Equipment
    2.
    1. Heat Proof Board
    2. Mandrels
    3. Bead Separator
    4. Fiber Blanket
    5. Pliers
    6. HOT HEAD Torch
    7. MAPP Gas
    8. Rake
    9. Marver
    10. Paddle
    11. Glass
      1. Brief discussion of compatibility
  1. Torch
    1. Setting up
    2. Lighting up
    3. Where to set flame
    4. Where to work in flame
  1. Demonstrate a Basic Bead Twice
    2.
    1. Shapes
      1. Cylinder
      2. Disk or tabular
        1. Don’t squash too flat!
      3. Triangle
      4. Cube
      5. Grooved
    1. Pinch with leaf veining pliers
    2. Put beads into blanket in order
    3. What to do if bead pulls loose from mandrel
  1. First Practice Session
  1. Demonstrate Decorative Techniques
    1. Forming a bigger bead
    2. Two color beads
    3. Dots
    4. Spirals
    5. Feathers
  1. Second Practice Session
    1. Individuals may work on decorative techniques or continue working on basic bead shapes if they prefer.
  1. Preparing to start again
    1. Removing and Cleaning Beads
    2. Cleaning and re-prepping mandrels

 

  1. Pulling Stringer
  1. Using Marver for Pickups
    1. Frit
    2. Millefiori
    3. Silver Foil
  1. Third Practice Session
  1. Miscellaneous Tips
    2.
    1. Make sure the torch is turned completely off each time
    2. Remove head from tank when done for the day
    3. Annealing
  1. Questions and Answers
    2.

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