Firebug Designs Glass Art Studio and Gallery

 

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Class Schedules

 These are the classes that are currently scheduled for 2008. The calendars for those months can be accessed here:

October --  November -- December

Check these calendars for dates and times that classes are scheduled,
but be aware that the dates and classes are subject to change.

We also offer Private study, Custom workshops, and open studio hours. Please call the studio or email for details.

All supplies are included unless otherwise noted with SF (supply fee).

We offer kids classes – call for more info.

Select the classes you'd like to view.

Fusing Classes

Fusing I
(Liana Martin)
3 or 6 weeks.
Learn the fundamentals of kiln forming while creating your own exciting fused and slumped glass pieces. Topics covered include: design, firing schedules, glass compatibility, annealing and volume control. You will leave with 6 finished projects.
$295
Fusing II
(Liana Martin)
4 weeks
Add new techniques to your “tool box” from Fusing I by completing 4 projects using stringers, sandblasting, drop rings, frit work and more.
$195
Dichroic Jewelry (Liana Martin)
1 day
Explore the fascinating possibilities using dichroic glass by making your own beautiful pendants, earrings, pins, etc. You will learn the basics of cutting and fusing glass.
$110
Advanced Fused Jewelry
(Liana Martin)
1 day
This class is geared to those who have taken the fist class of Dichroic Jewelry. Techniques covered include etching, inclusions, foils, lusters and drilling holes.
$130
Make-a-Plate
(Liana Martin or
Lois White
)
1 day
Need a gift or just want to create something functional in glass? Create your own fused and slumped, one-of-a-kind plate in 3 short hours. No experience necessary.
$95
Woven Glass Bowl (Liana Martin)
1 day
Using thin threads of glass, “weave” a pattern into a glass bowl. No experience necessary.
$95
 
Torchworked Components
(Liana Martin)
Nov. 4
6 - 9p.m.
Learn techniques using a torch to create components for your fused projects.  
 

Photo Album Page
(Liana Martin)
Oct. 29 7 - 9 p.m.
or
Nov. 20 10 - 12

We will transfer your actual photos onto a special paper which will be fused onto a glass "page".  Using paints, inks and other techniques to embellish the page to make it personal.
$50
Fused Faces (Liana Martin or
Lois White
)

Nov. 26
1 - 3
Have fun making funny faces or animal faces.
$40
Wacky Snacky Plate
(Lois White)
1 day

Fusing fun for all ages – from 8 to 88. Get a feel for fusing glass in just one hour.
$25

Lampworking Classes

Beginning Beads (Liana Martin)
1 day or 2 evenings
Make your very own glass beads. This course covers basic flameworking skills using a torch to melt rods of glass into beads. Techniques covered include dots, stringers, twisties, raking, basic shapes and more.
$140
Floral Beads (Linda Sherknus) Nov. 21
10 - 3
Linda shares her techniques in making cane, layering and encasing to create your own flower garden. Bring your tools. Basic lampworking skills required.
$140

Stained Glass Classes

Beginning Stained Glass (Terry Brawley)
6 wks.
You will receive instruction in the art of stained glass in both copper foil and leaded techniques. Start with an introduction of glass types and work through cutting, grinding, foiling, lead and soldering. Supplies and tools required will be discussed at the first class session.
$150 plus supplies
Kaleidoscope (Bob Obering)
2 wks.
Make a beautiful kaleidoscope using the copper foil method. You will learn the construction and assembly along with ideas and this for some decorative soldering. Basic glass cutting skills required.
$65 plus supplies
Stained Glass Box (Bob Obering) 2 wks.
Learn how to make a glass box using hinges and the copper foil method using an easy method for the construction. Some decorative soldering techniques will be covered also. Basic knowledge of glass cutting and soldering required.
$50 plus supplies
 
Panel Lampshade (Bob Obering) 4 wks.
Create a beautiful stained glass panel lampshade using the copper foil method. Learn how to fit panels together perfectly using the circle method. Students will learn the construction and assembly methods, along with techniques and tips for three dimensional items. Some knowledge and experience with glass cutting and soldering required.
$120 plus supplies
 
Candle Votive (Bob Obering)
Dec 16
12 - 4
Great gift idea for the holidays.  Construct a votive using bevels and the copper foil method.
$50

Glass Blowing Classes

Paperweights (Kellmis Fernandez)
1 day Thursdays
9 – 10 a.m.
Here’s your chance to experience molten glass by making a paperweight without making a big time or money commitment. No experience necessary.
$75
 
Beginning Glass Blowing
(Kellmis Fernandez)
6 wks. Wednesdays
9 – 11 a.m
Complete 3 projects will learning the basic skills of glass blowing.
$550
 
Ornaments (Kellmis Fernandez)
1 day
You can blow 2 to 3 ornaments in this hour long class. No experience required.
$75

PMC Classes

PMC Basics (Linda Matteson) 1 day
Linda shows you the basics – tools used, types of PMC, firing and finishing. You will take finished fine silver jewelry home with you.
$95 plus supplies
PMC Leaves (Linda Matteson) 1 day
Capture real leaves in silver! These make great earrings. Bring your own fresh leaves to work with in class.
$70 plus supplies
 
PMC Rings (Linda Matteson) 1 day
Rings, rings, rings! Make one for every finger – either decorative bands or ones with synthetic stones
$70 plus supplies
 
PMC and Dichro
(Linda Matteson)
Dec 6
10 - 3
Using your favorite cabochon and PMC, create a truly unique pendant.
$95 plus supplies

