Just Do It

Glass Bead Studio Valentine's Day Open Studio and Show

by Lauren Fleming

Sat.-Sun., Feb. 7-8, noon-6 p.m., free (glass class, $70), 2245 Grays Ferry Ave., 215-546-3735

Cupid's greasin' up his arrows and getting ready for the lover's holiday that's just a hop, skip and scurry away. The pressure is on to find an original gift that doesn't reek of stale chocolate and red cellophane. The Glass Bead Studio's Valentine's Day open studio and show, which doubles as a grand opening for the fledgling studio, could save any romantic tryst from becoming an awkward occasion.

Specializing in unique glass art and jewelry, Glass Bead Studio offers patrons the unique ability to watch free glass-blowing demonstrations as well as the opportunity to make some jewelry of their own. The price of a class includes all materials and instruction so visitors can challenge themselves to make some custom jewelry and art of their own. "During Thanksgiving we had people coming in who wanted to make table settings," said Glass Bead Studio owner and Paul Spencer of his pre-studio, private-session days, "and in two hours they had made beautiful glass leaves."

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Spencer encourages patrons to try their hand at making glass hearts as a romantic treat for a loved one this Saturday. For those not into channeling their creative genius, however, the studio offers a new line of limited-edition, Venetian-inspired jewelry made of semi-precious stones and glass.

So forget the tacky teddy bear and crappy half-off heart hoops you found at the drugstore and try your hand at a gift that goes beyond homemade construction-paper cards.