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The Glass Studio is now offering limited open studios for Members for the month of March to come into BARN and work on projects.
Please note that there is a maximum of 3 spots available. This is to ensure safe distancing.
In order to maintain physical distancing in our studios we have limited the number of members who can use the studio at one time. Before you register, please read our Glass Studio safety procedures here.
You must register. No drop-ins please.
Details:
The Glass Studio is now offering limited open studios for participants to come into BARN and work on projects.
You must register here. No drop-ins please.
Glass is a charismatic medium that is used for its versatile properties to create mysterious objects, windows and panels, and even mesmerizing beads and jewelry. Join us for an orientation on the various ways glass is used and safe practices in BARN's Glass Studio. This orientation is free and a prerequisite to participate during Glass OPEN Studio times.
Would you like to create a fun piece of garden art and learn glass fusing skills along the way? In this two-session class, you'll learn how to successfully produce a watering can-wind chime. The class is entry level for glass-cutting skills, but it does require fine motor skill dexterity in assembling the small jewelry and fishing tackle pieces. All glass supplies and connectors for assembly will be provided. You will have fun choosing your own color scheme as we combine items from the jewelry world and the sport of fishing to string glass together!
In this class you will create one version of the (watering can) wind-chime but there are many other possibilities for creating wind chimes with scrap glass.
Donna Rodger has been a member of the BARN glass studio since September 2017. Her first class was in creating Stained glass. She has worked with fused glass for the past 2 years.
Amaze your friends with your command of GLASS! Learn about the magic of stained glass using the copper foil technique to create pieces that sparkle in the sun. You will assemble a 5-piece heart as well as another project you choose from several available patterns. Your choice of colored and textured glass will make for a very personal project.
Prior to tackling your project, you will learn to hand cut clear glass in straight lines, copper tape and then solder the shapes together into a 10-square design.
By Day 2 you will be cutting curves and using a glass grinder to finish the shapes of your heart project for a better fit.
By the end of the 4th class you will have a good understanding of the copper foil technique for stained glass; how to cut glass in straight and curved lines with carbide glass cutters, how to use a diamond glass grinder, copper foil techniques to assemble glass pieces, tacking and soldering the fit pieces into a beautiful piece. You will also learn patina techniques to provide contrast and set off the colors of the glass. A border will be added to your last piece to further enhance the look and provide strength for hanging.
Students that may have had previous glass cutting and stained-glass experience may choose a more complicated pattern with the instructor’s approval. The instructor’s focus is on your completion of a nice-looking project rather than the complexity of a project.
The material fee covers all materials and equipment required for your project. BARN ensures safe practices and a safe environment for the students; special considerations should be discussed beforehand.
While working with soldering irons at high temperature, we request you wear cotton or other natural fiber clothing.
Remember to wear close-toed shoes & long pants in the Glass Studio at all times! This is a strictly enforced safety policy. Thank you.
Instructor: Jim Washington comes to BARN with 35 years in vocational education settings. He has taught classes in cold, warm and hot glass, glass batching, ceramics, manufacturing, woodshop, and composites. His first love was the glass arts program in Central Kitsap which he built and ran for 12 years.
**This class is for ages 14-18**
By the end of Day 4 class you will have a good understanding of the copper foil technique for stained glass; how to cut glass in straight and curved lines with carbide glass cutters, how to use a diamond glass grinder, copper foil techniques to assemble glass pieces, tacking and soldering the fit pieces into a beautiful piece. You will also learn patina techniques to provide contrast and set off the colors of the glass. A border will be added to your last piece to further enhance the look and provide strength for hanging.
The Art of Glass Cutting is simply that, an art. It is fascinating, exciting, and empowering when you are successful; when you are not, it can stop you in your tracks and be very expensive. With a few simple tricks, and patience, you can master the 'Art of Glass Cutting'. Instructor Gregg Mesmer will focus on basic techniques, circle cutting, curves, strip cutting and more. There will be plenty of time for practice and personal attention! After demos, conversation and practice, you will go home having a better understanding of techniques and tools that will make cutting glass a breeze.
Instructor: Gregg Mesmer, of Mesolini Glass Studio. He and his wife, Diane Bonciolini, both recognized with the 2015 Island Treasure Award, moved to Bainbridge Island in 1977 and started the iconic Mesolini Glass Studio. They have been working in the art glass industry professionally for decades. Their expertise, however, goes beyond glass cutting to inclulde other types of fabrication; all aspects of creating stained glass art; copper foil, glass fusing, public art and teaching.
Over the years they have worked on many community Art in Public Places projects such as Bainbridge Beach Glass Quilt, the Waypoint beach glass project, Rotary Centennial Park, as well as others. Many of their projects include school age students on the Island and beyond. Gregg has taught for Northwest Art Glass, the Bainbridge Parks District, and Olympic College.
This class is designed for those who have basic safety and torch experience and are ready to focus on growing their beadmaking skills. If you are rusty on your torch skills, the basics will be reviewed in this workshop.
The Workshop is two days long divided into two sessions each covering specific skills and practice time. There will be a one-hour lunch break each day and two 15-minute breaks should you want to take one.
Session 1
Getting Started
Students will become familiar with the studio and review safety practices. You will be given time to familiarize yourself with the BARN torches and their operation. A brief history of lampworking will be given which will launch you into the skills and techniques portion of the session. You will learn how to prepare your glass for shaping, use of basic tools, and how to apply glass to achieve donut and tab shaped beads.
The Personality of Glass and Basic Embellishment
Students are introduced to the basic properties and idiosyncrasies of “Soft” glass. You will learn about the compatibility of glass (COE), reactions between different colors of glass, and how heat can affect glass. Skills and techniques focus for the afternoon will be on making and applying stringer, applying dots, and simple manipulation of the embellishments.
Session 2
Details that Matter, More Design and Shaping
Students will review and practice the skills from the previous day. The creative techniques to be learned are basic 2 color twists, working with Filigrana, and application of stringers and/or twists onto a cylinder bead. You will learn how to make cased beads which will prepare you to make a Tiger bead. And finally, you will work with frit and its application techniques.
Materials: Tools, glass rod, and mandrels for the class are provided.
Michele has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from Potsdam State College in New York and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State University.
After many years in the field of child protection, Michele retired and opened Sandhill Glass Studio (formerly Cuttlefish Glass Studio) where she taught Lampworking (torchwork) for over ten years until she moved to Washington State.
She has taught Lampworking (torchwork) for OIT (Oregon Institute of Technology), for Klamath Community College, and has written articles for Softflex Jewelry Company.
Michele is a long-time member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) and is currently a member of the Florida Glass Dragons.
When not in her studio, Michele volunteers for the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County and for the Kitsap Humane Society. She enjoys travelling, scuba diving and underwater photography!
