Glass Arts Classes Chicago - Glass Beadmaking + Flameworking Intro

Glass Beadmaking + Flameworking Intro

with Chicago Glass Collective

TOP RATED

5.0 | 5 reviews

59 Have Dabbled

ABOUT THIS EVENT

Event Category

Arts & DIY

Event Overview

In this 4-hour class, you will learn make your own beautiful glass beads by melting and designing beautifully colored glass with a torch. Dots, swirls, lines and frit will be available for use. Detailed safety instructions will be explained and demonstrated at the beginning and throughout the class.

All materials are included. Walk away from the class with your beads strung onto a wire that can be used as a keychain, fan pull, light pull, zipper pull. You can also string them in order to make a simple necklace or bracelet. No experience necessary. This is a great introduction to glass beadmaking and flameworking and will allow you to come back and rent torch time so you can continue making beads. Expect to make 6-10 beads during the class.

Wear natural fibers (no fleece or spandex) clothing, hair tie for long hair and closed-toed shoes. If you wear glasses and have the option to wear contacts, please do so. Contacts will be more comfortable. Bring bottled water for you to drink.

Ages 15+ Parent/Gaurdian must be present when student (ages 15-17) arrives to sign waiver before class.

If you have any COVID, flu or cold symptoms please do not come to class. We can reschedule for a later date.

Minimum age

15 years or older

Parent or guardian required if under 18

What's Provided

All materials are provided

What You Can Expect From This Experience

Flameworking safety
Safely melt glass with a torch
Learn about glass colors
Learn to make glass beads

Cancellation Policy

Location

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MORE ABOUT YOUR HOST

Chicago Glass Collective

TOP RATED

After receiving her BFA from Alfred University in 1992 Leslie Speicher travelled the country finally choosing Seattle, WA as her home. During her seven years there she focused on her glasswork, teaching at Pratt Fine Arts Center and assisting and studying with local and international glass artists. During this time she was a TA and AA at Pilchuck Glass School, Instructor at Urban Glass in Brooklyn, NY and Red Deer College in Alberta, CA. Residencies include Urban Glass, Hastings College and Pratt Fine Arts Center. Leslie has shown her glasswork, sculptures and installations in Seattle, NYC, Miami, Philadelphia and Chicago. Publications include International Glass Art; Richard Yelle, author.
She then decided to return to school to get her Masters so she could teach at the college level. In 2004, she received her MFA from the University of Illinois. Her teaching career took her first to the University of Miami where she taught 3D Design. Leslie then taught at the Cleveland Institute of Art as an Adjunct in the Glass Department before moving to Chicago, IL after her solo show at the Museum of Surgical Science in 2006.
No matter what she is making her aspiration is to create pieces with unique character, which are thought provoking and visually pleasing. Leslie’s interest in exploring materials leads her to create narratives between design, texture, form and color. Every piece is one-of-a-kind, designed and handcrafted by the artist.

Leslie is the owner of Chicago Glass Collective in Chicago, IL where she also teaches and makes her work.

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EXPERIENCE REVIEWS

Gloria A.
Reviewed on 10/20/24

Thoroughly enjoyed the class. Leslie was upfront about all aspects of the class. She was very thorough in her instruction and demonstration. I appreciated that she would allow students to make a few beads and then she would demonstrate the whole process again. Thus, the student could get a deeper grasp of the task since we had a chance to do it once then review a second demo before continuing to work, which made for better beads

Thoroughly enjoyed the class. Leslie was upfront about all aspects of the class. She was very thorough in her instruction and demonstration. I appreciated that she would allow students to make a few beads and then she would demonstrate the whole process again. Thus, the student could get a deeper grasp of the task since we had a chance to do it once then review a second demo before continuing to work, which made for better beads
Amy H.
Reviewed on 04/23/23

I had SUCH a great time! I got this Intro to Flameworking class as a gift for my birthday, and it was such a lovely experience. Leslie was a great teacher, and made sure we all had a safe, fun experience. We got to make lots of beads, and Leslie came around the right amount with tips and suggestions so that you never felt like you were lost, but you also felt like you had freedom to experiment. I'll be going back, for sure.

I had SUCH a great time! I got this Intro to Flameworking class as a gift for my birthday, and it was such a lovely experience. Leslie was a great teacher, and made sure we all had a safe, fun experience. We got to make lots of beads, and Leslie came around the right amount with tips and suggestions so that you never felt like you were lost, but you also felt like you had freedom to experiment. I'll be going back, for sure.
Sharon S.
Reviewed on 09/05/22

Leslie is a great teacher; she's thorough in her explanations and monitors our practice, correcting us to make us better glass workers. I highly recommend this class!

Leslie is a great teacher; she's thorough in her explanations and monitors our practice, correcting us to make us better glass workers. I highly recommend this class!
Diane S. L.
Reviewed on 06/03/22

This was a terrific class. I had no prior experience and I was able to make several beads, including some I am happy to wear. I am looking forward to continuing to do flameworking.

This was a terrific class. I had no prior experience and I was able to make several beads, including some I am happy to wear. I am looking forward to continuing to do flameworking.
Terry G.
Reviewed on 02/06/22

My daughter and I made beads on a cold winter Saturday. It was a really good way to spend the afternoon and we both made beautiful beads. The studio space was well organized for this event.

My daughter and I made beads on a cold winter Saturday. It was a really good way to spend the afternoon and we both made beautiful beads. The studio space was well organized for this event.