FAQ´s
Metal + Glass (fire + gravity)
What is the minimum age allowable in this course?
13 with parental/guardian signed consent form.
What day of the week/hour is your course?
Monday, and Wednesday, and Thursday (January to March 2012 only) evenings. 6:30-9:30pm
When does the next course start? How often do you have them?
Courses run every 4, 6 & 8 weeks, this information is updated on the website every month.
Will I learn how to cast using the lost wax process? Will I learn how to make a mould? Will I be able to do this from home when I finish the course?
Yes, the 3rd evening students work with wax for casting in sterling silver or brass. You could do this at home- equipment runs around $800 to $1000+ and takes practice. For great results most people have their wax models cast through a company downtown- there are several, and this is all that they do. Mold making is taught in another course- Plastique Fantastique. Sometimes I have guest artists come in and teach various techniques (mold making, centrifugal casting). And, if required students make simple alginate moulds in class.
Can I use my own stones or do I have to order from your supplier?
Yes, students always bring in their own stones, found objects, etc. The resource list I hand out just helps people know where to purchase metal, books, stones, etc., locally and abroad but you do not have to buy from any of them.
Will I learn how to stamp metal? Will I come out of the course being able to make pendants and rings?
YES! for sure. The 2nd evening everyone learns how to make ring bands using sterling silver. I show you how to add textures using various tools, materials. Plus I give you a handout that details the whole process so you can repeat it at home, in your own studio, etc.
Will I learn how to solder?
YES! Using an oxygen & propane torch with silver solder. I discuss different solders, melting points, etc.
It says Metal + Glass - What does glass mean? Glass beads? Stained Glass?
Glass, in this instance refers to Flameworking. Flameworking is the process of melting glass and wrapping it around steel mandrels or sculpting it off mandrel. One evening during the course we work with Italian 'soft' glass.
Flameworking is amazing and has been around approx 30,000 years. In the 8 week course people are making beads.
Are materials included in the price?
Sterling silver for 1 ring band. Copper, enamel, wax, saw blades, glass, solder are included. The cost for student´s Lost wax castings is extra (range $10-$100+ this depends on each individual), Cuttlefish/Sand castings are extra (but not mandatory). Some stones are available however students generally like to bring in their own. Sterling silver, gold, brass, etc., pricing is based upon the Spot price of the day. Glass is included in the Fire + Gravity course.
How many pieces can/will I make in the 8 weeks?
A minimum of 6, maximum has ranged between 12-15 (this is including glass beads made).
If I miss a day can I make it up?
- Should something unexpected arise and you can no longer make a particular course date- deposits may be credited towards a future workshop or course if notification is made a week in advance of the course or workshop start.. Please contact the studio immediately in this instance!
Should something arise where you might miss an evening, nanopod is open to rescheduling the missed evening if notification is given in advance however, your understanding is appreciated concerning the studio's busy schedule and that there are times when missed evenings cannot be rescheduled within current courses taken.
Once the first evening has started and consent forms have been signed refunds are no longer issued under any circumstance.
If the instructor needs to postpone an evening due to illness or Holiday these evenings will generally be re-scheduled. That said, while every attempt to work within people's schedules will be made sometimes things don't work out. Your understanding is greatly appreciate.
If I take the course with a group of friends, is there a discount?
YES! Everyone receives 10% off (for groups of 3, maximum 5 students per course).
I am pregnant; can I take this course?
Always speak with your doctor or midwife concerning this.
Nanopod: Hybrid Studio strives to be a green, environmentally friendly, non-toxic studio where it can, using ‘green’ alternatives in place of normally dangerous and harmful chemicals.
The studio is equipped with two ventilation systems, fresh/new dust masks, safety goggles/glasses, and latex free gloves.
After the first trimester it is generally deemed safe.
Since I am a beginner do you think this course would be suitable for me?
It is geared towards absolute beginners. I have had many George Brown students take my classes, Archeologists from the ROM, mount makers from the AGO- all levels can benefit- but especially beginners.
Of course everything takes practice. Many people I have worked with have continued forward and sell their work in craft shows, create custom pieces, sell on Etsy, etc. I recommend people take notes and ask questions, after the first or second evening purchase a few tools from a jewelry supply store and practice at home, take more classes at my studio or elsewhere, read books. There are many different approaches and tricks for the same techniques.
