Surf ‘N Turf Bead Making Class

This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced flameworkers who want to strengthen their approach to sculpting animals in glass. Working from both photo reference and instructor drawings, students will learn how to translate 2D imagery into dimensional bead-based forms.
A key focus is learning to break down complex animal forms into simple shapes and build them onto a base bead with clarity and control.
What You’ll Learn:
• Simplify animal forms into basic shapes and volumes
• Translate reference into 3D glass sculpture
• Build and attach elements onto a base bead
• Improve heat control and precision
• Explore cane making, layering, and glass chemistry
• Use specialty tools to create realistic textures like fur, skin, and scales
Course Structure:
Day 1: Sea Life
Warm-up exercises introduce the walking-twist technique, followed by creating ocean-inspired base beads and sea life forms.
Day 2: Land Animals
Students sculpt selected land animals (typically two), focusing on structure, proportion, and surface detail.
By the end of the workshop, students will have a more confident, efficient approach to sculpting animal forms and techniques they can continue developing in their own work.