Due to unexpected events over the long weekend, I have had to move the Flame-working demos to Wednesday evening. Please RSVP IF you plan to attend: nanotopia@me.com
Want to check out what Flame-Working is all about? Wednesday evening, May 23rd 7pm demonstrations will be held in mandrel-wound glass bead making. Afterward, visitors are invited to try making a bead (or 2, depending on popularity). Beads made this evening can be picked up the following Open Studio (which takes place Thursday, May 24th).
Flame-working
Evening demonstrations introduce the basics of mandrel-wound glass bead making by the process of flameworking (lampworking) shaping glass at a bench-mounted, surface-mix oxygen/propane torch. Safety is discussed, various tools used for shaping, sculpting, and how to clean up your beads after they’ve annealed.
Want to check out what Flame-Working is all about? Thursday evening, March 29th 7pm demonstrations will be held in mandrel-wound glass bead making. Afterwards visitors are invited to try making a bead (or 2, depending on popularity). Beads made this evening can be picked up the following Open Studio.
Flame-working
Evening demonstrations introduce the basics of mandrel-wound glass beadmaking by the process of flameworking (lampworking) shaping glass at a bench-mounted, surface-mix oxygen/propane torch. Safety is discussed, tools, terminology of glass, and process.
Glass Kiln forming workshop Nov 3, 4 & 5, 11th $300pp+(optional) lab fee This intensive class introduces fundamental concepts of creating glass objects in the kiln either through lost wax casting, Pate de Verre or a combination of the two. 1st Friday evening overview demonstrates the Vitrigraph kiln/flameworking cane/murrine. Students will learn kiln forming towards making window pieces, bowls/plates, sculptural, wearable items and more! Students work with Bullseye glass, frit/powder, rod and stringer OR have the option (casting only) with gorgeous Gaffer crystal. No experience with glass is required for this course.
Friday evening 6:30-9:30pm: Introduction/demonstration of vitrigraph kiln and flame working cane/murrini for use in kiln forming glass.
Saturday afternoon (noon to 6pm): Students have the opportunity of hand pulling cane/murrini at the torch. Students build models from clay, wax patterns, moulds using alginate and more, set-up the kiln for kiln forming/casting/pate de verre. Sunday afternoon (noon-5pm): Students learn how to work with refractory materials to hand-build moulds, mother moulds, weigh for glass. Models are steamed out of moulds and set-up in the kiln(s).
Saturday afternoon (noon to 5pm): Students return to de-invest their models, cold work their glass by hand.
Students are emailed concerning glass colour choice, otherwise everyone works with clear glass.
Flame-working
Flame ON!, Next workshop starts Tuesday evenings Nov 14th 6:30-9:30pm $130pp includes materials-
Class runs 3 evenings. This workshop introduces students to the basics of mandrel-wound (soft) glass beadmaking by the process of flameworking (lampworking) shaping glass at a bench-mounted, surface-mix oxygen/propane torch. Safety is discussed, tools, terminology of glass, and process. Each student will have access to a torch and will melt and form glass using a variety of hand tools.This is the chance to experience working molten glass! While not a “product-oriented” workshop, there will be plenty of time for students to make a small, but satisfying batch of colourful beads, which are annealed overnight after each workshop, and cleaned before the start of the next class. Class fee includes all materials No experience necessary! Ages 12 on up are welcome!
Learn how to form, fabricate, solder, set-stones and more in our 4 wk Metal + Glass course. Metal + Glass courses are offered afternoons and evenings Monday & Wednesday. Ring band & Wedding band workshops, Lost wax casting silver, alloys, etc. Please see below for our current schedule.
METAL + GLASS 4wk: Monday & Wednesday evenings – Learn basic Goldsmithing. 6:30-9:30pm Next course starts-up Monday, Oct 2nd or Monday, November 6th $275pp (deposit of $137.50 to reserve seat)
evening #1: First evening: working with copper: safety, drilling, sawing. Adding textures.
evening #2: Making a band ring out of silver (stamp, hammer finish, roller print, etc.)
evening #3: Working with wax create pieces w/the lost wax technique- to be cast in Sterling silver or bronze/brass.
evening #4: Finishing wax projects, Cuttlefish casting (lo-tech) in house.
evening #5: Kilnworked glass. Fuse several glass pieces (buckle, pendant, cabochon for setting later!).
evening #6: Enameling copper projects, forming, how to make your own basic findings.
evening #7: Bezel settings cabochon stones or fossils or crystals, or an enamelled or Fused glass piece.
evening #8: Finish up projects
No experience necessary!
