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Learning lampworking question

I am interested in taking a lampworking class at a local beadstore. I've always been fascinated with both glass and beads...so I think it's a great possible hobby for me.

The class I'm going to take is a beginner's course, which is 8-9 hours long. I don't know of anyone else in the area that gives intermediate or advanced classes at all. I'm kind of wondering if it's possible to get into this hobby if there are no local teachers to help me advance. And I don't think I can afford to buy the torch, kiln, etc right now.

Is there a way to learn this without local support? (books, videos, etc that might help)

Reply to
AEW
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A great deal of very successful lampworkers have never taken a class. There are a ton of books videos, DVDs, etc. out there to learn additional techniques. Just do a google search for 'lampwork bead supplies' and you'll have 1000s of links.

Barbara

Reply to
penguintrax

You have made a good choice by taking a beginners class - and it sounds like a good one, at least by the amount of hours it will have. The hard part is not having the funds for the equipment - it took me forever to get everything together! I can tell you that yes, you will be able to teach yourself many things once you have the supplies.

Many lampworkers are self-taught. There is a great forum

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where you can go for help and fantastic tutorials too! If you find that you have the talent - go for the gold - there are many low cost options for your first set up - I would suggest you discuss this with your teacher. Denise R. Glitzy Glass Studio
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- VISIT MY SITE TO FIND OUT HOW TO WIN A IPOD SHUFFLE!!!

Reply to
Glitzy Glass

Oh, yeah! And you can even advance without *ever* taking a class. A class teaches you the "theory" (be it beginner or advanced) but where you go with it is entirely up to you!

Some places will rent torch and kiln time, check around... the place where you'll be taking the beginner lampworking class may have some leads. Your local community college?

Yes! "Making Glass Beads" by Cindy Jenkins and "Passing the Flame" by Corina Tettinger are great beginner books. "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Glass Beadmaking" by Jim Kervin is an excellent source for the more technical stuff. My beginner "class" was with Kate Fowle, via her intro to lampworking videos. Etc., etc. Tons of sources out there! Absolutely you can!!

Fran

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Reply to
Deepwood Art

All the books mentioned by Fran are wonderful. If you can, I would suggest renting or borrowing a beginners video or dvd prior to your class. I did this and it helped a lot. If you can't look through the books and read about making a basic bead.

I can rent videos at my library about beadmaking, but I live in the Seattle area and we have a HUGE county library system.

Lara

Reply to
Lara

Although I did have another beginner show me how to do it the first time, I didn't take my first class until I'd been lampworking for ten years, and professionally for two. It's doable. If you find you love it and want to pursue it, a class will get you a lot further a lot faster.

My Amaz> I am interested in taking a lampworking class at a local beadstore.

Reply to
Kalera

Wow! You've all given me some promising leads! I'm so excited!

Thanks soooo much!

Reply to
AEW

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