Glass Beads 109.2b-Encased Watercolor Florals

This class will be presented to show the student how to create encased floral beads with different types of water-colored effects.  The class is intended for the beginning student and does not require a lot of experience or expensive tools and equipment.  The class will start with an introduction and a presentation slide of the class Syllabus.  The instructor will then give a brief description of the prerequisites required for the class.

The first lecture will demonstrate the method of "pickling" clear glass in order to sufficiently clean it and provide increased clarity. 

The first water-colored floral bead will use encased cane to make the flowers.  The instructor will begin the class with a review of how to make an encased cane using both opaque glass as a core and wrapping the core with transparent glass.  The instructor will then show the students how to apply the encased cane to a clear base bead as well as how to wrap the entire bead in clear glass after the flowers have been completed.

The second water-colored floral bead will use frit stringers to make the flowers.  The instructor will demonstrate how to make her own homemade frit and how to pull a stringer from that material.  The instructor will then teach the students how to apply the frit stringers to the base bead to give the illusion of a water-colored painting.  A clear layer will also be applied to the bead after the flowers have been applied.

A short review and wrap up will conclude the class.