Filter by Subcategory
Display Attributes
Nerd Nite: Make-It-Now Sculpted Glass Paperweight
Join us for Nerd Nite at Pittsburgh Glass Center.
Learn about glass and make new friends with a one-of-a-kind speed friending and glass making experience. It’s perfect for glass lovers, nerds, or anyone looking to try something new and meet someone new.
Nerd Nite Pittsburgh is a lecture series that’s a mix between a comedy show, TED talk, and a social mixer. Speakers present for 15 minutes on a variety of topics related to science and technology, popular culture, history, and other nerdery with a vibe that’s as entertaining as it is academic. Audience members can ask questions, and there is an entirely optional social game. Expect to learn new and fascinating things, making friends with other nerds and enjoy food and drinks.
Your experience at Pittsburgh Glass Center includes:
- A 15-20 minute quick hands-on glassmaking session (details below)
- Captivating live glassblowing demonstrations 5-7PM
- Tasty drinks and snacks 5-7 PM
- Speed friending (optional) 7-8 PM Get more details
- A nerdy presentation diving deep into an array of diverse subjects. Previous topics include bug butts, megaraptors, and cosplay 8-9PM
Make a Sculpted Glass Paperweight
Feel the heat of the hot shop while you encapsulate a color in hot glass. In this quick and exciting hot shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to twist, shape, and pull molten glass from our 2,100°F furnace into a colorful one-of-a-kind sculpture. Whether you’re flying solo or coming with friends, this is more than just a class. It’s an experience that blends artistry, hands-on fun, and nerding out. Be there AND be square!
Our quick hands-on introductory glassmaking experiences are perfect for beginners. They give a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.
Ages 21+ (Guests under 21 not permitted.)
Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the same day they are created. All items made 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.
Blown Glass Pumpkins
Carve out some fun with molten glass pumpkins. 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 blow and sculpt it into beautiful pumpkins with curly stems. This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two blown pumpkins, perfect for harvesting compliments at home, gifting to a loved one, or adding a decorative touch to any space.
Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.
Fast Track Flameworking: Bar Accessories
PGC 163 Mix up some fun with 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 functional and fabulous drink accessories. Create a set of glass swizzle sticks, a coordinating bottle stopper, and some freezable glass cubes. Demonstrations throughout the day will guide you through shaping and design to create your perfect set for entertaining, gifting, or adding whimsy to your home bar.
You will gain a strong foundation in studio safety, torch operation, and essential solid sculpting techniques, while enjoying an immersive day working with molten glass.
Note: Class includes a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but a refrigerator is available for student use. This workshop includes one bottle stopper base.
Blown Glass Catch-All Bowls
Get ready to be bowl-ed over by the magic of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and choose and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and shape it into vibrant double-walled blown glass bowls.
This workshop is a fun introductory experience to glassblowing. Each participant will craft two bowls, ideal for holding small items, serving snacks, displaying jewelry, or adding a funky decorative touch to any space.
Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.
Blown Glass Terrariums
Create a beautiful glass home for your favorite air plants. In this introductory workshop, you will gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then, guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow, shape, and sculpt it into a one-of-a-kind terrarium.
This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will craft two blown glass terrariums, perfect for displaying your air plants, cuttings, or trinkets. (Air plants not included.)
Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.
Flameworked Whales
Dive into the magic of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, heat and shape molten glass into whimsical whale sculptures using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics, experiment with adding color and playful details to create one-of-a-kind creations. Add a glass loop to make it a pendant or keep them as trinkets. Perfect for adding whimsy to your home, fish tank, or sharing with a friend.
Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.
Bottle Stoppers
Top off your bottles with style. In this introductory workshop, melt and shape molten glass into custom bottle stoppers with a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color, texture, and details to create functional art for wine, oils, or decorative display. Impress your guests or give as a unique hand crafted gift.
Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.
Flameworked Acorns