Learn to make beads with Helen, Over 3 Years of Teaching Experience.
I have now been bead making since 2008 and went full time in 2009 amassing thousands of hours at the torch along with gaining valuable experience having had tuition myself with the following national and international lampwork artists:
Kristina Logan (USA)
Diana East (UK)
Laura Sparling (UK)
Sally Carver (UK)
Michel Silberberg (Israel)
Astrid Riedel (South Africa)
Carla De Francesco (Germany) Anita Schwegler-Juan (Switzerland) Lucio Bubacco (Italy)
I strongly believe you never stop learning and like to try and attend at least one course per year to further my knowledge.
I love teaching what I know to others and tuition takes place in my bright and spacious East Devon studio. Airconditioning during the summer and heating in the winter ensure your day will be comfortable and enjoyable. Why not treat someone to an unusual gift idea? Gift certificates are available please email me for details.
If you are on holiday in the area, why not give me a call and see if you can pop in for a taster session or to browse my work, call 07525780431 to arrange.
Above: The Garden Studio
Testimonials from previous students:
"I had a fabulous day and am really pleased with my efforts, thank you so much for your time and patience, I felt really relaxed and you created a very welcoming and calm atmosphere (and lunch was great)." - Laura Walker
"We are both thrilled with our efforts under your expert tuition. Lesley is already talking of planning another day with a specific project in mind. So I think that you might be seeing us again." - Ann Lee
"Thank you so much for everything you have sent me. The beads you made on the day are absolutely beautiful. I can't believe I made the other ones, without wanting to sound big headed, they were better than I expected them to be, for my first attempt! I can't thank you enough for the day I spent with you and your patience." - Angela Best
"Just wanted to say thank you so much for a great day, and being so patient with me, your a great teacher and should be so proud of all your achievements! hopefully i will be as good as you one day." - Theresa Probett
"I just wanted to say how lovely it was to meet you today...and to see your work which is outstanding. I am so desperate to get going now." - Vonnie Truscott
"Thank you so much for the improver's lesson today. You taught me so much and I feel I can maybe move forward now. Thank you" - Sandra Hale
Below: Angela making a bead on her tuition day and the collection of beads in the colours Angela chose that her and I made.
The
blue beads in the photograph above are a sample of the beads made during
one full days tuition with a complete beginner..........plenty for a
nice bracelet and a couple of pendants perhaps? Maybe (for a small extra
charge) you'd like me to turn your beads into a piece of jewellery or
two for you before posting them?
I am fully insured and have three torches, a Nortel Minor Burner, a Nortel Midrange with Minor top and a Hothead plus all the necessary equipment, a large range of glass and a extensive knowledge of the subject for you to make a large variety of beads and try out lots of exciting techniques and colours. The chosen course runs at your pace and if you have had a little experience before or just want to try something specific then let me know and I can usually accommodate.
PRICES:
One to one tuition day for beginners runs from 10am until 4pm (flexible) at a cost of £125 and as well as use of all equipment and materials also includes:
- Extensive course notes including a tutorial on basic beads and dot placement to take away.
- A spread sheet detailing equipment, it's cost and where to buy it if you decide to set up.
- Access to many lampworking and jewellery books throughout the day.
- All the beads you and I make ~ cleaned and posted the following working day.
- A little something extra from my collection of beads.
One to one taster sessions for beginners are available at a cost of £50. These last approximately 2 hours and include use of all equipment and materials and the same course notes as above if desired. Of course you will also receive all beads made by us both which will be posted the following working day. You can expect to learn how to make simple round beads and decorate them using frit (crushed glass) and dots.
Improver's Sessions at a cost of £125 for the day (6 hours) or £22.50/hour with a minimum duration of 3 hours are available. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.
Rent a torch time is available to previous students of mine only (sorry only 1 torch available) at a rate of £7.50 per hour for a minimum duration of 3 hours which includes:
• use of the Nortel Minor Burner and didymium safety glasses.
• use of pre-dipped mandrels that are ready to go.
• use of kiln, oxygen, propane, ventilation.
• use of a wide array of tools and books.
• a wide variety of glass~for sale by the rod.
• postage of your own annealed (not cleaned) beads the following working day.
Rented torch time does not officially include any input from me although I will be there working on my own things and am usually happy to chat and answer questions.
Should you wish to stay over night affordable accommodation is available locally.
Please email or call 07525 780431 for any further information and to discuss your requirements.