A Private Class In Larissa's Studio For 1 or 2 Students

This is a one day class from 10 AM to 5 PM with lunch included.

First, Larissa presents all the equipment and tells you about safety precautions.

Then she lights the torch, and makes a 'stringer,' which is a thin strand of glass used to decorate beads when adding detail is desired. Then you make one. This gives you a feel for how glass melts.

Next she shows you how to make a basic round bead. Then it's your turn. She has you make a few beads in different colors so you can get a feel for how each color of glass is different. White melts quickly and is runny, while transparent glass and black are stiffer. They take more time and heat to become molten.

After you make a few round beads, she goes into surface decoration techniques, including dots and raking. Her teaching approach is to go back and forth, alternating from making a bead and showing you techniques to letting you try your hand. Then she shows you basic encasing and you do it.

From there, she lets you choose what to do. You try out the different techniques and play around with the glass. She demonstrates whenever you want to see how she does things again. Every student is different, so she's flexible in how she teaches and she adapts the process to your needs and learning style. If you're someone who catches on quickly, she has time to show you extra techniques.

At the end of the day, you'll remove your beads from the mandrels, clean the centers, and string them on a piece of string. So you go home with a strand of beads you made and the basic knowledge you need to set up your own glass bead making studio.

The class fee for Beginning Bead Making is $200. A deposit of $100 holds your space. The balance of $100 is due the day of the class.

Please note that starting in Summer of 2009 Larissa is taking a break from teaching until she sets up a new studio for classes. Please watch this page for future postings about classes. When classes resume, Larissa will offer Beginning Bead Making, a private class in her studio. She also plans to offer classes for 4 to 8 students at facilities like schools and glass supply shops.

New class dates will be announced in Larissa's online newsletter.