Lampwork that lights up your life

Lampwork Classes

We currently run 3 different lampwork courses in our studio workshop:  a one hour taster sessions,  a 3 hour beginners course, and an all day intermediate course.   We are open for tuition on Monday – Thursday, and on a Saturday.  Tuition is organised to suit you and can take place on any of these days at a mutually convenient time.  We also run a 3 hour jewellery making course where you can learn how to make your beads into beautiful and unique jewellery.

Details of the course content are described below and can be purchased in our shop.
Lighthouse banner

All our glass and supplies come from Tuffnell Glass and we have a huge range of colours to suit everyone’s taste.

If you have any queries please fill out the form on the Contact Us page or phone 01527 457968.

One Hour Taster Session

Before the start of your One Hour Taster Session I will explain the essential health and safety aspects of lampworking and the equipment we will be using, to ensure that we are safe during the session and to give you confidence. During the One Hour Taster Session firstly I will demonstrate:

  • How to make glass stringers and twisties
  • How to make lampwork beads
  • Bead decorating techniques
Then we move on to the the most exciting part:
  •  You, making and decoration your own beads.
Firstly, I will demonstrate making glass stringers and twisties.  We will use these later in the session to decorate the beads we make. Then I will show you how to make round beads and decorate them with the stringers and twisties made at the start of the lesson. You will then make and decorate your own beads. Depending on progress you may make between 2/4 beads. These will be kiln annealed overnight together with any beads that I make during the session. Once annealed they will be cleaned and posted to you. All glass, tools and safety equipment are included in the price together with any beads I make during the session. Tea, coffee or a soft drink and biscuits are also included.

Three Hour Beginners Class

Before the Three Hour Beginners Course, we will cover the

  •  Health and safety aspects of this fascinating hobby
During the Three Hour Beginners Course we will cover:
  • Types of equipment & tools we will be using on the course
  • The various types of glass that lampworkers use
  • Then the most exciting part – how to make stringers and twisties
  • How to make and decorate lampwork beads
After the course has finished
  • we will have a brief review of the techniques that we have used
  • and discuss your further tuition needs.
As you can see from the above bullet points we will cover a lot before, during and after the three hour course.  Firstly, we will cover the health and safety aspect of lampworking and the equipment we will be using, to ensure our safety and to give you confidence. Then we will move on to the most exciting part – making the beads. First I will demonstrate how to make stringers and twisties which I will use later on to decorate the beads I make – then it will be your turn to make your own. We will then move on to making beads which we will decorate with the stringers and twisties we made at the start of the class. You will probably make about 6/8 of your own beads depending on size and complexity, which will be kiln annealed overnight and posted out to you after they have been cleaned. You will also keep all the beads I make during the session. Use of all equipment, tool and materials are included in the price, together with tea, coffee or a soft drink and biscuits. Although the actual course is 3 hours duration please allow about 4 hours total time in the studio to cover the pre and post course elements of your lampwork experience.

Intermediate Classes

Intermediate Course The intermediate course is an all day course (10 - 5.00 with a break for lunch) which helps you develop your lampworking skills and techniques.  The shape of the day is governed by what you want to learn and the direction that you want to take.  We discuss your requirements in advance of the course so that we can plan the day together to ensure that you get as much out of the experience as possible.  I am happy to discuss your requirements before or after you purchase the course to ascertain exactly what you would like to achieve from your tuition.

Jewellery Classes

Making your beads into special items of jewellery We also run a three hour jewellery making workshop so you can create unique items of jewellery from the beads we made on your course.  This can be organised on the day after your Taster/Beginners course, when the beads have been annealed, or you can book the course on a convenient date and bring our beads back with you. The workshop will be run by my wife April (Fuchsia Cottage Crafts). She will discuss design ideas for your beads and what you would like to achieve. She will then tailor the session to your requirements. The workshop will cover one main aspect of jewellery making and you will come away from the session with one or more unique items of jewellery have you have created. You will also be able to use the techniques you have learnt to create more lovely jewellery when you get home. Techniques can include:

  • Wire work, including making clasps and fastenings
  • Stringing including crimping
  • Small bead work
  • Macrame
  • Making ear rings will also be covered if time allows
Use of all equipment, tools and materials are included in the price, together with tea, coffee or a soft drink and biscuits.