Flamework & Fashion: Design, Jewelry and Business

This five day intensive introduces students to the creative and professional process of developing a jewelry collection using flameworked glass and related jewelry-making techniques.

The course moves from the fundamentals of working with glass at the torch to the development of a cohesive jewelry collection. Students learn how to transform individual glass beads and experiments into wearable objects through design, construction, finishing, and presentation.

Alongside studio practice, students develop the professional skills necessary to communicate and present their work. Through weekly business conversations, students explore artist identity, storytelling, target customers, branding, pricing, marketing, product descriptions, photography, and sales strategies.

The course is designed to help students understand that jewelry is not only an individual handmade object, but can also become part of a cohesive collection with a recognizable artistic point of view and professional presentation.

The course is organized around the central question:

How do I transform my skills, story, materials, and ideas into a jewelry collection that people can understand, connect with, and buy?

Additional work time for intensive students: Students will also have access to additional hours in the flame shop, without instruction, on Tuesday - Friday from 5-8pm. Students must be able to work safely in the studio, and be able to set up their area without needing instruction. Students participating in student hours will need to be approved by the instructor and TA’s.

What to Expect: 

Beadmaking requires a little practice at heat control with the torch to create successful beads. Students can anticipate making 2-6 successful pieces in this class, along with some failures, while also refining their skills in translating a specific object into glass. 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: No experience required, open to all levels. Open to ages 14 and up.

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

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 | 5 Sessions: January 12 — January 16
  Tuesday, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm