2016 Special Gem Section Bead Class

Special Gem Section Glass Bead Class
FlameTree Glass Studio
Roswell, GA
Monday, August 15, 2016

GMS Gem Section members learned how to make glass beads at FlameTree Glass Studio. Owners of the studio, Lance and Maureen McCrorie, plus GMS member Dr. Robert Simmons were there to give everyone extra, individualized help. The evening started with a quick demonstration by Lance. Then we all started making glass beads! I was so impressed with how quickly everyone learned!

To make the beads, we used a stainless steel rod called a mandrel that had a special coating so the beads would not stick to the metal. Then we heated the tip of a glass rod until the glass melted enough to apply it to the mandrel. Following Lance's instructions, we made plain beads first, then we made beads with dots. Since I've made a few beads before, I decided to make a couple of simple, goofy fish beads too.

After we finished a bead, we cooled it a bit, then stuck it into a can of vermiculite. At the end of the class, Maureen took the beads off the mandrels for everyone so we all ended up with a pile of pretty little beads!

We even had some extra treats. Lillie had some gold she personally collected from a Georgia creek. Lance used a piece of the gold to make a spectacular rose pendant! Plus, Jane brought a couple of ceramic boxes to see if she could make some glass knobs for them. Lance showed her how to make the knobs and Maureen used a special glue to attach them to the lids. They were perfect!

It was so much fun and it was great to have Lance, Maureen, and Robert there to help us along the way. Now we want to go back to make fish beads :o)

Lori Carter
On behalf of Gem Section members who made beads