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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Activity Type

Incredibly Intricate Murrine

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Penelope (Rakov) Lee

Calendar Next session starts May 18, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

In this five-day class our goal is to break down the best method for constructing incredibly intricate murrine. Because of its complexity, murrine can be intimidating and hard to know which steps to do in what order. But by slowing down and really looking at how to best approach each step in the process, we can achieve the kinds of patterns that can seem impossible.

We will cover:

  • Some color theory
  • How to pull successful cane
  • How to build simple, and then complex bundles
  • When to work hot, and when to work cold
  • What to look for when cutting murrine for the hot shop, the kiln shop, and other applications
  • How to set up a plate for patterned roll ups
  • And finally, how to manage your piece with all those murrine.

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 Penelope (Rakov) Lee at https://www.instagram.com/pennyrakovlee/

Full Course

Sculpted Glass Paperweights

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts May 19, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 153

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.

Sculpted Glass Succulents

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts May 21, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 156

Grow your creativity and no green thumb required. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will sculpt and blow your own unique glass succulents. No sunlight or soil required.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing and hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two whimsical succulents, perfect for display, gifting, or brightening any space with a touch of glassy greenery.

Ages 14+

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

Sculpted Glass Mushrooms

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts May 22, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 149

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.

Beyond the Cup

$340 MEMBER PRICE: $340
Calendar Next available session starts May 23, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Move beyond the basic cup shape to create other hot glass forms.

 

Take your glassblowing skills to the next level by moving beyond the cup. In this intermediate class, you will expand on basic vessel forms by exploring new techniques and shapes while refining your understanding of heat and timing to blow glass quicker and thinner.

 

Prerequisite: Hot 1 or 24 hours equivalent hot glass experience with instructor permission is required.

 

Ages 14+

Class does not meet on June 6.

Introduction to Stained Glass

$550 MEMBER PRICE: $550
Calendar Next session starts May 23, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks

In this introductory class, you will learn the basics for working with flat colorful glass such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. You'll explore the famous Tiffany method of construction and work with provided patterns to create a finished stained glass panel ready for display. No experience necessary. This class is designed for beginners, and is a prerequisite for Intermediate Stained Glass.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Ages 14+

Full Course

Mini Mushrooms

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next available session starts May 23, 2026 at 10 am

Bring the forest indoors. In this introductory workshop, heat and shape glass rods with a 3,000°F torch to create whimsical mini mushrooms. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color and details for pendants or tiny figurines perfect for plants or to display.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Flameworked Bugs

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next available session starts May 23, 2026 at 12:30 pm
PGC 131

Crawl into the world of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, learn the basics of using a 3,000°F torch to melt and sculpt glass rods into beetles, bugs, and creepy or cute creatures. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll add color, legs, spots, and personality. Turn your buggy creations into magnets or keep them as mini sculptures. Perfect for your home, fridge, or friend who loves tiny creatures.

Ages 14+

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





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