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Fireworks?

Hobby Lobby has Fireworks Glass Beadmaking Kit on sale for $69.99.

I've never done lampwork and am dying to try it, but am on a very limited budget at this time. Is this something that would be good to use to find out if I have a knack for lampwork or should I save up my money for something better? I'm hesitant to put a lot of money into something I may well suck at.

There is a class in a city about 2 hours away. It's $275 for 2 Saturday classes. Would it be best to save up my pennies and take this course and then save even more pennies to purchase whatever supplies they recommend?

I love looking at all the gorgeous lampwork that many of you do. I may have to be satisfied with eye candy, as I can't afford to purchase more than the most inexpensive beads and the idea of being able to do it myself seems so out of reach. (I'm not crafty or artistic as a rule. I have recently found out that I'm not too bad at making chain maille jewelry, though.)

Thanks for any input.

CindyB

Reply to
CindyB
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Don't get the Hobby Lobby kit! I've heard toooo many problems with the Fireworks torch just breaking, and they don't get as hot as a Hot Head. Also, the way they keep the price down is by leaving out a bunch of stuff you NEED, like specialized eye protection. You end up having to buy that stuff elsewhere anyway.

If you're on a limited budget, my suggestion is to go online to Frantz Art Glass or Arrow Springs and get their Hot Head beginner kit.

Here's the one from Frantz:

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Arrow Springs:
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Practice with your beginner kit for a few months, until you can consistently make a round bead and have a pretty good feel for the flow of the glass. THEN, if you're in love with it, spend your money on an early intermediate course. You will get so much more out of it. When you're about at a point where you think your beads are usable/salable, buy a kiln, and then use money from your early bead sales to upgrade your torch setup.

Reply to
Kalera Stratton

Thanks Kalera!

Consistently make a round bead? I can't even do that with polymer clay. What makes me think I can do it with glass?! LOL But I'm dying to try.

First things first, though. They told us we should be able to close on our new house and move in by the end of October! This has been a year and a half in the making. I'm so excited! That's why money is tight - and will continue to be. The mortgage payment is quite a bit higher than the rent we're currently paying. But so worth it!

Reply to
CindyB

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