Metalwerx and Fiamma Glass team up for Flamework Class

Bead making has been traced as far back as the third millennium BCE, and is proof that the uniquely human inclination to adorn oneself is almost as old as civilization itself. Metalwerx is partnering with a local glassmaking school, Fiamma Glass, to offer a workshop that combines these two popular materials for jewelry making, precious metal and glass beads.

Fiamma Glass was founded in 2009 by Caterina Urrata and David Weintraub, who say, “We came together through glass and it was and is the third member of our partnership. We began separately, as flameworkers making a living producing craft. Not long after becoming a couple we both decided to pursue fine arts/glass degrees through Massachusetts College of Art and Design.” After graduation, they settled in Newton and have spent the last few years establishing their flameworking studio, Fiamma.

Since it opened its doors, Fiamma has expanded to 8 torch stations and offers a full range of flameworking classes, which, David and Trina say, “has allowed us to share our passion for glass with hundreds of new students, which has in turn been an incredible learning experience for us.” Fiamma has hosted more than a thousand students who have discovered that glassmaking is not as daunting as it might seem. Students who take a two-hour introductory flameworking class go home with anywhere from four to six finished beads, David said.

Left: Beads made at Fiamma Glass

Right: Silver and glass necklace by Joy Raskin

Flamework, or lampwork, differs from the more commonly recognized method of making glass, in which a hot furnace is used to melt the glass onto rods, after which it is molded and shaped as it cools. This method is more physically demanding, requires exacting concentration, and at least two people are often needed to handle the rods, he said. This method is also quite the energy hog, as the furnaces sometimes run for days to maintain their roaring temperatures.

“The big advantage we have is that we use torches, and it is more energy efficient,” David said. The torches at Fiamma Glass use a combination of natural gas and oxygen, and have bigger tips than those usually found on jeweler’s torches. Students will work with rods and tubes of color as well as granulated powder.

Flameworking in progress

“Metal and glass are very compatible in many ways,” he said. “There are natural correlations between the equipment and processes. The two materials meld well, physically and conceptually.”

David and Trina write, “As artists with a strong background in craft we both have a creative philosophy that involves a high degree of technical proficiency and refinement, and while we generally strive to make sure it isn’t there as it’s own end, we also don’t shy away from using it where we think it serves the purpose of expression. We believe that the material itself can be a powerful creative influence, especially in the hands of competent artisan who can show restraint and originality in the application of technique.”

David at work, and the result

Fiamma Glass Studio and Metalwerx’s collaborative workshop, “A Perfect Pair: Glass Beads and Silver Jewelry,” begins Saturday, December 14, at the Fiamma studios in Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts. Participants will spend three hours learning the fundamental skills of flameworking (lampworking) to produce about six unique glass beads in a variety of shapes, including rondel, bicone, tubular, and spiral disc.

Veteran Metalwerx instructor Joy Raskin takes over the teacher’s bench on Sunday. Students will fabricate findings for their custom beads by shaping sterling silver wire into earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings or small sculpture. Joy will also share easy methods for cleaning, polishing, and finishing work. The workshop is ideal for beginners, those with no experience in either glassmaking or metal working, or for people looking to do something fun during the holiday season.