Shape Shift: Beyond the Round Bead

Take your beadmaking skills beyond the basics and explore the exciting possibilities of shaping molten glass! In this three-hour introductory class, you’ll learn to create a variety of bead shapes—including barrels, bicones, flattened circles, teardrops, and squares—each offering a unique canvas for decoration. By mastering shape control, you'll enhance your ability to apply intricate patterns, textures, and surface designs. Whether you're new to beadmaking or looking to expand your skills, this hands-on workshop will help you break free from the classic round bead and bring new dimension to your glasswork. No experience necessary—just a willingness to experiment and create!

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 previous experience 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

• One-Day | 1 Session: August 3rd
  Sunday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm