Who would you take private lessons from

[Bead_lover]

This question is for all of you who have been torching for awhile and taken classes or seen many of the good teachers out there. Some of you are probably some of those good teachers :-D.

If you were going to take a day or a couple of days of private lessons, who do you think would offer the most well rounded and good info for the money? I've been making beads for ~1 1/2 years and want to hone some of my skills, have been thinking of trying some private lessons (have taken a number of "group" lessons) and am looking for some recommendations.

I'd really appreciate your advice,
Melody

[Celtic Echo Designs]

Kimberly Affleck and Naos. I've already tried to convince Naos and she wasn't quite ready for the AZ heat yet!! LOL!!!

C'Mon you two!!!

It's a DRY heat!!!

~Triscia :lol:

[Carolyn M]

I am taking a class from Anastasia at the end of this month and I am pumped!

[pinkcb]

Carolyn you're coming to Ottawa!!!! If you're interested in a cup of coffee let me know :)

[Carolyn M]

I would love to meet up with you. Maybe you could sneak in to Ana's class!

[dawnmarie4771]

Kate Fowle would be my pick - I love her work.

[bgurden]

michael barley. kristina logan, kate fowe melaney

[Puddy Tat Glass]

There are so many wonderful artists that I'd love to get a lesson with but right off the top of my head...Sharon Peters, Lucie Weir, Kate Fowle. Deb Crowley and Ofilia Cinta.

[Simply Lampwork]

i had a private class with Jimmy Smirsich (sorry jimmy if i spelled your name wrong) and learned so much about heat and control. I love classes, I'm taking Melanie this fall in Eugene, i took that class last year and she is great with a group and worth every penny. I had to miss the class with Kristina Logan, I would have loved that. I would love a personal class with Corina, i am looking forward to her next book. It should be a good one. i think that i would love to take a private class with Leah Fairbanks I hope to run into her somewhere.

[PaulaD]

Loren Stump!!

[Simply Lampwork]

Loren would be GREAT, wow i need to save in my piggy bank

[FishBulb]

Dustin Tabor, Ayako Hattori (sorry if I spelled that wrong), Anouk, the guy on here who makes the most amazing bugs (can't recall his name!), Bronwyn Heilman.... there are many people who I'd love to take personal classes from, but I can only come up with a few names right now.

[glasshouse]

Cynthia Tilker. She is an excellent teacher and her beads are incredible. I have been her TA for several classes, and at the end of each class, many of her students have said her class was the most informational of any classes they had taken. You would not be disappointed!

I'd also really like to take a Loren Stump class. Saving my pennies!

[dogsrlove]

A couple days spent with Michael Barley/Andrea Guarino in Washington. I've taken a Michael Barley class at Arrow Springs already, but I know the master has more he can teach me.

Vanessa

[PaulaD]

All of the names here are great teachers. I know man of them personally and have taken classes with many of them. I mentioned Loren because goes beyond the bead and teaches GLASS. You can take just one thing from his class and build a series of beads around it and they will probably be unique. For instance if you learn murrini from him and pursue that you will always be unique.
Paula

[LisaF]

Kim Osibin. She has a beautiful studio and teaches private lessons in Sacramento. I have taken several of her classes and she shares so much! You will learn enough to keep you busy for years. She is truly a glass master.

[glasshouse]

I would love to take a Kim class!!! She is such a sweetie and her beads are fabulous! She should also teach a class on how to make her awesome necklaces. I am in awe of her talents.

[SassyGlass9]

Wow - there are so many classes I hope to take in the future! Loren Stump, Kim Osibin, Sharon Peters, Trey Cornette to name a few off the top of my list... :grin:

And yes, Cynthia Tilker's class IS amazing (and Kelly is an awesome TA!). I had the pleasure of taking Cynthia's class at wow, did I learn tons! And made the biggest honkin' beads I've ever made before, too! :p Cynthia doesn't "do" little!!!!

[Bead_lover]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. Some I have taken in group classes (Michael Barley, Trey Cornette, Corina and Deb Crowley) and have thought of checking into private lessons w/them. But there are so many that i don't know and that's the reason for the question. You've given me lots to consider - wish I could take from them all but my budget won't go that far (LOL).
Melody :-)

[DesertDreamer]

Kate and Jim are excellent teachers. Tom and Sage Holland are way up there, too.

