Beads have served as vessels of history, trade, and personal expression—and in this five-day class, they become a laboratory for flameworking exploration.

Using the bead as our central object of study, you will progress from mandrel-wound soda lime beads to hollow, off-mandrel, and blown sculptural beads in both soft glass and borosilicate. Along the way, we’ll cover color use, surface pattern and treatment, hollow-form techniques, and strategies for efficient production.

Grounded in almost 30 years of professional glasswork, the instruction combines deep technical knowledge with inventive problem solving. Expect a fast-paced but relaxed environment, filled with demonstrations, hands-on practice, and plenty of tips and tricks that you won’t find in books.

The focus is on pushing technical skills, broadening your design vocabulary, and helping you refine or reinvent your own beadmaking practice. You’ll leave with a collection of beads—ranging from small studies to oversized sculptural objects—that can stand on their own or be integrated into jewelry, strands, or other creative projects.

Expect to make a lot of beads, gain new skills, and walk away with fresh inspiration for your work.

This class is ideal for intermediate to advanced flameworkers, though adventurous beginners are welcome.

Additional Class Materials

A blow hose assembly kit is required. Students may bring their own or kits are available for purchase on-site on the first day of class for $40.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Amy Lemaire at amylemaire.com

Step into a whimsical world of molten magic. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then twist, pull, and sculpt it into playful glass mushrooms.

This workshop is an engaging, hands-on introductory experience in hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two unique mushrooms, perfect for display, gifting, or adding a magical glass touch to any plant or space.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Turn up the heat and let your creativity take shape. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glowing molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will twist, pull, and sculpt it into one-of-a-kind paperweights bursting with color and personality.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glass sculpting. Each participant will make two fun and functional paperweights, perfect for your desk, shelf, or as a thoughtful gift.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Bring your garden to life with a vibrant stained glass mushroom. In this introductory workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of stained glass. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn to cut, wrap, and solder glass from a pattern into a fun and funky mushroom that brightens potted plants or outdoor beds. Great for adding personality and sparkle to any space.

Ages 14+

Join us for an evening of hot glass making and cold beer drinking with Two Frays Brewery.

We think beer tastes better in a handmade glass. The right glass can transform every sip, letting you savor the flavors and nuances of your favorite brew. In this quick and exciting hot shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to blow and shape molten glass from our 2,100°F furnace into a handmade cup, perfect for enjoying a beverage of your choice.

After your hands-on studio time, kick back, and talk with the brewer, enjoy the beers, relax on the patio with some snacks, wander the gallery, and watch live glassblowing demonstrations throughout the evening. If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.

Cheers to a night of craft, flavor, and fun!

Ages 21+

Don’t put a cork in it yet. Register here to make a glass bottle stopper in the flame shop and register here to make sandblasted drinkware in the cold shop!

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the magic of glassmaking. In the hot shop, you’ll work one-on-one with a skilled local artist at the 2,100°F furnace. In about 15 minutes or less, you’ll work together to shape, color, and craft your glass item. Perfect for beginners, these short experiences offer a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.

Guests under 21 not permitted.

Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the same day they are created. All items made in the hot shop must go through an annealing process to slowly cool the glass. Items are available for pick-up after 5 days. Shipping can be arranged on site the day of your activity.

Take it slow and let your creativity slide. In this introductory workshop, learn to heat and shape borosilicate glass into charming little slugs using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color and texture to make each one your own sluggish creation. Add a glass loop to make it wearable or keep it as a figurine to add to a potted plant.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Shell yeah. In this introductory workshop, create tiny turtles from molten glass using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a loop or magnet to make them perfect to wear, share, or show off.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Roll into the magic of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, learn torch basics and melt and manipulate glass rods into colorful, swirling marbles using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll add decorative techniques like twists, dots, and trails to create one-of-a-kind designs. Use graphite molds to perfect your sphere and walk away with a set perfect for collecting or sharing.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.