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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Beginner

in Skill level

TEENS ONLY! Blown Glass Ornaments

$85
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 20, 2026 at 12 pm
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.

TEENS ONLY workshops are a great introduction to the world of glassmaking, just for teens. Teens will step into the PGC studios and explore the heat, color, and creativity of working with glass in the flame shop, hot shop, kiln shop, or cold shop– alongside other teens. Teens can come solo and make new friends who share an interest in glassmaking, or sign up with a friend to share in the experience.

Looking for a more in-depth experience? Check out our afterschool SiO₂ classes, full-day MOLTN workshops, or summer boot camp for even more hands-on glassmaking fun.

PGC is committed to facilitating access for all young people. We offer full- and half-tuition scholarships for middle school and high school students based on application strength. No previous glass or art experience is required. Our only prerequisites are enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.

APPLY NOW for a youth scholarship at this link.

Experience Neon

$165
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 20, 2026 at 1 pm

Explore the art of bending light. In this introductory workshop, you’ll work closely with a skilled instructor to learn the fundamentals of shaping heated glass tubing over a torch. Through a series of guided exercises, you’ll practice basic bends and gain an understanding of how glass moves and responds to heat while gaining confidence at the torch. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll create your own form like a smooth curve, playful squiggle, or unique design. To finish, you’ll watch a live demonstration of how neon tubing is processed, filled, and illuminated, revealing the transformation from glass tube to glowing artwork.

Your tube will remain at the studio to be filled with neon gas. It will be ready for pickup in five days, fully transformed into a glowing work of art. This workshop is a fun introduction to neon bending and glass tubing techniques. Each participant will create one custom neon piece. Fun to make, mesmerizing to watch, and perfect for displaying. Registration includes a transformer power cord and electrodes to light up your sculpture at home.

Mixed Ornament Set

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 20, 2026 at 3 pm
Add a creative twist to your handmade glass ornament collection! In this introductory workshop, you will work with a skilled instructor to gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace, add color of your choice, and blow and shape the glass into a festive traditional ornament. Then, create a second ornament using sculpting techniques. Gather more molten glass, add color of your choice, and twist, pull, and manipulate the glass by hand to create an expressive, beautiful twisted sculpted ornament.

This workshop is a fun introduction to working with hot glass. Each participant will make two ornaments: one classic blown glass ornament and one sculpted twist ornament both perfect for gifting, collecting, or adding a handmade touch to your seasonal décor.

Stained Glass Twinkle Lights

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 20, 2026 at 3 pm
PGC 246 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.

Stained Glass Snowflake

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 20, 2026 at 6 pm

Learn the art of stained glass while creating your very own glass snowflake. Students will work with pre-cut glass, bevels and gems wrapping each component in metal to then join them together with molten solder. Use these dazzling snowflakes to decorate your home for the winter season or catch the light in your window all year round.

 

 

Blown Glass Optic Ornaments

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 22, 2026 at 6 pm
Give your handmade ornament a textured twist. In this introductory workshop, you will work with a skilled instructor to gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace, add color, and blow a bubble into the glass. Then, using a steel optic mold, you’ll create a beautifully patterned, raised texture that catches the light.

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

Glass Swizzle Sticks

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 22, 2026 at 6 pm

Stir in style. In this introductory workshop, make elegant, colorful swizzle sticks for your drinks, houseplants, or garden décor using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and explore decorative techniques to make a functional or decorative glass set. Fun to make, beautiful to use, and perfect to keep or gift.

 

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

Stained Glass Twinkle Lights

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Dec 22, 2026 at 6 pm
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.





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