Course Descriptions

Architectural Stained Glass
The use of modern techniques of stained glass will be employed in this class where the student will focus on design and fabrication of a stained glass panel. The different techniques of both copper foil , lead, and zinc came will be discussed and employed. The basic concepts of window design will be of main consideration giving the student a different concept for both obtaining subject matter and researching newer ideas for the “set up” of their work.  4 class meetings, all materials included.  Instructor: Louis “Tony” Curiel. 

An Introduction to Neon Art
This course introduces students to the basic skills in the fabrication of neon. Each student learns to heat, bend, weld and anneal glass tubing using a ribbon burner, cannon fire and tipping torch. Students will learn the bending process for the four basic bends: 90 degree, right angle, double back, “U”, and “O” loop for the understanding of a simple radius bend. Design will be of ultimate consideration with the design of simple “block letters”. The student will be urged to pick a simple letter designation using their name or a simple word for their first project. 4 class meetings, all materials included. Classes limited to 4 students. Instructor: Louis “Tony” Curiel.

Beginning Neon Art

Designed for the student previously introduced to the basic skills in neon fabrication. Students will work on a simple project that involves heating, bending, welding and annealing glass tubing using a ribbon burner, cannon fire and tipping torch. Students will practice the bending process for the four basic bends: 90 degree, right angle, double back, “U”, and “O” loop for the understanding of a simple radius bend. Instructor: Louis "Tony" Curiel.  

Applied Neon Art
This course is a comprehensive meeting of the minds to both design and create a neon project with further examination of the media using a combination of techniques to accomplish a neon sculpture or sign design. We will use both neon and different inert gasses to illuminate a specific vacuumed unit. This class will be inclusive of both the “Intro to Neon Class” with a further development to give students both direction with their design and the ability to analyze the layout for specific glass bends. This will be a full semester application to the Art of Neon.  12 class meetings, all materials included. Limited to 4 students. Instructor: Louis “Tony” Curiel.  Classes are  offered through the Iowa Lakes Community College.

Glass and Metal Fusing
This class will familiarize the student with the different types of glass and their uses together firing glass and metal using a kiln for adherence to one another. This application will use similar glasses with copper as a base metal to use as imagery within a selected glass palate. The use of ground glass or “frit” will also be discussed and utilized in the composition. The emphasis of both using glass and metal, fabricating them together to create either a piece of jewelry or accessory will be accomplished at the end of the course.  Instructor: Louis “Tony” Curiel. 

Beginning Glass Beadmaking (Lots of Torch Time)
This class covers how to melt glass and make basic shapes, pull stringers, and decorate beads. This glass bead making class is the first step to learning how to create decorate beads that enhance almost any jewelry item. This class will delve into the timeless art of flameworking and beadmaking. *(Students must wear Didymium safety glasses for proper eye protection & to “see through the flame of the torch.”) Limited to 4 students. 4 class meetings, optional lab fee. Instructor: Jon Curiel. 

Jewelry Making (2-Day Class)
Make a beautiful tennis style bracelet with Swarovski Crystals and glass pearls and learn single needle RAW. Wear your new, personalized creation home! One day includes all materials, students take home jewelry they make. Instructor: Heidi Westphal. 

Beginning Clock Repair
This course is a beginning for a student who wants to familiarize themselves with the repair and construction of a simple clock movement. They will be urged to bring in their own project so they can repair a clock that needs attention. If the student doesn’t have a clock movement, one can be provided for them. The instructor has a wonderful following in the commercial clock industry and will direct them to break down, lubricate, and re-install a movement into a clock case. Design of their own clock will be discussed. 3 class meetings. Limited to 6 students. Instructor: Charlie James

Learn to Make Ceramic Tiles From Scratch
Roll-out clay, cut shapes, then decorate the tiles using different glazes and textures before the tiles are kiln-fired. Bring your favorite color swatch. Limited to 8 students. 3 class meetings, materials included. Instructor: Katie Thompson.

Casting Silver Workshop
Students will be given a small supply of pink wax to carve and form. Project will be a ring or pendant to take home. Lab fee will include 1/2 ounce of Sterling Silver to create the jewelry. Additional materials can be purchased if the student wants to make more than one piece. Students will: Carve wax, sprue wax model, invest wax model, burnout wax model, clean wax model, deburr and polish wax model, tumble finish jewelry. Polish jewelry on buffer. If the student is using a stone then some stone setting will be incorporated into the class. Maximum number of students 6; Minimum number is 2. Instructor: Steve Booth

Lapidary 101

In this class you will learn stone cutting and polishing for fabrication (jasper and turquoise stone) into a cabochon. Class will discuss safety, examine Stones and learn orientation, cut Stone prior to dopping, shape stone, drop Stone using wax or cryanacrilac glue on dopping stick. (Dopping is mounting stones on a stick to help control the cutting and polishing.) Students will also grind Stone to shape for bezel, prongs or specimen, polish Stone, buff and use flat lap to finish stone. Finished project will be a stone or specimen with a polished surface. All materials provided. Maximum number of students 6; Minimum 2. Instructor: Steve Booth

One Day Class Offerings
Make Your Own Earrings, Necklace and Bracelet
Make Earrings in a wrapped loop, then a Bracelet & Necklace - using crimp beads and tools. Take home the earrings, bracelet and necklace you make! One day includes all materials, students take home jewelry they make. Instructor: Heidi Westphal

Jewelry Making
Make a beautiful tennis style bracelet with Swarovski Crystals and glass pearls and learn single needle RAW. Wear your new, personalized creation home! One day includes all materials, students take home jewelry they make. Instructor: Heidi Westphal.