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In this video James Smircich tutors as he works. He clearly describes what he is doing while he is doing it. You will see and hear James explain the principles behind his method. He gives insights into heat and gravity control, design ideas and much more. He produces fine long beads with a few effortless moves while explaining just how you can achieve the same results. James covers design effects such as Black Lace, Anise White Effect, the Apple Core shape, fuming, and clear casing. He presents a bead he calls a pillow bead. This is a hollow bead that is pressed into a tablet and then reheated to enhance it by using the expanding internal air to 'puff' the flat surfaces into curves. You will also see James comb a bead with a stringer and hear why this approach is better than using a metal pick. James is a fine bead maker who is willing to teach! This is Volume One of The Smircich Method.
Smircich wears three hats in this video. He is beadmaker, teacher and film director. His information is viewed with great clarity, due to carefully placed camera positions and excellent zoom techniques. The work is presented in real time with very little editing. The viewer can closely follow the application of heat, and the work that is done with that heat. The narrative is also in real time. This allows the student both a visual and verbal understanding of the work in progress. Smircich presents insights into classic bead form, sculpted bead shapes, and pendants that hang from a loop. He also creates a vessel form on a large mandrel. This video is about process and skill development. Smircich succeeds in his primary mission, which is to further your understanding of the working principals of hot glass.
(about 112 minutes)
This is Jim's third video. His first two videos are two of the most popular flameworking videos of all time, and for good reason: you will learn an enormous amount of very useful information, in a very clear and precise presentation. With the information Jim relays to you, you will be able to easily accomplish the projects demonstrated and use the techniques learned to create work in your own style. In this video, Jim thoroughly covers every aspect of flameworking on two projects, an off mandrel pendant and a vase form at the end of a large mandrel, while gaining a greater understanding of heat and gravity. Also contained in this two hour plus video are detailed pictorial tutorials, with voiceovers.
(about 120 minutes)
This video was added to our catalog on November 03, 2005 in Arts & Crafts::Glass.
Product availability: short wait, ships soon
Great video, good techniques, and not so complicated that a beginner can't learn something. Glad I ordered it for review. Watched it twice and took notes (didn't have time for more). Do recommend to others.
Excellent techniques and unique slant on beadmaking. I found it very valuable- four stars!
I am quite new to lampwork bead making. I found this Mr. Smirchic to be both clear thinking and articulate! The camera work is well done as well.
This series is the best I have seen on soft glass work available.
I very much enjoyed Mr. Smircich's video 1. I haven't seen the others so I can't tell you about them. While he is slow and methodical, his information is wonderful. He really knows glass! Since I haven't been able to take a workshop with him, this video is a great substitute for the time being.
Good sound and filming angles made it possible to see through the flame. He explained clearly what was happening. A good beginner's video.
This is an excellent video. Jim clearly and precisely describes what he is doing. When a boo-boo happens, he does not cut it out of the tape, instead he explains how it happened and ways to avoid it from happening to the viewer. Then he shows how to take the boo boo and move forward. Beginners must see this one!!
As someone who has only been making flameworked beads for a short time, I found these videos to be among the best resources I've viewed or read in terms of helping me become an accomplished glass bead maker. James Smircich is an excellent teacher. The videography is very good. I highly recommend this series of DVDs to anyone who wants to master the basics.
Let This Be a Lesson to You. This is a wonderful video. James Smircich once again gives very clear instructions for making the glass projects: in this case a glass pendant and a glass vase. The pendant is made off mandrel and the vase is made on a large mandrel, off the end. He is so good about helping the viewer understand the heat of the glass and what one should be watching for at various stages. While the projects are advanced, his instructions make me want to try them!
Another excellent video from James Smircich! He is an excellent teacher. I learned a lot from watching this DVD.
Volume 1 is very good. The instruction is very helpful and the beads made are nice. My only complaint is that the camera angles are not good. The camera is positioned on the opposite side of the work being done. Also, the soda flare hides the bead being made. But the verbal instructions are excellent. Overall, I would recommend this one.
Thought it was a fine video, with lots of tips. I would recommend it.
Loved it. Helped me to SEE how he used the flame and moved the glass. Not just to read about it.
Great material, but difficult to watch. The beads are absolutely beautiful, but the monotone delivery makes staying awake a challenge. This DVD is a valuable learning tool, but be prepared to be lulled to sleep at least once. Caffeine is suggested.
Great to help you with glass control, where to place your heat, good puckers -- haven't put any of it into practice yet, but it was definitely a worthwhile video. I also got #2 and it's just as good with a hint section at the end.
It was a good start for me. I have been lamp working for about one week this video was quite informative. I did learn some tips and techniques. Looking forward to seeing the other two.
A day at the ranch with Jimmy.
Oh my gosh, I can not begin to tell you how amazing it was to spend the day one on one with a truly great bead maker! It is worth the trip if you have a chance to work into his schedule. Yes the day was long and yes I couldn't wait to get home to my torch to play with all that he gave to me. I tell you it was non stop, demo after demo. His care and control of heat application to glass is incredible. As a teacher myself, well I know that I have grown in my ability by the time that I spent with Jimmy. Thank you so much for your time my beads are enhanced by the experience.
This was excellent!!! Smircich does a great job throughout the video. I watched it twice and took a lot of notes. I cant wait for my shipment of glass to come in to try some of his techniques.
I absolutely loved both of Smircich dvd's that I have watched so far. I watched them both two times, took a lot of notes, finally received my glass and was able to try out a lot of his techniques with great success. I think it is so great that he shares his secrets and techniques through his videos. I would love to be able to take a class with Smircich. Next best thing I can recommend is renting his dvd's.
I really liked all three of his DVDs. I took a lot of notes with all three DVDs. I highly recommend these DVDs to any beginner.
Excellent video Series. Jim packs a lot of information into each DVD and explains every detail thoroughly. You get more for your money with him videos since they are about twice the length of others I've viewed.
