Get ready to stretch your boundaries using borosilicate color from both Glass Alchemy and Northstar. Students will incorporate custom color blends and sculptural shapes to create beads using both on- and off-mandrel techniques. Emphasis will be placed on asymmetrical form to create a variety of designs: “Shell” and “Ammonite” beads, large hole “Amoeba Discs,” and slender “Twig” beads. Class involves the use of a torch with open flame and gases. Wear safety (didymium) glasses, cotton clothing and closed-toe shoes. Tie long hair back.

The Byzantine chain is the basis for this elegant pair of earrings. Five gauges and sizes of jump rings will be used to give the earrings a graceful taper. The Byzantine chain pattern will be taught using copper jump rings, and we’ll construct the earrings using tarnish-resistant Argentium Sterling Silver jump rings. The earrings will be completed and polished in class.