BAGI - Bay Area Glass Institute
call: 408-993-2244
email: studio@bagi.org
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Flameworking - Soft Glass and Borosilicate Classes

We offer classes for two different types of glass.  The two are very different and do not mix.  Usually people choose just one type of glass to build their skills in. 
 
“Soft glass” takes less heat to soften, so it can be worked on a smaller torch, which can seem a little less intimidating for beginners.  Although soft glass can be used to make small sculptures such as human figures or animals, currently our soft glass classes teach a wonderful variety of glass beadmaking techniques.  Soft glass is available in a luscious array of colors including opaque and transparent glass.  There is absolutely no limit to the creative possibilities for glass beadmaking, and it is an easily accessible way to launch into the world of hot glass. 

Borosilicate glass takes much more heat to soften and manipulate, so it is usually worked on a larger torch.  Even so, beginners are absolutely welcome to start with “boro”, which can be made into a wide variety of objects including beads, sculptures, marbles, perfume bottles, goblets, cups, ornaments, pumpkins, etc.  Borosilicate glass is available in clear solid rods and tubing, and an ever-expanding palette of colors.  As with soft glass, there is no limit to what can be created with this glass. 
 
Which should you choose?  Choose classes for what you want to make, and don’t worry about which type of glass you use.  Or try each type and see which you like better.  Whichever you choose, you’re going to have a great time!

Beadmaking for the Holidays

Get in the holiday spirit with this fun one day class. You'll learn to make snowman, Christmas tree and penguin beads, plus many more surprises, and you'll have plenty of time to create a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special, or keep all the beads for yourself!

Date

Dec 8

Time

10am - 3pm

Instructor

J. Peacock


Glass Type: Soft
Fee: $175
Pre-Requisite: Beginning Bead making or equivalent
Max. # of students: 6
Min. # of students : 2
> Register for class
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Mother/Daughter Beadmaking


Celebrate the holidays with this 1 day class designed especially for Mothers and Daughters. Spend the day together, and get a taste of the ancient art of flameworking – creating glass beads using a bench torch. You will learn to make beads and get an introduction to surface decoration. We will use a wide range of colors, to create beads you can later use in your jewelry designs. Enjoy a special day, creating a sentimental gift for someone you love! 

Tools and glass will be provided.

Glass Type: Soft
Fee: $140 per couple
Pre-Requisite: None
Max. # of students: 6 (enrolled as 3 couples)
Min. # of students : 2 (1 couple)
> Register for class

Date

Dec 15

Time

11am -2pm


Instructor

D. Theofanous



Introduction to Glass Beadmaking

Learn to make glass beads in a vibrant array of colors using Effettre glass rods and an oxy-propane torch. This class will introduce you to the tools and equipment needed in glass flameworking, and cover a variety of techniques. You will learn how to create a classic bead shape, while exploring patterns in surface decoration. Depending on your level, we will cover using stringer for dot and line application, as well as how to create twisted cane such as latticino. We will also go over annealing and bead cleaning, to make your beads ready to use in your jewelry designs!

Tools and glass will be provided.

Glass Type: Soft
Fee: $350
Pre-Requisite: None
Max # of students: 6
Min # of students : 2
> Register for class

Date

Jan 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2013

Time

6pm-9pm

Instructor

D. Theofanous


To Register: Either register online, call 408-993-2244, or send an e-mail to studio@bagi.org. Payment is required upon registration. We accept Visa, MasterCard & personal checks if received 2 weeks prior to the scheduled class.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at 7 days prior to the first day of a class will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made 3 days prior to the first day of class will be issued a 50% refund. In the event that BAGI were to cancel a class(es) a full refund, for the class(es) will be issued.
Liability: Students must be 9+ years of age for glassblowing related classes. Students must be 12+ years of age for flameworking & kilnworking related classes. Students under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a BAGI issued liability release form. Students must inform BAGI, at the time of registration, if they have special requirements due to health related conditions.
Street address: 635 Phelan Ave. San Jose, CA   Mailing address: 1650 Senter Rd. San Jose, CA. 95112. 408-993-2244.
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studio@bagi.org
BAGI is partially funded by the San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs and Silicon Valley Creates