Who knows anything about it? I'm really really interested in learning the craft and I don't know where to start... Didn't have a ton of luck with google.
The best thing to do is to take a class, which are usually held at glass shops. Cost will be around $100USD or more, which may or may not include supplies. You'll need a Hot Head torch (about $25), mandrels, bead release, and a fiblerglass blanket, and mapp gas to start (I don't know...around $10 a bottle?). And glass, of course. ^_^ Glass runs about a dollar to three per rod. And that's all you absolutely NEED to make beads. There are tons of tools and stuff to do special tricks out there, but you don't need those to start. If you can't take a class, you might want to find a copy of Passing the Flame by Corina Tettinger. Even if you do take a class, this will be a great study guide, with step-by-step instructions on how to do different beads. Good luck!
Soft glass or hard? Your in Ontario you can either take lessons or start reading all you can on the subject. A great place to start is Contemporary Lampworking by Bandhu Scott Dunham. If your interested in soft glass, call Jean Robichaud at Nortel Manufacturing in Scarborough (416)-438-3325. While she doesn't work glass herself, she would know the best teachers(Leslie). Now if your looking for hard glass lessons in Ontario, there are several blowers in London. We are 2 provinces away if you are willing to travel east for a week. Brian has many years under his belt and is giving lessons cheap.
^^^^ I was thinking you are from Ontario, you can ask in the gldg forums for glassblowers in your area that offer lessons for hard glass and soft glass, the forum is lampwork ect
'making glass beads' by cindy jenkins is a great book...very easy to follow and will tell ya all you need to know