Copper, wax, glass, and some sterling silver are supplied*. A list of local suppliers is included. Questions concerning this course? Please see our FAQ’s
What is included:
Approx 3″ x 3″ piece of 16 to 18 gauge copper & *16 ga Sterling silver sheet & wire/15 gr casting grain
Sterling silver for 1 ring band, approx 60mm in length and 1.5mm thick (6mm wide)
Glass powders/Frit & sheet for Fusing *Approximately 1kg of Lead crystal towards a lost wax casting.
Bezel wire for 1 setting
Use of tools & equipment *Bench pin and saw frame to take home
Students are encouraged to supply their own cabochon cut stones, crystals, rocks, etc. However there is a small selection of stones for students to choose from.
Monday October 2nd or Nov 6th 6:30-9:30pm (deposit of $137.50 to reserve seat) Please leave a Paypal note concerning the start date you prefer, or email the studio.
Optional Lab Fee (includes items above with *): $125
Lost wax casting course- sculpt wax, make moulds, cast your objects in Sterling silver* 4 weeks Tuesday evenings starting October 10th 6:30-9:30pm $350pp No experience necessary! 6 student max. Deposit of $175 to reserve seat
In this course students carve/sculpt jeweller’s wax making a ring or a pendant that will be cast in Sterling silver and/or bronze. Burn out casting will be discussed, and low-tech casting methods will be discussed and demonstrated. Students will learn how to make moulds for wax injection/production work. Casting stones in place, such as: diamonds, sapphires, meteorites and certain lab grown stones will be discussed/demonstrated. The first evening starts with an introduction to various jeweller’s wax, carving tools, subtractive and additive sculpting. Students then discuss their design ideas and begin to carve/sculpt their pieces to be cast. The second evening discusses how to cast organic materials; bone, shell, or wood. Each evening covers a different part of the Lost Wax process into finishing work to a high polish or brushed finish as well as working with patinas.
14k red gold ring
What’s included:
Various wax for carving and sculpting
spiral saw blades
Nitrile gloves
Particulate masks
2 ounces of Sterling silver
*students wishing to cast in gold will be given supplier information.
Casting organic materials will be discussed. Some items may be ‘burnt out’ within a casting flask, while others require moulds to be made. Casting various stones in place is discussed and some stones will be available for students to experiment with.
Sterling silver lost wax cast crab clawsRing band workshops
Sterling silver Ring band workshops taking place Thursday evening, October 19th $88pp
Learn how to properly measure your finger(s), layout your pattern and hand cut, form, forge a sterling silver ring band! Demonstrations on adding textures via hammers, stamping tools, and Rolling Mill add inspiration. Finishing techniques; brush, satin, rustic and high mirror polish and leave the workshop with a beautiful sterling silver ring or set of 3 thin stacking rings*!
Participants learn how to hand saw, add texture, form, solder and finish their rings in this super fun workshop! All materials included. Sterling silver for 1 wide band ring or sterling silver for 3 stacking rings, or a combination of sterling copper and bronze for stacking rings.
Tuesday March 14: 1pm-4pm or 6pm-9pm Glass terrarium workshop $88pp*
Wednesday March 15: 1pm-4pm Glass bead workshop $88pp
Thursday March 16: 1pm-4pm or 6pm-9pm Glass terrarium workshop $88pp*
Friday March 17: 1pm-4pm Glass Fusing workshop– pendants! $88pp
Saturday March 18: 1pm-4pm Ring Band workshop– make a sterling silver ring band. $88pp
metal + glass March Break! Handmade, diy workshops include; flame working mandrel wound glass beads, stained glass terrariums, kiln-forming glass pendants and hand forming a sterling silver ring band! All materials included in price.No experience necessary! Small glass terrariums include 1 succulent, soil and river rocks to start-up your miniature terrarium world. Sign up for 3 workshops for $250. Please email the studio if you have any questions concerning these workshops. 12yrs on up allowed! * Please leave note in Paypal checkout with your preferred workshop time (1-4 or 6-9pm)
3 workshop package 1: terrarium, glass beads, ring band workshop:
3 workshop package 2: terrarium, kiln-forming, ring band workshop:
Flame ON!, Tuesday evenings starting January 24 runs to Feb 7, 6:30-9:30pm $130pp includes materials- 3 student max. This workshop introduces students to the basics of mandrel-wound glass beadmaking by the process of flameworking (lampworking) shaping glass at a bench-mounted, surface-mix oxygen/propane torch. Safety is discussed, tools, terminology of glass, and process. Each student will have access to a torch and will melt and form glass using a variety of hand tools.This is the chance to experience working molten glass!While not a “product-oriented” workshop, there will be plenty of time for students to make a small, but satisfying batch of colourful beads, which are annealed overnight after each workshop, and cleaned before the start of the next class. Class fee includes all materials No experience necessary! Ages 14 on up are welcome!
