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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Activity Type

"Magic" Plasma Wand

$200
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 5, 2026 at 5 pm
Step into the “magic” world of glowing glass and electrified light. In this introductory workshop, you’ll work with a skilled instructor and learn how to heat, bend, and shape borosilicate glass tubing at a 3,000°F torch. You’ll transform a simple glass tube into a sculptural form like a magic wand or playful design of your own.

Next, you’ll see a demonstration of how plasma tubes are filled and experience the magic of plasma as it comes to life over a Tesla plate, illuminating with vibrant, dancing light. Your finished work will remain at the studio for processing. You choose if it glows red or purple.

We’ll fill it and it will be ready for pickup in five days, fully transformed into a glowing work of art.

This workshop is a fun introduction to plasma. Each participant will create one plasma piece. Fun to make and mesmerizing to watch.

Registration includes Tesla coil base to light up plasma wand at home.

3D Stained Glass Winter Tree

$200
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 6, 2026 at 10 am
PGC 124 Bring a little sparkle to your seasonal décor! In this introductory 4-hour workshop you’ll create a stained glass winter tree sculpture. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you'll learn the fundamentals of stained glass including how to cut glass, follow a three-dimensional (3D) pattern, use the copper foiling method, and solder your pieces together.

Using colorful sheet glass and traditional stained glass techniques, you’ll construct a freestanding three-dimensional tree sculpture perfect for displaying on a tabletop, mantel, or windowsill throughout the winter season.

Fast Track Flameworking: Winter Warm Up

$155
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 6, 2026 at 10 am
PGC 165 Warm up for winter in this full-day beginner flameworking workshop. Working with borosilicate glass and a 3,000°F tabletop torch, you’ll learn how to melt and sculpt solid glass rods into seasonal winter forms like flamecicles, snowpeople, and other frosted-inspired sculptures. Demonstrations throughout the day will guide you through shaping, detailing, and building expressive forms in glass, with additional time available to explore other winter-themed designs by request.

You will gain a strong foundation in studio safety, torch operation, and essential solid sculpting techniques while working through a range of playful, winter-inspired projects.

Note: Class includes a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but a refrigerator is available for student use.

Hot Glass Blowout

$275
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 6, 2026 at 10 am

If you've ever wanted to try glassblowing, this is the workshop for you. This 5-hour workshop offers an introduction to the art of glassblowing. Designed for beginners, you will gain hands-on experience in the hot shop, and learn essential techniques for gathering, shaping, and manipulating molten glass straight from the 2,100°F furnace.

 

After learning to gather, you'll sculpt a paperweight and then progress to additional glassblowing techniques, enabling you to craft a variety of glass objects throughout the day.

 

Instructors provide step-by-step guidance to ensure a safe and productive learning experience.

 

Warning! Hot glass is immersive and captivating. Once you start working with it, you may not want to stop.

 

Note: Class includes a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but a refrigerator is available for student use.

 

 

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

Blown Glass Ornaments

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 6, 2026 at 4 pm
PGC 133 Deck the halls with something handmade! In this introductory workshop, you will gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then, guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll blow and shape the glass into a festive ornament.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two blown glass ornaments, perfect for trimming the tree, gifting to someone special, or adding a little sparkle to your space all year long.

Stained Glass Twinkle Lights

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 6, 2026 at 5 pm
PGC 244 Brighten up the season with handmade glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of stained glass while creating a colorful set of festive light bulb decorations. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn glass cutting, the copper foiling method, and soldering.

Using colorful sheet glass and traditional stained glass techniques, you'll assemble a series of two-dimensional stained glass bulbs that can be strung together as cheerful seasonal décor or used individually as ornaments and gift toppers. Each finished piece brings a playful pop of color and handmade sparkle to the holidays. Each participant will make up to 3 bulbs.

Blown Glass Ornaments

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 8, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 134 Deck the halls with something handmade! In this introductory workshop, you will gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then, guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll blow and shape the glass into a festive ornament.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two blown glass ornaments, perfect for trimming the tree, gifting to someone special, or adding a little sparkle to your space all year long.

Engraved and Embossed Glasses

$95
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 8, 2026 at 6 pm

You bring the creativity, we’ll supply the glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll personalize your own beer mug, wine goblet, or drinking glass while gaining hands-on experience with professional cold shop equipment. Work with a skilled artist and explore sandblasting, carving, etching, polishing, and dremeling to make your glass totally yours.

 

 





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