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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Torch to Treasure: Intermediate Glass Jewelry Making

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks
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.

Class does not meet 3/5

Ages 14+

Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking

$475
Calendar Next session starts Jan 23, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
Learn flame shop essentials and a variety of creative techniques while working with borosilicate (hard) glass. Begin with a solid rod of glass and melt it into a molten ball that can be manipulated into little treasures, such as pendants, marbles, chains, and sculptures. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn color application, hand control, and annealing. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting. No experience necessary.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Class does not meet on 3/6.

Ages 14+

Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
Learn flame shop essentials and a variety of creative techniques while working with borosilicate (hard) glass. Begin with a solid rod of glass and melt it into a molten ball that can be manipulated into little treasures, such as pendants, marbles, chains, and sculptures. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn color application, hand control, and annealing. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting. No experience necessary.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Class does not meet on 3/7.

Ages 14+

Introduction to Networking: Techniques, Rod Construction, Sculptural Objects, and Forms

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks
Explore the exciting technique of networking. This 8-week class focuses on the specialized technique of building complex glass forms by bending and welding small-diameter glass rods with a hand torch. Demonstrations will include creating both 2D and 3D forms, pulling stringers, and the use of color. The course will include one-on-one troubleshooting to assist with the planning, pattern making, and building stages of your sculptural glass forms. This class is great for someone looking to expand their skills at the torch.

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.

Class does not meet 3/7.

Ages 14+

Flame 2: Color & Botanicals

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2026 at 4:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks
Take your flameworking foundation to the next level! In this class, you will learn how to use color rods (transparent, opaque, and striking colors) to their fullest potential and create glass botanicals. This class will focus on color applications, creating component parts, bridging components together, creating solid seals and detail work. Petals, tendrils and leaves will also be covered. Glass tubing will be introduced.

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.

Class does not meet on 3/7.

Ages 14+

Tubing 101

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 25, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
Intrigued by borosilicate glass tubing? Are you looking to expand your flameworking skills? Then Tubing 101 is for you! This class will cover basic safety, use of our propane/ oxygen bench and hand torch, and technical exercises to help create an understanding of how heat, breathe, timing, and gravity are used to create shape in glass. Learn how to open and close a tube, seal two pieces of tubing together, make connections with solid rods of glass and blow bubbles. Course will culminate with the creation of 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.

Additional Class Materials Fee: This course requires a blow hose assembly kit. If students need to purchase: Kits are available for purchase on site the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet 3/1

Ages 14+

Flameworking in the Fast Lane

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Mar 31, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks
Learn Flame Shop basics in this 4-week intro course, which gives you the same number of contact hours as our 8-week class. Work with borosilicate (hard) glass rods, which can be melted, colored, and shaped into decorated beads, pendants, marbles, and sculptures. Over 4 weeks, focus on hand control, color application, and annealing while receiving one-on-one troubleshooting advice. No experience necessary.

This 4-week class meets twice a week on both Tuesday and Thursday.

Ages 14+

Flameworking in the Fast Lane

$475
Calendar Next available session starts Mar 31, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks
Learn Flame Shop basics in this 4-week intro course, which gives you the same number of contact hours as our 8-week class. Work with borosilicate (hard) glass rods, which can be melted, colored, and shaped into decorated beads, pendants, marbles, and sculptures. Over 4 weeks, focus on hand control, color application, and annealing while receiving one-on-one troubleshooting advice. No experience necessary.

This 4-week class meets twice a week on both Tuesday and Thursday.

Ages 14+





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