Bead making, also known as Lampwork, is a type of glass art where a torch, or lamp, is primarily used to melt glass. Once molten, the glass is formed into beads by shaping with tools and hand movements. Shape, colour, size, complexity and inclusions can be manipulated into complex designs and figurines.

Venture into the world of HOT GLASS! Create one-off glass beads, miniature artworks that others will marvel at. Teaching the basics of glass bead making, the tutor thoroughly explains all aspects of the process, no experience is necessary, other than the ability to work with your hands on a small scale. Students need good eyesight and the steady use of both hands. Topics covered include: Health and safety, understanding equipment, glass and mandrel preparation, shaping beads, using stringers, decorative techniques, general tips and basic techniques. Scheduled class times are highly structured with a balance between demonstrations and students practicing techniques. A 30 min break, with tea, coffee and snacks. Please note all tools and equipment are provided. Anything made in the session will be fired in the kiln and be available for pick up or posting.

Prepare for the workshop

• We provide all equipment and materials

• Please do not wear loose, flowy sleeves

• Closed-in shoes required

• Long hair must be tied back

• Please bring a water bottle. It is important to stay hydrated. We provide light snacks, tea and coffee.

• Please bring a pair of prescription sunglasses if needed. We have spare tinted safety glasses but none with prescription.

Class Location

Sonder Studio Gallery Unit 20 / 5 Taylor Court Cooroy
Many people get lost trying to find us. The Cooroy Business Park is near the north bound, Cooroy exit on the Bruce Highway. Take the Holt Road turn, then right into Taylor Court. Once you've arrived, drive around to the exit row and look for the unit 20 sign on the building. Park in any visitor car park.

About the teacher

Ursula Bates, a glass bead artist from Nambour, Queensland has been working and perfecting her skills since early 2006. She runs a small glass studio in Nambour and has been teaching beginner and advance techniques for over 4 years. Ursula beads are made with patience, precision, skill and a genuine love of working with hot glass.

“Today I teach lots of students and i am still a perpetual student. I love teaching them to
move from the first step of lighting the torch to actually forming and decorating a bead.
Each time I introduce a new person to bead making, it takes me back to my very first experiences and the moment I said - WOW!. Watching students on the torch, mesmerised by the exciting properties of glass continues to inspire me”.