FAQ´s
Metal + Glass
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, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. 6:30-9:30pm
When does the next course start? How often do you have them?
Courses run every 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 mould 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. 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). I have some stones available however students generally like to bring in their own.
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?
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. Open Studio time takes place Tuesday and Thursday afternoons noon to 3pm and Thursday evenings 6:30-9:30pm.
If I take the course with a group of friends, is there a discount?
YES! Everyone receives 15% 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.
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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! 15% 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 15% 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?
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?
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 15% off (for groups of 3, maximum 7students per course).
I am pregnant; can I take this course?
No.
Refunds
Full deposit refunds will be issued if nanopod is notified within a 48 hour period after registering.
Registrants cancelling due to unforseen circumstances outside of this 48 hour period can use
their deposit towards another workshop, or course within a six month period.
Once the first evening has started and consent forms have been signed refunds are no longer issued.
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!