Wire Jewelry Classes

Friendship Ring (Katrina Meyer)
1 day
Embellish this adjustable wire ring with your favorite beads for a stunning effect.
$30 plus $10 supply fee
Ear Creepers (Katrina Meyer)
1 day
Wait until you see these! A new wild design that looks like you are wearing multiple earrings.
$30 plus $10 supply fee
 
Classic Bracelet with Bead (Katrina Meyer)
1 day
 
$40 plus supply fee
Hoop Earrings (Katrina Meyer)
1 day
An unusual hoop earring with beads.
$40 plus $10 supply fee
 
Sculpted Ring (Katrina Meyer)
Oct. 10
12 - 3
 
$40 plus $20 supply fee

The Groovy Pendant (Katrina Meyer)
Dec. 18
2 - 3:30

(dichroic glass not included)

Make a colorful pendant with a single wire around the edge of a piece of dichroic fused glass. You can twist your 14k. gold-filled or sterling silver wire for extra dazzle or keep it smooth and sleek.
These make perfect holiday gifts!

$25
(plus $5 materials fee)
Diamond Twist Bracelet
(Katrina Meyer)
Nov. 25
7:00 - 8:30
Make this attractive, sparkling bangle bracelet in all 14k. gold-filled, sterling silver or mix the
2 wires to create your own special look.
$25
(plus $8 materials fee)
Basic Wire Jewelry Techniques I
(Stacy Perry)
Nov. 1 11 - 7 PM
In this fun class, you will learn the basic skills needed to design and create your own beautiful wire jewelry. You will become familiar with the "tools of the trade" and their proper uses. You'll be making bracelets, numerous links, clasps and ear wires. We will discuss different technical components and design elements including the use of color. Various finishing techniques will also be covered. You'll be will on your way to creating beautiful wire art jewelry. A variety of materials will be available for purchase at nominal cost or bring your own. Copper wire for learning and practicing will be provided during class at no charge. Materials fee will be paid to instructor
$110/Day
$195 /Both

 

Basic Wire Jewelry Techniques II
(Stacy Perry)
Nov. 2 10 - 5 PM


This class builds on the skills that you've learned in Basic Wire I. You will learn many of the finer details that will make your jewelry stand out from the ordinary. Learn more advanced links, clasps, wire wrapping techniques and finishes, and take your wire jewelry art to the next level.

Other Fun Stuff

Mosaics
(Randy LaSalle-Fox)
10 - 4
Nov. 14, 15

Create beautiful and functional GLASS mosaics to decorate your home and garden. Learn the ancient art of mosaic covering a variety of techniques as well as materials. You cut your own glass. No experience is necessary. 
$250
 

Morton System Glass Cutting (Bob Obering)
Oct. 24
10-12

Dec. 10
2 - 4

Bob will teach you what do with all those pieces in the Morton System. You will cut hexagons, octagons, diamonds, triangles and various strips. Helpful to use with your stained glass or fusing projects
$30
 
Basic Design Workshops (Stephen Sidelinger)
1 day
So you’re working on a piece and you have to make a decision about where an element should go or a color choice and no one is near by to help you, how can you be confident about what to do next? These two workshops are designed to help you at those moments and give you the vocabulary to think through the design choices open to your current needs and to solve the objects problem on your own. It sounds i

Elements of Design

The physical properties you have to choose from: line, shape, space, scale, proportions, value, color, texture, and number.

Principles of Design

The aesthetics underpinnings of all artistic arrangements: balance, harmony, contrast, untiy, variety, rhythm and repetition, movement and indeterminacy.

mpossible, but that is because it is such a simple process, once you know the words.
$75 each workshop
 
Glass Painting (Joanne McPartlin)
2 days
Learn the simple techniques to paint a rose on glass. Joanne covers different paint strokes and materials needed to personalize your glassware.
$40

Small Torch Soldering
(Carol Webb)
10 - 5
Dec. 13

In this INTRO workshop we will be using a small “Crème Brulee” kitchen butane torch to create a mixed metal pendant or pair of earrings using silver, copper, and brass. We will also demonstrate ways to attach without soldering. Bring your old jewelry or found objects that we may be able to incorporate into your work of art. $35 Supply fee to instructor.

$150 /day
$275 / both
Large Torch Soldering
(Carol Webb)
10 - 5
Dec. 14

In this INTRO workshop we will be using acetylene torches in a series of exercises to learn how to use “the flame” and apply it to a finish piece. Besides soldering, we will be demonstrating the proper use of the rolling mill, using the pickle pot, the tumbler, and attachments to the flexshaft or Dremel to add textures. This is a fast paced, intensive workshop but no experience is necessary. $35 Supply fee to instructor.

Open Studio
Oct. 23, 1 - 3
Nov. 5, 7-9
Nov. 26, 10-12
Dec. 3, 10 -12
Dec. 17, 7 - 9
The open studio is designed for those with fusing experience. Bring your own glass cutting tools and have access to most of our studio equipment. We will be happy to provide brief guidance on your project or to suggest the appropriate firing schedule, however the Open Studio fee does not include instruction. Firing fees additional.
$20

To read about our instructors, choose this link.

Cancellation Policy

All classes require pre-registration due to limited class sizes. Payment for class is due in full at the time of registration. Classes are for specified dates, no make-up classes provided. Refunds are available if notice of cancellation is provided at least two weeks before the first class and/or if registration is insufficient for the class. All withdrawals from workshops must be in writing, faxed or emailed. Please bring your own cutting tools and supplies to all classes. Tools may be purchased from Firebug Designs on or before the first class as well.

 

200 N. Tamiami Trail (Business 41) - Suite D

Venice, Florida 34285

Phone – 941-480-0700