What if I want to make something other than what is scheduled for that evening? For instance, I don't want to make a ring band, or work with glass:
The classes are structured to teach basic techniques by guiding a group through a series of specific projects. From experience, it is unfair to everyone taking the class to diverge from the course outline for one or more participants because it effectively reduces the amount of instruction that everyone receives and creates confusion in a group session.
Also from experience, when ideas are brought to the beginning class that are at an advanced level or stray from the curriculum, Instructors find that they too often end up in the awkward position of making people's pieces for them. The course outline allows for individual expression within manageable expectations. Please visit the Flickr site to see examples of student work made in the course.
Respectfully, if you are not prepared to follow the course curriculum, nanopod would recommend that this course is not suited to your requirements.
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Ring Band workshop
What is the minimum age allowable in this workshop?
13 with parental/guardian signed consent form.
Can I set a stone in this workshop?
Stone setting is not included in this workshop. Please see the Metal + Glass course for this.
If I take the course with a group of friends, is there a discount?
YES! 10% off (for groups of 5).
I am pregnant; can I take this course?
Always speak with your doctor or midwife concerning this.
Nanopod: Hybrid Studio strives to be a green, environmentally friendly, non-toxic studio where it can, using ‘green’ alternatives in place of normally dangerous and harmful chemicals.
The studio is equipped with two ventilation systems, fresh/new dust masks, safety goggles/glasses, and latex free gloves.
After the first trimester it is generally deemed safe.
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Glass Fusing workshop
What is the minimum age allowable in this workshop?
13 with parental/guardian signed consent form.
If I take the course with a group of friends, is there a discount?
YES! Everyone receives 10% off (for groups of 3, maximum 7 students per course).
I am pregnant; can I take this course?
Always speak with your doctor or midwife concerning this.
This workshop consists of cutting, layering, and embedding objects/material in the glass. No torches are used. Fusing is done after the workshop/when the studio closes.
Dust masks are recommended and used when working with fine glass powders- if applicable.
All glass used is lead-free.
It is still a good idea to speak with your doctor first.
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Plastique Fantastique
What is the minimum age allowable in this course?
19
Are materials included in the price?
Polyurethane casting resins and mould silicones are included. Embedding materials are up to each individual registered.
Each student must provide his or her own half-face respirator.
How many pieces can/will I make in the 8 weeks or, intensive course?
A minimum of 6, maximum has ranged between 8-12.
If I miss a day can I make it up?
If a class has to be postponed due to a Holiday or illness another date/time will be scheduled to make-up techniques missed. Should a student need to miss an evening it is appreciated if you would email ahead with this information- in this instance a make-up date/time will be scheduled.
If I take the course with a group of friends, is there a discount?
YES! Everyone receives 10% off (for groups of 3, maximum 7students per course).
I am pregnant; can I take this course?
No.
Refunds
Unless noted otherwise, workshops and courses are limited to 5 students to ensure you get the best instruction. To register for a class we require a nonrefundable deposit of 50%, or $100 to hold your spot.
Full payment is due on or before the first class date and can be made at the studio using Visa, Mastercard, Debit or cash.. Upon registration an email 'reminder' will follow confirming the date(s) you have registered for.
Expect this email a week or so before the workshop or course takes place. Should something unexpected arise and you can no longer make a particular class/workshop date deposits may be credited towards a future workshop or course if notification is made a week in advance of the course or workshop start.. Please contact us immediately in this instance.
Once the first evening has started and consent forms have been signed refunds are no longer issued under any circumstance.
Drop-Ins
nanopod now offers a 'drop-in' policy for the 8 week Metal + Glass course and the Fire + Gravity course, providing the course/workshop hasn't filled to maximum capacity. This means people can now try out a technique during the course outline. Drop-ins cost $85 per evening. Stones are not included in the cost, casting costs are extra (dependent upon weight of wax). Please email for further information.
#1 Safety rule:
In consideration of everyone's safety, nanopod: Hybrid Studio requires students to attend class alcohol and drug free. Working with industrial tools and equipment can be hazardous to your health when not properly respected. Please respect this rule at nanopod: Hybrid Studio. Thanks!
Still have a question?
Please email: nanotopia@me.com
and we will respond as soon as possible.
Email is the fastest way to reach us!
