The cost of the course includes all materials, we also provide an exciting dining experience either in the local cafe or with specialty sandwiches from the deli, depending on your dietary requirements and food preferences. There is always plenty of tea. The studio has very recently undergone a full re-fit, and now has individual torching stations to accomodate up to four people at a time on Minor torches with room for more to observe or alternate on the torch.
In the introductory 5-hour lampwork lesson you will learn to make beads using a Minor torch, the most popular torch for making soft glass beads, in a spacious studio with individual attention. Unless the lesson has been booked by more than one person intending to take the course together, all lessons offered are on a ‘one-on-one’ basis. Your lesson is with Mike Poole (BA.Hons), who has been in art education for over 30 years and has been a beadmaker for over seven years
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As part of the introductory 5-hour lesson you will have an introduction to the history of glass beadmaking, a survey of safety procedures and setting up a torch, a demonstration of how to make beads and then the opportunity to make your own beads. All materials and safety equipment are provided for the course, you will end up with a number of glass beads of your own making to be annealed and then posted on to you. Day or evening sessions are available, please enquire for times to suit you
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If you have already learned to make beads and wish to expand or refine your skills, you can book a session of tuition tailored to your needs. We also offer torch time for those who wish to simply make their own beads but don’t have a torch setup. Experience with beadmaking is required, torch time does not include tuition.
All courses follow the guidelines for teaching as set out by the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers).
The studio is located in the Old Fire Station, Rochdale Road OL14 7NA just opposite the exit from Morrison's in Todmorden, on the Yorkshire/Lancashire border. The studio is not open to the public, visits may be arranged upon request.
If you have a specific date in mind, please contact us to check on availability. Gift certificates are available for lessons, personalised with the recipient's name and posted to you or the recipient.
