Glass Beads 105.1-Enamels

Name: Glass Beads 105.1-Enamels
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)

Learn how to give a Powdery Effect to all your Lampwork Beads

Created byAnna Maria Schoenenberger

Last updated 8/2022

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

The Students will learn how to apply glass enamels to their lampwork beads.
The Students will learn about the Equipment and Materials necessary to safely use enamels.
The Students will learn about different coating textures that can be achieved with enamels.
The Students will learn how to use different tools and techniques to achieve different enamel designs on their glass beads.

Course content

1 section • 10 lectures • 1h 4m total length

Introduction and Syllabus0:55
Explore powdered glass enamels and techniques to create powdery textures and designs on Lamport glass beads, with tips and tricks for starting in the studio.
Prerequisites2:31
Develop lampworking safety and torch handling skills for surface mixed and canister torches. Learn ventilation and eye protection basics, sourcing from lamport suppliers, and annealing beads in a kiln.
Safety Equipment5:22
Improve safety in enamel work with ventilation and air exchange and use snug-fitting N95 masks or respirators to prevent dust inhalation; consult a professional HVAC contractor for an effective system.
Thompson Enamels5:35
Discover Thompson enamels for lampworking, Series 9000 COE 104, compatible with soft glass and no special annealing. Explore opaque and transparent enamel sets and 80-mesh powder.
Texture Lecture18:01
Explore enamel texture techniques, from sugar coating to orange peel, by heating, rolling, and using tools like a bead roller, spoon, and sifter.
Enamel Stringers6:43
Enamel stringers deliver a powdery look distinct from regular stringers, enabling dots, stripes, and swirls. Dip in enamel, heat, and pull to create saturated lines; double-dip to increase saturation.
Making Patterns with Enamels and Stencils10:11
Experiment with enamel on beads by rolling beads through lightly sifted enamel to create abstract patterns. Use small stencils, including vinyl nail stencils, to decorate beads.
Using Texture Plates with Enamels8:55
Explore using texture plates with enamel to create textured beads. Layer enamel, press with a lentil press, and use Marva to keep enamel on top for abstract designs.
Wrap Up1:03
Wrap up highlights using transparent enamel as a background for a bronze tree, showcasing pattern work with pink accents, stars, and ideas to practice more.
Bonus Section5:10
Learn to donate beads to beads of courage, a hospital arts program, focusing on safety, annealing, and options to have beads annealed for you if you lack a kiln.

Requirements

The student should have a work area already prepared.
Fireproof workstation with their torch already set up and good ventilation.
All artists creating this bead should have basic knowledge of lampwork safety precautions. Torch safety, glass handling skills, proper ventilation and using proper eyewear are all requirements needed to safely make this bead. All the materials, supplies and tools are available through lampwork glass suppliers and distributors. I also highly recommend using a kiln to properly anneal your bead after it is complete to ensure durability and strength.

Description

This class will be presented to show the student how to powder glass enamels to make a beautiful glass beads. The class is intended for the beginning student and does not require a lot of experience or expensive tools and materials. The class will start with an introduction and a presentation slide of the class Syllabus. We will then review the prerequisites including having knowledge of basic lampwork safety requirements, a well ventilated work area and a pair of didymium safety glasses. It is also recommended that the students has a kiln to properly anneal their finished beads.

The class will start with an Introduction and Syllabus. A short presentation of the prerequisites will then occur.

The first lecture will discuss safety practices when working with enamels. The instructor will have a short presentation on ventilation and will discuss the use of N95 face masks or the use of a respirator to protect the student from enamel dust. The instructor will also show the students how to place wet paper towels on their workbenches for additional dust control. The instructor will then have a short discussion about the Thompson Enamels to be used in the class.

The class will then move into applying the enamels to a glass bead using various techniques. We'll review different types of texture and coating the students can achieve by varying the amount of heat they apply to their bead. The instructor will show the students how to make and apply enamel stringers. There will also be lectures on using stencils to make enamel patterns and texture plates for more complex designs.

A short congratulatory wrap up will conclude the class.

Who this course is for:

Beginning lampwork glass bead artists.