Flamework Glass Beads
For Beginners
with Cheryl Cobern Browne
8th & 9th April 2025 / 16th & 17th July
Day 1 - 10am to 4pm
Day 2 - 10am to 1 pm
€160
Melt glass and bend it to your whim. Learn how to make stunning glass beads for your own custom jewellery.
Discover the captivating art of glass bead making in this introductory course. Start by mastering essential safety and torch-handling techniques.
Learn to melt colourful glass rods and wind them around a Mandrel, crafting beautiful beads with intricate patterns like dots and stringer lines.
Workshop Schedule:
Day 1: Begin your journey by crafting multiple beads, focusing on a larger pressed piece intended for a pendant. This day will involve exploring various techniques and styles to shape your glass, add colors and apply patterns onto your beads.
Day 2: Your bead collection is now ready for the next phase. After being kiln-annealed for durability, the beads are carefully cleaned and released from the mandrel. Then we will assemble one of your pressed bead into a pendant jewellery piece..
Please note that the beads in the photo are blown beads intended for a more advanced class. Something to aim for!
Join us and gain access to future studio time as part of our upcoming glass membership club. (More information out soon)
The fee includes all materials required and lunch on day one.
Accommodation available if required - Email: info@mulrannyarts.com for more details and to book.
Soft Glass [COE 104]:
In this workshop, you'll work with soft glass, known for its vibrant colours and lower melting point.
Working Temperature: 760°C – 927°C
Annealing: Soft glass requires a longer cooling process than borosilicate glass to relieve stress and prevent cracking. Our kilns are programmed to ensure your beads cool slowly for maximum durability and strength.
What’s a Mandrel?
A mandrel is a thin metal rod used to shape beads. Your mandrels will be coated with a release agent to keep the molten glass from sticking, making it easy to shape and remove your finished bead. This simple but essential tool provides will help you bring your designs to life.
Cheryl Cobern Browne
Cheryl, co-founder of Mulranny Arts School, is a creative force who brings a wealth of experience to her bead workshops. Cheryl is inspired by the natural beauty around her, blending mosaic, glass flame work, and nasc-assemblage in her artistic practice. She has been teaching beadwork since 1993, including leading Beadventures and serving as Director of The Bead Museum in Phoenix, AZ. Cheryl’s passion for creativity and community is reflected in her work and in the welcoming environment of Mulranny Arts!