Celebrate the season with fused glass in this introductory workshop. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll explore the basics of fused glass, learn to cut and layer colorful sheet glass, frit (colored glass granules), and stringers (thin colored glass rods) to design your own luminous ornament.

Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln to fuse all the pieces together into a one-of-a-kind work of glass art. Whether your style is festive, whimsical, modern, or classic, your finished ornament will catch the light beautifully for seasons to come. Perfect for gifting, hanging on the tree, or adding a little sparkle to your space all year long.

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

It’s alive… in glass. In this introductory workshop, spark your imagination as you twist, melt, and sculpt your own glass monsters and mythical creatures using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a glass loop or keep them as sculptures, perfect to wear, share, or show off.

 

 

 

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

Have a blast on this creative date night. In this quick and fun cold shop experience, you and your special someone will transform ordinary pieces of glass into a one-of-a-kind ornament set. Together, you’ll use stickers and tape to create patterns, motifs, or images.

With guidance from a skilled artist you’ll blast your designs to a frosted finish that catches and reflects the light beautifully. Create something seasonal, meaningful, geometric, or entirely your own, together. Make it, blast it, and take it home the very same night, ready to hang and enjoy!

Each couple makes 2 sandblasted ornaments for 1 perfect set.

After your hands-on studio time, kick back with a glass of wine or beer and some tasty bites. Let the live music set the mood as you wander the gallery, and be wowed by glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations happening throughout the evening. If you register for a later glassmaking time, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.

Ages 21+. Guests under 21 not permitted.

Turn up the heat for a one-of-a-kind date night in the hot shop. In this quick and exciting experience, you and your partner will team up with a skilled artist to gather molten glass from our 2,100°F furnace and shape your own blown glass ornaments, sparkling keepsakes of the evening.

Each person will make their own ornament to create a set of 2 ornaments per couple. Perfect to share and admire for the season or all year long.

After your hands-on studio time, unwind with a glass of wine or beer and enjoy light bites. Let live music set the mood as you explore the gallery and take in glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations happening throughout the night.

If you’re registered for a later glassmaking slot, we recommend arriving early to experience everything the evening has to offer.

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.

Ages 21+. Guests under 21 not permitted.

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.

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.

PGC 245 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.

Bring warmth, light, and a little bit of magic to the longest night at Pittsburgh Glass Center. Join us for an immersive evening of hot glass demonstrations, candlelit activities, fireside snacks, and hands-on creative experiences that celebrate the turning of the season. As the night unfolds, the glow of the furnace and the warmth of shared experience invites reflection, connection, and hands-on creativity.

Make-It-Now: Fused Glass Ornament

Celebrate the season with color and creativity! In this fun fused glass experience, you’ll use colorful glass granules (frit) and thin glass rods (stringers) to design and make your own vibrant glass ornament. Whether festive, whimsical, or winter-inspired, your handmade creation will add a little sparkle to any tree, window, or holiday display. Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln so all the pieces fuse together into a beautiful finished ornament.

Create a one-of-a-kind keepsake and bring a little extra glow to the season! Beyond the kiln shop, the evening expands into a series of playful, reflective, and sensory-rich activities designed to mark the shift into a new season.

Have your cards read and explore what the coming year might hold with Arts & Crafts: Botanica & Occult Shop. Create a custom herbal blend for bathing or burning, designed to help you release what no longer serves and invite in what’s next. Participate in a collective intention ritual: write down something you’re ready to let go of or something you hope to carry forward, then release them with the help of our hot glass artists and the power of the furnace itself.

It’s a symbolic act of change: fire, glass, and intention working together. Fireside snacks, warm light, and shared creative energy carry you through an evening that is equal parts celebration, reflection, and making.

Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the same day they are created. All items made in the kiln 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.

Ages 5+

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old.

Food, beverages and entertainment are available throughout the event, so arriving early or staying afterward lets you enjoy them outside your session. If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.