Flamework Glass Beads

For Beginners

with Cheryl Cobern Browne

16th & 17th August 2025

Day 1 - 10am to 4pm
Day 2 - 10am to 4 pm

€250

This price increase over previous classes includes materials, lunch and VAT as well as extended torch time for more practise.

Learn how to make attractive glass beads for your own custom jewellery.

Discover the captivating art of glass bead making in this introductory course. Start by mastering essential safety and torch-handling techniques.

Learn to melt colourful glass rods and wind the gather around a mandrel. After learning the round bead, go on to different shapes such as the barrel bead, the bicone and the disc.

Pull thin stringers to make dots and have fun with the multiple ways dots are used to decorate beads.

On day 2, after your beads have been annealed, you will remove from the mandrel and clean the holes. Back on the torch you will have time to practise what you learned on day one and continue to refine your techniques.

You will end up with multiple. beads of various shapes and be entranced with the possibilities of decorative features.

Workshop Schedule:

Day 1: Begin your journey by crafting multiple beads, focusing on a larger pressed piece intended for a pendant. This day will involve exploring various techniques and styles to shape your glass, add colors and apply patterns with dots and stripes.

Day 2: Your bead collection is now ready for the next phase. After being kiln-annealed for durability, the beads are carefully cleaned and released from the mandrel. Then we will assemble one of your pressed bead into a pendant jewellery piece. With the remaining time of the day, practice the techniques to refine shapes and decorative features. After annealing overnight, the beads from day 2 will be mailed to you.

Please note that the beads in the photo are blown beads intended for a more advanced class. Something to aim for!

Soft Glass [COE 104]:

In this workshop, you'll work with soft glass, known for its vibrant colours and softer flow when forming.

Working Temperature: 760°C – 927°C

Annealing: Soft glass requires a cooling to relieve stress and prevent cracking. Our kilns are programmed to ensure your beads cool slowly for maximum durability and strength. This happens overnight and any beads made on day 2 will be mailed to you after annealing.

What’s a Mandrel?  

A mandrel is a thin stainless steel rod used to hold the glass as you shape your bead. It is coated with a release agent to keep the molten glass from sticking to the metal and making it easy to shape and remove your finished bead.

Cheryl Cobern Browne

Cheryl, founder of Mulranny Arts School, is a creative force who brings a wealth of experience to her workshops. Cheryl is inspired by the natural beauty around her, blending mosaic, glass, flame work, and nasc-assemblage in her artistic practice. She has been teaching beadwork since 1993, including leading Beadventures and serving as Director of The Bead Museum in Phoenix, AZ. Cheryl’s passion for creativity and community is reflected in her work and in the welcoming environment of Mulranny Arts!