PLEASE NOTE:  I am now taking bookings for early 2012. Lessons are held at my Studio in Hinckley, Leicestershire, or occasionally at Di East's Studio 19 in Enderby, Leicester. Unfortunately I cannot teach in the shop at St Ives due to space and time restrictions. Please email or telephone 01455 440361 to arrange a suitable date. Please book as early as you can - places are filling up fast.

Would You Like to Learn how to make Glass Beads?

 It's surprisingly easy to learn how to make beads - I started off about ten years ago by almost teaching myself from a book called "Making Glass Beads" by Cindy Jenkins. It's a very useful hands-on manual through which many bead makers have learned their craft and I often direct people to have a look at it before starting out in bead making.You can buy it here.

I then went on to take a lesson with Diana East and my quest for bead knowledge continues. I have since taken courses with Loren Stump, Dora Schubert, Julie Anne Denton, Michi Suzuki, Sarah Hornik and the legendary Lucio Bubacco to name but a few. All truly great bead makers, flameworkers and inspirational teachers.

Why pick me as a teacher?

Well, I'm passionate about glass and I want to share this passion. I also have taught on a professional basis for over ten years - both in my previous job and now. I have been teaching glass bead making for over five years now and I know quite a bit about it. I also hold full public liability insurance and as I was Health and Safety officer for my previous employer I feel very competent in explaining all aspects of your equipment set up and general gas safety. I'm also really proud of my "Waiting Room" style studio - it's fully insulated so it's lovely and warm in Winter and stays cool in the Summer. I teach all aspects of bead making - whether you are a complete beginner or an intermediate bead maker looking to improve your skills.

What to expect on a One-to-one Beginner's Course?

This one day course starts from 9:30 am and finishes at around 5:00pm. All materials are included in the price and you will also receive a comprehensive Course Book which references everything we cover on the day. You will also keep all the beads we make including my demo beads. The beads are normally sent on to you the following day after they have been kiln annealed. If you've been shopping around for bead making courses you might notice that I'm not the cheapest - but I have to say the course is very intensive. This isn't a "taster" course - my aim is to get you making good beads certainly - but you'll also go home knowing what equipment you might want to buy, health and safety knowledge and hopefully a new hobby, or even a career!

We use different torches to do this - I teach mostly on the Minor Burner but we will also look at the Hothead torch and there is no torch sharing. I have had quite a lot of experience in teaching people with special needs or disabilities. I'm quite patient so we will always go at your speed - you can learn as little or as much as you want.I can tailor the day to suit you.

Course details:

We start with a discussion on equipment and gas safety, kilns and annealing, types of glass, suppliers, types of torches. Bead making will involve pulling stringers, making twisties, making round beads, applying dots and lines, gravity twist beads, plunged dots, encased floral beads, introduction to reduction and striking, "silvered" glass and then as time allows we can include any other techniques of your choice.

Where Am I?

The studio is at: 37 Clarendon Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 0PJ. Tel:01455 440361. The studio is about a five  minute walk from Hinckley Railway Station or a five minute drive from the A5/M69 junction. You can download a map/directions document here.You can stay at the Priesthill House Guest House, which is a five minute walk from my studio. Just email me if you need further accommodation choices.

Accessibility:

The studio is on the ground floor and can be accessed by wheel chair, as can the loo. Both studio and loo require one step up but can be easily accessed by ramp. Please advise me if you require any special access/ramps or any other provision. Bead making is an excellent hobby for people with various disabilities or needs. I try very hard to accommodate everyone - so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you require any special provision.

How to Book:

Just phone me on 01455 440361 or email me and we can book a day which is mutually convenient. I don't require a deposit beforehand, please pay on the day; cash, cheque or card.

Of course - I know it's not always possible to come and see me in person for a lesson - so why not have a look at my DVDs - Making Glass Beads with Sally Carver Vol1. It takes you through all the things you need to set up as a bead maker and how to make beads.You can buy it here for £15.00. Vol II, III and IV are also now available for intermediate and advanced tuition.

Teaching courses are as follows:

Bead Making for Beginners or Intermediates One-to-One Full Day Intensive course at Redhotsal Studio, Hinckley, Leicestershire Weekdays only - dates to suit by arrangement. This is a one-to-one course and you will be taught all aspects of Beginners Bead Making. Torches used are Hothead (demonstration) and Nortel Minor Burner (teaching) Course runs from 9:30am - 5.00pm Price: £160 which includes all materials. Lunch is not provided - please bring a packed lunch although there will be light refreshments through the day. All beads made on the day, including my demonstration beads will be sent to you following the course. You and a Friend Day Intensive course at Redhotsal Studio, Hinckley, Leicestershire Weekdays only - dates to suit by arrangement This is a two-to-one course and you will be taught all aspects of Beginners Bead Making. Torches used are Hothead (demonstration) and Nortel Minor Burner (teaching) Course runs from 9:30am - 5.00pm Price: £280 for the day (£140 per person) which includes all materials. Lunch is not provided - please bring a packed lunch although there will be light refreshments through the day. All beads made on the day, including my demonstration beads will be sent to you following the course. Group 1 Day Intensive course at Redhotsal Studio, Hinckley, Leicestershire Weekends (or weekday by arrangement) I can now teach groups of up to three people at my studio. Enjoy a fun day with other like minded people as we tackle beadmaking together. Torches used are Hothead (demonstration) and Nortel Minor Burner (teaching).Please note: you will have a torch each - there is no need to share. Price is £120 per person, which includes all materials and lunch, light refreshments will be provided throughout the day. All beads made by you will be send out on the day and my demonstrations beads will be divided up and sent also. Next course: By arrangement Weekend Two Day Professional Grounding Course (Beginners) at Studio 19, Enderby, Leicestershire (£260 per person)     Enjoy a whole weekend of glassy fun at the studio of Diana East. Tutors are Sally Carver and Diana East No experience is necessary, come and melt glass with up to seven others in Di's well appointed studio. Full details from Diana's Website: Booking must be made through Diana East's website.     Next Class: To be confirmed Weekend Two Day Intermediate Course at Studio 19 Enderby, Leicestershire (£260 per person) If you've had a little experience melting glass and want to take the next steps this is the course for you Full Details from here: Booking must be made through Diana East's website   Next Class To be confirmed To book a lesson at Redhotsal's Studio just email me or telephone 01455 440361   To book a lesson at Diana East's Studio 19 please contact Di on 0116 2867664 or email: dianaeast@globalnet.co.uk