Beginning Lampwork Classes in my Portland, Oregon Studio.

My workbench with kiln and torch.

Side view of workbench.

Mandrels (what the beads go on) to the left & stringer (pulled glass used to decorate the beads) to the right.

More pulled stringer...kind of pretty huh?


Glass rods (the "raw materials") used to make the beads - - The majority of my glass is imported from from the tiny island of Murano, Italy.

Contact Me:
Dave Graham • dave@farmerdavesglassworks.com

I've been offering Beginning Lampworking Classes for a couple of years now and I have to admit - I really enjoying teaching one-on-one classes in my studio here in Portland, Oregon.

General Information
In the class you will learn, among other things, lampworking safety, general information about the glass & tools, how to make a round bead, how to use a bead press, and how to apply stringer decoration (as well as other lampworking techniques).  In addition, you will practice, practice, practice!  Email me if you are interested in signing up for a class or learning more about them.  

Customizing Your Class
I am always open to suggestions as to how you want the class to go...after all, it is your class and I want to make sure it meets your needs.  For example, if you are interested in making a specific bead that you have seen me make either on this site or in a set you may have seen on Ebay, please let me know and I can show you how to make it (or them) in your class.  In the past, students have asked me to build a class outline around specific topics such as color theory, use of Bullseye's "luster" glass, and specific glass reactions.

Cost
The cost is $300 for 4 hours of personal, one-on-one instruction.  This price includes all materials and you will get to keep whatever you make in class.  In addition, it includes all of the beads that I make in the class.  I can also customize the length of the class (either shorter or longer) depending on your wishes....just let me know if you are interested in something different. 

One last note - if you are interested in taking a class with a friend, partner, spouse, or someone that you would like to get to know better - - I do offer classes for 2 people at the exact same price, $300 total for 4 hours (so $150 for each person if you'd rather think of it that way).  There is a little less torch time as you watch each other make the beads but there is definitely value to sharing the costs.

Setting Expectations 
Ok, no matter how many hobbies or crafts you have tried in the past, there is just no way after a single class that you will be making beautiful, works of art.  However, my goal is to expose you to lampworking so that you can decide for yourself if it is something that you would like to pursue.  I want to make sure that you have an enjoyable experience learning to make beads!  Please email me if you are interested in signing up for a class or learning more about them.