Glass cabochons, bezel settings & fold forming, heat rivet connections & simple hollow forms. 4 evenings starting Tuesday June 7th-28th (runs Tuesday evenings 6:30-10pm), $280pp Deposit of half required to hold seat. Seating is limited-register soon!
Students form molten glass into cabochon forms for bezel and tab settings. 1st evening: Working with hard glass students learn how to form, add inclusions, powders, and foils to create cabochon forms. Annealing schedules are discussed, learning heat control and manipulating molten glass. 2nd evening: Students remove their glass ‘cabs’ from the annealing kiln, inspect them, cold-work if necessary and start to design and solder their bezel settings. Fold forming, heat rivets (or pinning) is demonstrated, and hollow-form construction. Students start to build their pieces. 3rd evening: Thick wire tab setting is demonstrated. Students continue building their work. 4th evening: Students finish up their projects.
What’s included: Copper, brass, solder, all glass and copper metal foil.
Students are encouraged to bring in their own fine silver foil, bezel wire and sterling silver sheet, but this is not mandatory.
6:30-9:30pm, 8 weeks, 1 evening per week Wednesday evenings
$275 per person, 6 people max, 3 people min. $100 deposit necessary to hold space.
evening #1: First evening: working with copper-safety, drilling, sawing, fold-forming.
evening #2: Making a band ring out of silver (stamp, hammer finish, roller print, etc.)
evening #3: working with wax create pieces w/the lost wax technique- to be cast in Sterling, Bronze or Gold.
evening #4: Finishing wax projects, cleaning up castings> cuttlebone casting (finish up models)
evening #5: Enamelling copper projects, forming, how to make your own findings.
evening #6: Flameworking- intro to mandrel wound molten glass
evening #7: bezel settings and/or tube settings, alternative settings for found objects, clean-up castings
evening #8: finish up projects
No experience necessary! Copper, wax, glass, and some sterling silver are supplied. A list of local suppliers is included. Questions concerning this course? Please see our FAQ’s check out some past student work!
Wednesday, May 14th:
Hand sawn copper brooch, formed and fused with vitreous enamelBezel-set rock, sterling silverSterling silver hand-fabricated ring with bezel-set Dendritic agate
Glass Kiln forming workshop Nov 3, 4 & 5, 11th $300pp+(optional) lab fee This intensive class introduces fundamental concepts of creating glass objects in the kiln either through lost wax casting, Pate de Verre or a combination of the two. 1st Friday evening overview demonstrates the Vitrigraph kiln/flameworking cane/murrine. Students will learn kiln forming towards making window pieces, bowls/plates, sculptural, wearable items and more! Students work with 
METAL + GLASS 4wk: Monday & Wednesday evenings – Learn basic Goldsmithing. 6:30-9:30pm Next course starts-up Monday, Oct 2nd or Monday, November 6th $275pp (deposit of $137.50 to reserve seat)
Lost wax casting course- sculpt wax, make moulds, cast your objects in Sterling silver* 4 weeks Tuesday evenings starting October 10th 6:30-9:30pm $350pp No experience necessary! 6 student max. Deposit of $175 to reserve seat 
Tuesday March 14: 1pm-4pm or 6pm-9pm Glass terrarium workshop 
Glass cabochons, bezel settings & fold forming, heat rivet connections & simple hollow forms. 4 evenings starting Tuesday June 7th-28th (runs Tuesday evenings 6:30-10pm), $280pp Deposit of half required to hold seat. Seating is limited-register soon!
