“Light up your life” with this class and learn the art of glass bead making and torch-fired glass blowing.

You will use COE 104 soft glass for beads and COE 90 for the blown ornaments. The focus is on both precision design and free-form organic styles that allow for a diverse range of creative expression. You’ll explore various techniques and styles, starting with the basics, choosing your own colors for each project and pulling molten glass stringers for decorating. You’ll build on your skills with new techniques each day and will learn about different shapes, stringer control, twisties, raking, swirls, scrolls, encasing, dichroic glass, cubic zirconia, silver glass reactions, and more.

There will be free time for exploring your own creative ideas in class. Later in the week, you’ll learn torch-fired glass blowing. You’ll get six glass tubes for making round and icicle shaped ornaments, and will be able to choose from a variety of crushed glass to color your creations.  At the end of the week, you can make your beads into art jewelry and gift items. Julie will have jewelry findings and extra ornaments on hand for purchase.

Bring a pair of safety glasses, and wear closed-toe shoes and cotton clothing; an apron is optional. Long hair should be secured while around the flame. Julie will contact students prior to class.

Torch fired glass has been with Julie Lukosaitis for over 24 years. It has taught her focus, given her happiness and failures, challenges and successes. Meticulously constructed, Julie uses the torch to melt the glass layer upon layer, reading the heat and applying ancient techniques and skills. She strives to capture beauty within her glass art. Glass art has unlocked a door for her. In 2014, Beadazzled By Julz, LLC was

born out of the desire to teach the ancient art of glass bead making skills and art jewelry. She’s since expanded to include glass blowing and enameling. What sets her apart as a creator and teacher is her 29 years of experience working in public education. Julie is grateful for the opportunities to foster creativity, make friends, and share her skills. Her charitable donations include “Beads Of Courage” for children going through medical treatments.

Level: All Levels