The Gallery Beadshop

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We've sorted out some fabulous new day-long glass bead making workshops!

Have you ever wanted to know how glass beads are made? Have you ever fancied learning how make them yourself? Well, here's your chance. In conjunction with highly regarded glass artist Rachel Elliott, the Gallery Beadshop are initially offering eight dates in 2008 to learn the wonderful art of glass bead making at beginner
and intermediate levels. We've also arranged a Project Day on Sunday the 8th June which will allow any skill level to design and make beaded gifts such as keyrings, bookmarks and seriously impressive pens and magnifying glasses(!)

Unlike many other glass bead making workshops, those offered by Rachel Elliot @ The Gallery Beadshop provide all students with their own work area and torches. This allows participants to concentrate on the serious business of practising the techniques demonstrated by Rachel as opposed to waiting to use a single torch shared by everyone.

All workshops are held on a Sunday between 10.30am and 5.00pm and cost £55.00 for the class and £20.00 for materials (some items for the Project Days have a separate charge).

Beginners Workshop - 11th May, 13th July, 21st September & 19th October.
Learn how to tame the flame to make and decorate basic glass beads to take home at the end of the day. Demonstrations throughout the workshop will show students how to use a range of techniques to create unique beads from the myriad glass colours available.

Intermediate Workshop - 22nd June, 20th July & 9th November.
This class is aimed at those who have attended the beginners class and been bitten by the bug! Students will get further practice of the initial skills while learning how to develop different bead shapes and further decoration techniques.

Project Days - 8th June.
A day for any bead making skill level that will focus on making beads to be incorporated into a finished gift item, such as a keyring or bookmark, or for a nominal extra cost, a pen or magnifying glass.

Health & Safety Information - Important

For those attending any of the glass bead making classes the following information should be read and the instructions followed:

Clothing - Due to the nature of hot glass, clothing should be made from natural materials wherever possible, in case a piece of glass accidentally lands on you. In addition low neck tops should be avoided for the same reason. Sleeves should be long but not baggy and should not interfere with hands. No open toed sandals should be worn to ensure your feet are also protected.

Jewellery - It is advisable to remove rings prior to working with hot torches and if done during the workshop, these are your responsibility to look after.

Long hair should be tied back and safety glasses (provided In the class) should be worn at all times while the torches are on.

There is no need to bring ay tools as these will be provided. A notebook is recommended to jot down notes though supplier lists etc are available on request. Intermediate and Projects students should think about colour schemes and design ideas they wish to discuss and try out on the day.