Exploring Movement, Texture & Color in Italian Soft Glass
Transform the surface of your beads into miniature works of art by learning how heat, movement, and specialized tools can manipulate molten glass into stunning decorative patterns. In this technique-focused workshop, students will discover how subtle changes in temperature and timing can dramatically alter the appearance of a bead.
Rather than simply applying decoration to the surface, this class explores ways of moving and sculpting the glass itself. Students will learn how to use picks, mashers, and other lampworking tools to drag and stretch hot surface glass while preserving the cooler layers beneath, creating flowing organic patterns with incredible depth and movement.
Throughout the class, we'll experiment with a variety of classic Italian soft glass surface manipulation techniques, including gravity twists, feathering, dot twists, and abstract color chemistry. We'll discuss how different glass colors interact, how heat affects those reactions, and how to use timing and flame placement to create intentional, repeatable results.
This workshop encourages experimentation and creativity, as every bead develops its own unique character through the movement of molten glass. No two finished pieces will ever be exactly alike.
By the end of class, students will have a collection of beautifully decorated beads while gaining a deeper understanding of how heat, gravity, and glass chemistry work together to create expressive surface designs.
Students Will Learn
- How heat affects the surface of Italian soft glass
- Using picks and shaping tools to manipulate molten glass
- Gravity twist techniques for creating flowing patterns
- Feathering techniques for organic, flame-painted effects
- Dot twist techniques for spirals and dynamic movement
- Basic abstract color chemistry and glass reactions
- Controlling temperature and timing during surface manipulation
- Building layered designs with depth and visual interest
- Annealing and finishing techniques for durable, wearable beads
This class is ideal for students who have mastered basic beadmaking and are ready to explore more advanced decorative techniques. By learning how to manipulate molten glass rather than simply shape it, students will gain greater artistic control and discover new ways to create expressive, one-of-a-kind lampworked beads.
This is a 3 hour class. It is for students 16 and up. Max 4 students per class.
