Glass Bead Workshop: Building Skills, Exploring Techniques, Finding Inspiration

Glass beadmaking has exploded in popularity—and those artists who have successfully mastered the basics want more techniques to enhance their repertoire. Jeri Warhaftig, a respected and experienced teacher, offers intermediates her time-tested, workshop-based approach to expanding their beadmaking skills. In each superbly illustrated and illuminating chapter, she focuses on using current tools, new materials, and innovative methodology to produce a singular bead—with several variations for every one. The possibilities, from sandblasting to metal inclusions, are stupendous: Craft sculptural flower beads; create a lightweight, hollow seashell-shaped bead; and go for the “wow” factor with geode beads that enclose decorative elements within a layer of glass. Helpful tips are sprinkled throughout, and a gallery of additional work will inspire.