My wishlist includes Tink, Deb Crowley, Dustin Tabor and Michael Barley.

I'm taking a class with Melanie Moertel in August and cannot wait!!!!

[AKDesigns]

I would love to take a Kim class!!! She is such a sweetie and her beads are fabulous! She should also teach a class on how to make her awesome necklaces. I am in awe of her talents.

I wanted to rip that necklace off her neck. I think that was the most awesome-ist necklace I have ever seen.

[glasshouse]

Were you there? At AS for the sale? Kim was wearing a crazy cool necklace. She took it off for us to hold and I'm sure it weighed over a pound.

[glasshouse]

Oh, PS I would love to take a class with YOU!!! I love your beads! They are positively juicy and delicious!

[AKDesigns]

Were you there? At AS for the sale? Kim was wearing a crazy cool necklace. She took it off for us to hold and I'm sure it weighed over a pound.

I went to that dinner after Cynthia's class....6 months ago? Kim had on the necklace with the big river rock beads. I still think about that necklace. I kept staring at it from the other end of the table at dinner. She probably thought I had feelings for her. I didn't go to the AS bizarre last month.

Oh, PS I would love to take a class with YOU!!! I love your beads! They are positively juicy and delicious!

:love: Thanks....that's such a nice compliment!

[glasshouse]

I think it was either that necklace or one similar, all tapered oval beads that were just amazing. I traded her for a bead that was similar. I was flabbergasted that she wanted to trade for one of my beads. I hope she starts teaching at Arrow Springs again.

We missed you at the bazaar. There were a couple people hoping you would show, including myself. You should come around more. The Sacramento area group is a really fun group. If I didn't live 2 hours away, I'd be spending a lot more time with those gals!


I went to that dinner after Cynthia's class....6 months ago? Kim had on the necklace with the big river rock beads. I still think about that necklace. I kept staring at it from the other end of the table at dinner. She probably thought I had feelings for her. I didn't go to the AS bizarre last month.



:love: Thanks....that's such a nice compliment!

You're welcome!


Sorry to trainwreck the thread with the love fest. I couldn't help myself. :grin:

[AKDesigns]

I like calling it the Bead Bizarre better. :lol: I should go to meetings and stuff more often but the drive is almost an hour and it's sucky.

[simvet02]

At this point anyone....LOL Haven't had any classes much less a private one. Don't really travel so that's out. Hmmmm, maybe Brent, he isn't too far away and looks like fun.

[jeepinwelch]

Patti Walton, Sherry Belamy, Leah Fairbanks, Loren Stump... How I wish I had enough money for just one of them!

[KFraley51]

Carolyn where are you taking Anastasia's class? Her work is awsome. Way to advanced for me, but just to watch her work would be exciting to me.

[steph1214]

I would take classes from:

Trey cornette
loren
anastasia (love to learn the implosions on her beads)

those are just a few!!

I benefitted the most with Jim smircich and his heat control and shaping. I also benefitted the most with kristina logan for her beautiful dot placement, she is lovely! Corina was great! she does not sugar coat things, she really gets in there and tells you what you need to do and what you are not doing. she will grab your hands and work your stringer with you to get the feel. I am really looking forward to her new book! All of the classes i have taken have left me with something that i use so they are all great in their own ways, i am happy to have shared time with them at the torch!! Oh, jennifer geldard is great, she is so down to earth and she is just great at letting you feel like, "hey, it is ok if you mess up, keep going, it is a journey"!! Anyone loving organic should take a class from her right away!!!
steph

[clohdeebeads]

Another Cynthia class and another Suellen Fowler class and a first Kim class.....
Some day maybe!! I just wish I had a separate part of my brain that would absorb and store all the information given in the classes!

[Cosmo]

There are only three people I would pay to take classes with:

Banjo
Clinton
Kobuki

[stacied]

Amy AKdesigns would be my pick!!

[steph1214]

Hey people, anyone in the indiana, ohio, kentucky region Trey Cornette is coming September 5-6 to ABR imagery so i signed up. i decided to take a look after i posted in this thread and he is teaching only 2 hours from me, so i got a spot. i am soooo excited. Still spots available and cheap hotel rate right up the street (59.00)!!! Cannot beat that! ok, just thought i would repost the info
steph

[yonil]

Michael Mangiafico is the guy that makes awesome bugs and does classes. I've taken three of them and loved them all.

http://www.figstudios.com/

[Bead_lover]

Now I have too many choices. I need to narrow it down some. I want someone who can help me really hone my skills, esp. in certain areas. That's why I was thinking of splurging on a private class. Thanks everyone for the ideas.

[Hayley]

What skills do you need "honing" if you don't mind my asking? I would do some research and find a beadmaker (who also teaches) whose work you most aspire to - in terms of shape, size, use of glass and other add-ons such as silver, mesh, enamels, etc. Then check and see if they give private classes.

I have taken quite a few group workshops and I would take another class with Vittorio Costantini again in a heart beat!

[AKDesigns]

Amy AKdesigns would be my pick!!

:love: You made me blush. :)

[Hothead Beads]

I don't know if she teaches but Ginny Hampton is close to you and makes fabulous beads.

[kernheimer]

I would love to do a one on one with melanie moertel and one with corina t......
would be my dream come true....
LOL but comming back to the torch afther a long time not having beeing able to is now my priority.. would it be like riding a bike afther a long time again??

[Beadbug]

I have taken classes from Michael Barley, Tink Martin, and watched a class by Santini (sp?) I want to take a class with so many more but it is so expensive to travel. My next class will be with who ever teaches closest :).

[shellybeads]

I took a class with Loren Stump it was so intense and so informative. I really learned alot. Mostly controlling the glass and the flame. I really got my moneys worth from his class at Corning N.Y.

[Dasi]

Loren.. again....
Vittorio
Robert Mickelson.

[Simply Lampwork]

Kimberly... YOU! I would love to take a class from you. Do you have any future plans at teaching at EGS?

[theglasszone]

There are so many wonderful teachers to choose from! I would have a really hard time picking, but if someone gave me - let's say - just three "wishes", they'd be:


Cynthia (glassactcc)
Ayako Hattori
J.C. Herrell

De

[SunDoorBeads]

This is such a great thread and a horrible tease to those of us who have not had the chance to learn from these masters!!! I have had a pow wow with Dawn the Raku Queen and my God she is a great teacher :poke: (start teaching girl!!!!!!)

My class wish list?
Loren Stump
Michael (FiG)
Trey Cornette
and Kate Fowle Melaney!!!!!
SIGH one day when I can get the vacation (and a babysitter who speaks DEVIL :evil: ROFL) Have you guys got any class beads to share?

[SunDoorBeads]

MAJOR DITTO!!!! WOw my list is getting longer by the second this could be a dangerous thread!!! Ca Ching (that is me saving nickels and dimes lol)

Vittorio.

[Simply Lampwork]

Kimberly, do you already have a 2010 schedule?

[Simply Lampwork]

:( EGS is a great place to teach we would love to have you.

[Simply Lampwork]

That would be wonderful. Because you can... YOU SHOULD!
Hope to talk with you soon.

[Simply Lampwork]

:) Sorry you are one of my favorites... I simply could not resist.
Cheers to everyone for playing along.

[lunamoonshadow]

Private classes with big name artists scare me--I want those classes to be filled with lots of people so I can hide in the corner & just absorb information & not be an obvious idiot!

I wish Kimberly Affleck would come to Maine though....

I'd love to have play-time on the torch with J.C Herrell...I think that would be fun!

I want a private class with someone not-so-scary-famous...like, Nikki the Sheep Goddess (she's seen my beads!)
or Lydia Muell
or Gelly
peeps who haven't been "famous" quite as long, & who I know would be *really* patient with wonky-bead-makin' me!
:lol:

Actually, I get the best "teaching" when I'm just torching "near" someone....or at the "glass jams"....throw-away learning...from Pipyr, & Sue, & Virginia & Ed & Emily & Sam...when they see me doing something numb & tell me what I *should* be doing :D...& suddenly my bead (s) work properly :D

[Bead_lover]

You all have given me so many people to think about and research. Most I have heard of, some I haven't. I think Loren Stump would be great. He teaches every year in Austin but those classes are brutal and I don't think I could work that late every day for 5 days. But a few private days might be good. And I'd love to Kim Affleck. Now I just have to save up some money and try to do something early next year.

Hope this list has helped others, too. Even if not for a private lesson, for thoughts on group lessons if they come your way. I've taken a number or great classes and now that I've had time to work on the things taught, I'd love to take then again, because you can never get it all in the first time :wink:

[pam]

I think the first thing to think about when wanting to take a class is what you want to learn. Most of the instructors I have seen mentioned specialize in certain aspects of glass beadmaking. Jim Smircich definitely is great if you need to learn heat control. Leah Fairbanks is fantastic if you want to learn flowers. So, focus, and decide what it is you want to learn. Also, just to throw something into the mix, why a private class? Personally, I love group classes because you are not only learning from the instructor, but from those around you.

[chrissij]

AlaskaBarb...hands down...only she doesn't teach. I think I suck at classes anyway. I much rather just observe, and then go f-up in the privacy of my own home.

Honestly, I can't think of ANYONE I wouldn't want to watch.

[NMLinda]

I had the pleasure of taking a beginner/intermediate class with Bernadette Fuentes years ago. I don't know if she still teaches, but I learned quite a few very important skills from her that I've carried forward with me. I also had the great pleasure of taking a class each from Patti Walton and Kristen Frantzen Orr. Both are marvelous teachers. I learned special things from both that took my skills up yet another notch.

There are so many marvelous artists in our community who graciously teach. Just wish I were in the position to be able to take more classes

Linda

[sansan239s]

Is there a list somewhere on L.E., that states what specialty each artists teach for us newbies? Like: Jim Smircich = heat control, Leah Fairbanks = flowers, Loren Stump = ?. thanks Sandy

[elyart]

SAge & Tom Holland!!!!!!!

Awesome and cover SO, SO much 3 days of so many techniques!

elyart

[Cosmo]

Is there a list somewhere on L.E., that states what specialty each artists teach for us newbies? Like: Jim Smircich = heat control, Leah Fairbanks = flowers, Loren Stump = ?. thanks Sandy

I haven't seen any such list, but I think it would be a good idea for someone to put together. However, there are so many people out there teaching these days that the list would be thousands of names long. I don't envy the person who would be compiling the list...

[sansan239s]

Oh.... and the funny thing is: My maiden name is STUMP. I didn't think there were to many people with this last name. hmmmm :-P

[Shrimp]

If I were in a position to be able to leave the island to take up a class, it would be from any one of the suggestions so far in this thread. ALL are masters in their own techniques.

My most dreamed of teaching event would be to take a class on fish making from Vittorio Constantini!

[Bunyip]

My wishlist includes:
(Group or private - just want to take classes from them)

Loren Stump
Robert Mickelsen
John Kobuki
Vittorio Costantini, Michael Mangiafico and/or Wesley Fleming
(and yeah some instruction from Banjo would freaking rock.)

If you were going to take a private class for soft glass, allow me to recommend someone who I didn't see anyone post: Jennifer Geldard. I took her (group) class while I was suffering from horrible hay fever, all hopped up on antihistamines & sudafed, and I benefit from the tiny fraction that I managed to retain every single time I lampwork. (Yes, even when I'm melting boro)

I'd also recomment Trey Cornette's lampworking class!

[KJJames]

I'm taking my first class from Kate Fowle Meleney in the fall. I am so excited! I don't mind that it is not private. As Pam mentioned earlier, I am looking forward to learning from the others in the class. I have already spent all this time learning on my own, I am looking forward to this opportunity to spend time in a group environment.

[BeadsGoneWild]

I live way out in the middle of nowhere and don't have the funds to go to the big city to take a class from anyone of importance..................too many great teachers, not enough time, not enough money.............I want to take classes with them all...............Does that make me greedy? :):):):)
______________________________________________
Roberta

[topher wren]

I would like to take some classes form some of the lamp workers her in LE. I see so many incredible beads that I would really like to know how they are done.