Cold Working for Beadmakers: BYOB Bring Your Own Beads with Ayana Benjamin

Ready to elevate your handmade beads with bold textures and intricate surface designs? Join us in the Cold Shop for “Cold Working for Beadmakers: BYOB”—a hands-on class where you’ll explore how to use sandblasting and other cold working techniques to clean, refine, and decorate your beads.

Bring your own beads (flameworked, fused, or cast) and learn how to:

• Clean and polish beads efficiently using Cold Shop equipment
• Use sandblasting tools to add surface texture, patterns, and design
• Experiment with resists to create layered, graphic, or organic effects
• Apply finishing techniques for a professional, refined look

This workshop is perfect for glass beadmakers looking to expand their skills and explore new creative possibilities in surface treatment and design.

Materials:

Please bring your own glass beads. All other materials and tools will be provided.

Skill Level:

Beginner to Intermediate – some glass experience recommended

What to Expect:. The cold shop equipment can be loud, and all equipment is water fed. Students should wear waterproof shoes, an apron, safety glasses, and ear protection are provided. Clean-up time is included in the duration of class, and usually the last 20 minutes of class are dedicated to cleaning your workstation. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page. 

While coldworking participants primarily engage in mostly standing positions. 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: Beginner to Intermediate – some glass experience recommended. Open to ages 12 and up.

Pick-up: Projects should be completed by the end of this class.  

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 [email protected] if you have questions about the class or would like to arrange a payment plan.

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