Ditch the Mandrel: Making Glass Beads on Nichrome!

In this class, students will learn how to make glass beads using nichrome — a wire that can safely and permanently fuse to your glass beads. Nichrome — a metal alloy made of mostly nickel and chromium — can withstand high-temperatures while also remaining flexible and durable. By melting soft glass directly onto nichrome wire, artists can avoid using mandrels, bead release, and craft wire in their bead and jewelry making process. One strip of nichrome will be used as both the mandrel and wire to loop your beads onto accessory pieces. 

Students should expect to leave the class with at least 5 finished beads (or more!) and knowledge on how to cut and loop the wire their beads are melted onto. Previous experience with bead making is helpful but not required. 

What to Expect: The class will start with 2 short demonstrations and the remainder of the time will be given to students to create their own beads using the techniques from the demos and working with Hannah to answer any questions. Beadmaking requires a little practice at heat control with the torch to create successful beads. Students should expect to leave the class with at least 5 finished beads (or more!) and knowledge on how to cut and loop the wire their beads are melted onto. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page. 

While beadmaking, participants primarily engage in seated activities such as working with glass rods and torches. The environment can be bright and loud at times. Handling glass and tools may require a certain level of dexterity. To learn more about accessibility the Accessibility page on our website.

Eligibility: Previous experience with bead making is helpful but not required. Open to ages 12 and up.

Pick-up: The glass needs to cool down overnight then be carefully removed from the mandrels, so the students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work. 

This is an in-person class taking place on-site at UrbanGlass. Health and safety guidelines will be emailed to you upon registration

We recommend registering for classes early to reserve your spot! We base materials, and teacher needs off of student enrollment. Early registration not only guarantees your spot in class, but also helps to ensure the class will run. Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled within two weeks of the start date of class. Contact our Registrar of Education, Ari Eshoo, at arianna@urbanglass.org if you have questions about the class or would like to arrange a payment plan.

Class Schedule

• Beginner / All Levels | 1 Session: March 20th
  Saturday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm