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If you're reading this page, you're one of the few, the proud, the
brave (and maybe a little wild!) who either love glass and are willing
to try something new, or you're a glass beadmaker who wants to
learn more.
In either case, here is a link to my beadmaking website, www.mjlampwork.com which showcases my work and provides studio and safety info.
I have been making beads for over 6 years. I started with a beginning
class at a local stained glass shop, where the owner was offering a 4
hour class for $175. I quickly fell in love with hot glass, and began
to take workshops from Jim Smircich, Kate Fowle Melaney, Leah
Fairbanks, Sharon Peters, Sylvie Elise Lansdowne, and others. I taught
2 semesters at the Toledo Museum of Art and have been teaching
privately and here in our store for a combined 5 years. I offer the
same 4 hour class for $175, but my goal was to exceed my own beginning
class in terms of content, style of teaching and follow up. Once you've
taken a class, I'm here to answer questions via email or phone.
My Philosophy
I have had heard that some artists fear their competition and so, like
a chef who leaves out a vital ingredient, they tell only *some* of what
they know. How sad is that?
I believe that if your hand is closed to keep something from going out,
nothing can come in either! I'm happy to say, that in the many
workshops I've attended in glass beadmaking I have NEVER come across
this attitude in a teacher, although I've heard of it. Because of this
I have felt honored to pass on the knowledge I've learned... as much as
I can in the time I have with each student. I encourage note taking and photo taking. I want you to learn from MY mistakes, but
don't worry, you'll make some of your own and be a better beadmaker
because of them.
Your Class
I teach by appointment in the beautiful new studio we've built at Blue
Fire Beads. The fee is $175 for 4 hours. During the class you will be
provided with all the tools, glass, torch, etc. So don't worry about
anything except tying back long hair, wearing long sleeves and shoes
and socks... NO SANDALS.
If you're a beginner, we'll go over safety first, and then how to light
the torch, how to dip mandrels, make several round and centered beads,
a tube (cylinder) bead, and a tab (disk) bead. Then we'll progress to
how to pull stringer, how to apply stringer in dots and stripes,
raking, feathering, and plunging. (Don't you love the little plunged
dot beads? They're the ones with the little strategically placed
trapped bubbles.)
We'll discuss types of glass, equipment and I'll give you a handout and
catalog for supplies. You'll make your own beads and I'll anneal them
and you can pick them up or I'll send them to you via first class mail.
Intermediate and Advanced
We will go over what you have learned and what you need help with, then customize your class based on your particular needs.
If you are interested in taking a class, please let me know via email
asap so I can get you on my calendar. I teach by appointment only,
there are no "scheduled" classes, other than occasional workshops which
will be listed here on the Blue Fire Beads website.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Testimonials
My first lampworking class was with Mari. I had been sitting at a hot
head for one month when I took my class with Mari. Now after almost four
years of lampworking I look back in amazement at the skill Mari had in teaching
someone so new to this art. I learned a great deal from Mari in that class
and I continue to learn from her! Mari is able to teach the most beginner
lampworker with great success, yet she is also capable of teaching seasoned
lampworkers as well. Her scope of knowledge is endless! --- Katie Green, Caring Hands Glass, 3 Rivers, MI
I started lampworking in June of 2000, by buying a "beginner's kit"
from Delphi Glass and reading a book. Until December of 2001, I had
never taken a class. I finally decided that I should take one with
Mari, who has been lampworking a couple of years longer than I have,
because I was feeling like there were a lot of things I could be doing
differently. I am *so* glad I did. In the time spent with Mari, she
gave me many hints and tricks that I previously did not know. Thanks to
her, my florals improved, I had many more tips in my "arsenal," and I
was able to make some changes to my overall work style. Take a class
with Mari - you won't regret it. She's one of the best. --- Kelly Elliot, Red Hot Beads, Grass Lake, Michigan
Mari, I wanted to tell you THANK YOU very much for the awesome class. I
have tried a few of those triangle beads and just love them. I also
started doing my beads in the middle of the mandrel and you are right
they are much easier to work on. I showed my daughter that way and she
made a perfect round dimpled bead on her third try. She had been trying
the other way and was having trouble holding the mandrel level. Thanks
again, I dont know when I have enjoyed something as much as I did my
class with you. --- Lona
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