Learn to make beads the Helen way!
I have now been bead making full time for nearly 3 years amassing thousands of hours at the torch along with gaining valuble experience with Diana East, Laura Sparling, Sally Carver and Michel Silberberg and love to pass on my knowledge to others. Tuition takes place in my bright and spacious East Devon studio situated in a pretty country garden on the edge of the Blackdown Hills in East Devon. 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?
Above: Looking towards the studio (green building) across the garden.
Testimonials from previous students:
"I had a fabulous day and am really pleased with my efforts, thankyou 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 thankyou 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." - Vearne 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 (see links page for Vonnie's shop)
Below: Angela making a bead on her tuition day and the collection of beads her and I made.
I am fully insured and have a 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 good 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 inparticular then let me know and I can usually accommodate.
A full days one to one tuition runs from 10am until 4pm (flexible) at a cost of £120 and as well as use of all equipment and materials also includes:
- As much tea and coffee as you like ~ with biscuits of course.
- A home prepared lunch by the Aga in the farmhouse kitchen or on warm days in the garden.
- Extensive course notes including a tutorial on basic beads and dot placement to take away.
- All the beads you and I make ~ cleaned and posted the following working day.
- A little something extra from my collection of beads.
- Transport from Honiton or Axminster train station to the studio and back if required.
You and a friend lessons are available and to allow for the extra materials used plus lunch and refreshments I charge £150 in total. This obviously makes for a reduced individual cost but the downsides are you have to share my time and agree on the things you would like to learn together. Also it tends to reduce the amount of sample beads I make and of course you will have to decide who gets which ones once they have been annealed~this is why I stipulate that it is a friend and not just an acquaintance!
Taster sessions for beginners or intermediate lessons are available at a cost of £22.50/hour (reduced to £20 for previous students of mine) with a minimum duration of two hours. This includes use of all equipment and materials, the same course notes as above if desired plus tea, coffee and biscuits. Of course you will also receive all beads made by us both which will be posted the following working day.
Rent a torch time is available to previous students of mine only at a rate of £7.50 per hour for a minimum duration of 2 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.
• tea, coffee and biscuits.
• postage of your 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/answer the odd question whilst doing so. Basically I can talk for England about lampworking!
Should you wish to stay over night affordable accommodation is available locally.
Please email or call 07525780431 for any further information and to discuss your requirements.
Below: Bead made by Angela Best on her first days tuition.
