Fun, Friendship and Sharing at Happy Hour Torching

The term "Happy Hour" usually refers to a time of pre-dinner cocktails and drinks with friends and co-workers. In BeadFX's case, "Happy Hour Torching" is a gathering of like-minded lampworkers who get together twice a week over a torch and colourful rods of glass. "Happy Hour Torching has been going on for about three years," says Malliga Nathan, BeadFX's Studio Manager. Malliga, a lampworker herself, often joins in on Thursday evenings.

Carol Cooper facilitates Happy Hour Torching and is available to answer questions and give tips and tricks to new lampworkers. "Lampworking is an artform and lampworkers are, by nature, very generous in sharing ideas," explains Carol. "We try to keep the atmosphere welcoming and inclusive. Newbies are always welcome."

Happy Hour Torching sessions are not lessons, so participants must have taken a lampworking course, familiar with all of the safety procedures and the basics of how to create beads using the torch and rods of glass.

Happy Hour Torching takes place Mondays and Thursdays from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The lampworking studio can accommodate up to 8 people per evening. Best of all, the studio rate is "two for one" - a great way to gain practice time or to create beads for projects. Glass rods are available for purchase or you may bring your own.

The kilns are available for use and the beads will be removed from the mandrels and available for pick-up the next day.

It is always best to call ahead and reserve a torch. To do so, simply call the store at (416) 701-1373 and indicate your interest. A staff member will add you to the roster. If you're in the store, just sign up on the lampworking calendar located just outside the metal studio. Studio cards are available from the store during working hours. A 10-hour minor/mega studio card is $130 (HST included).

Happy Hour Torching Conflict

I'm going to the Lampworker's dinner tonight - which means that I won't be at the Happy Hour torching tonight. (Happy Hour torching is for lampworkers - torch one hour, get the second hour free.) Usually it is on Thursday nights.

Anyhoo - the Happy Hour Torching is still in effect - if anyone does want to come in, please accept my apologies that I won't be there. If you want to join us downtown at the Mill St Pub (Distillery district) - you are more than welcome! (Starting at 7 pm)

The Lampworker's Dinner is an informal get-together where you can talk about beads and glass and torching to people who's eyes won't glaze over after 30 seconds. ;-)