Middle School Camp! Intro to Beadmaking: Flora & Fauna

Beads are one of the oldest forms of glass art, used around the world to tell stories through form, color and symbolism. Using heat, gravity, and a simple set of tools, students will learn how to safely operate the table torch and manipulate molten glass into any creature you can see or imagine! Demonstrations will explore different decorative motifs, textures and shapes inspired by nature (dots, lines, squiggles, fur), giving students the tools to bring nature to life as wearable glass beads and miniature sculptures.

What to Expect: Camp runs Monday-Friday, and class size is limited to 10 students. Students will learn how to heat, weld, and shape molten glass (2,000 degrees) in the gas-oxygen flame of a stationary table torch. Studio safety and proper tool use will all be covered in a fun and exciting environment, with plenty of practice time and demonstrations. Students will break at midday for lunch, but will not leave the building. On the final day, family and friends are invited to a showing of students' experiments and finished work. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page. 

Eligibility: No previous experience required. Open to all rising and current middle school students.

Sliding-scale Pricing: We offer sliding-scale pricing options for youth camps in an effort to provide greater access to glass education for our growing community of young artists. Please self-select the pricing tier most appropriate for your financial situation. Families who are able to should select the higher tuition so that we can continue to offer our programs with ample staffing of expert teaching artists, and top quality glassmaking tools and materials in our state of the art studios. 

Please note: Advance registration is required, as enrollment minimums must be met two weeks before the first day of camp. Once you register, you’ll receive enrollment confirmation, additional information about the camp, including health and safety guidelines, and reminders via email. For questions, please email karina@urbanglass.org. 

Class Schedule

• 5 Sessions: August 5 — August 9
  Monday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm