Lustrous Beads

Are you a bead freak? Come join in the bead making frenzy and learn how to make your own enameled copper beads. No former metalworking experience required! I will teach you how to texture, anneal, dap (or dome), file, and torch fire enamel copper sheet to make wonderful beads that your friends will drool over. Metalworking is contagious and I’m addicted to converting the uninitiated. If you have worked metal before, but would like to try your hand at enamel, this is the class for you! It’s quick, it’s yummy, and it’ll be instant gratification!

Kit Fee: $10

Supply List:

• a good dust mask! Niosh approved available at hardware stores (Henery’s hardware in Port Townsend will have them (360) 385-5900 www.henery.doitbest.com/home.aspx)
• small pieces of 22ga and 24ga copper- a 6" x 12" piece should yield alot of beads. They'll be 1-2" discs. Homework: Copper comes from Riogrande in 6" x 12" sheets, from Contenti 12"x 12" You'll want to cut this down into 6" wide or smaller pieces. It'll be more managable. Roofing copper will work and might be purchased from hardware stores.
• metalworking tools if you have them
• a small hammer
• center punch
• wet/dry sandpaper for metal 220,320,400 They often come in an assortment pack. Ace hardware usually has it. (not the blonde kind for wood) Henery’s hardware in Port Townsend may have some. http://www.henery.doitbest.com/home.aspx (360) 385-5900
• masking tape
• a small bench block and a portable bench pin or my FAVORITE: a metal block/benchpin combo available here: www.contenti.com/products/bench-pins/110-287.html
• metal shears/snips
• jewelry files (a round diamond file will be handy)
• jeweler’s saw and blades #2/0 or #3/0
• magnifying/reading glasses
• earplugs
• a pouch or box to get your beads home safely
  
  OPTIONAL:
• texturing hammers or stamps
• If you have a Roper-whitney style punch it will be helpful. They are a tad heavy so I don't recommend it unless you're driving. Also a Pepe disc cutter falls in the same category, heavy, but if you're driving and have one, bring it!!
  
  Kit Fee Includes:
• enamel powders