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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Class Length

Torch to Treasure: Intermediate Glass Jewelry Making

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 23, 2027 at 1 pm

Go beyond the basics and explore techniques for creating wearable works of glass art. This intermediate-level class focuses on making small-scale jewelry using borosilicate glass and a hand torch. Expand your flameworking skills through solid sculpting, simple cane making, and introductory coldworking techniques. Over the course of 8 weeks, explore a range of jewelry forms including pendants, cabochons, rings, and chain links. Learn techniques for forming loops, incorporating color, and setting glass with metal findings and adhesives. The course includes hands-on practice with mandrels, covers kiln use and safe studio procedures. Whether you’re looking to deepen your flameworking practice or explore a new direction in wearable art, this course will help you bring your glasswork into a refined and personal form. 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. Prerequisite: Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Ages 14+

Hot Glass 1

$680
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 23, 2027 at 3:30 pm

PGC 1 Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls.

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. Youll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it. No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

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.

Flame 1: Solid Miniatures

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 23, 2027 at 4:30 pm

Discover the fundamentals of borosilicate flameworking in this introductory class designed to build a strong foundation in the flame shop. You'll learn essential safety practices, proper tool use, techniques for controlling and shaping molten glass, and how to create strong seals.

Starting with solid glass rods, transform molten glass into a collection of miniature sculptures. From turtles and fish to birds, trees, and other imaginative creations, you'll develop the skills and confidence to bring your ideas to life. Bring a sketchbook to plan your designs and inspire your projects.

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+

Fused Glass Jewelry

$540
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2027 at 9:30 am

Create sparkling glass pendants, earrings, and brooches while exploring a variety of glass fusing techniques. You’ll work with different types of fusible glass, including extra-sparkly dichroic glass, and learn how to incorporate fusible decals to add color, pattern, and personality to your designs.

The class will also introduce grinding and polishing techniques to refine your pieces, along with methods for attaching metal findings to transform your fused glass creations into wearable works of art. Experiment with different combinations of glass, color, and surface treatments to create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.

No prior jewelry-making or glass fusing experience is required.

Hot Glass 1

$680
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2027 at 9:30 am

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls.

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. Youll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it. No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

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.

Stained Glass 1: Introduction to Copper Foil

$540
Calendar Next session starts Jan 24, 2027 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 single finished stained glass panel ready for display.

No experience necessary.

This class is designed for beginners, and is a prerequisite for Stained Glass 2 level classes.

Full Course

Tubing 101

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2027 at 9:30 am

If you are intrigued by borosilicate glass tubing, vessels, or scientific glassware, then Tubing 101 is the right place for you. This class will expand your flameworking skills as you begin to understand how heat, breath, timing, and gravity are used to create shape in glass tubing. Technical exercises will cover both the use of the bench and hand torches, as you are challenged with the tasks of opening and closing glass tubes, sealing pieces of tubing together, blowing bubbles, and creating hollow forms in glass. The class will culminate with the creation of small vessel forms.

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.

Prerequisite: Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Introduction to Coldworking

$330
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2027 at 12:30 pm

Learn how to operate all of the equipment to cut, grind, drill, engrave, sandblast, and polish glass in this entirely cold process class. Learn techniques to strategize the best optical placement of cuts and gain experience using special adhesives to chemically bond glass segments together. Create unique works of glass art with interesting surface textures and shapes. Leave with a foundational knowledge of coldworking techniques and understanding of the lamination process. No experience necessary.

Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Mondays from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Ages 14+





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