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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Flame Shop

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Borosilicate Glass Flameworking Fundamentals -- Solid & Hollow

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Tim Drier

Calendar Next available session starts Jun 22, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

In this five–day class we will explore fundamentals and techniques for working with borosilicate glass. We will make small marbles, animals, and hollow bottles as we build on the basics of manipulation and addition of hot glass in the flame. We will round out this class by exploring surface design with color rod and frit designs for getting that artistic look that is an exciting addition to clear rod and tubing.

Torch set up and adjustment will be covered as well as home studio design/safety, regulators, ventilation, and oven selection.

All levels of experience are welcome to this class.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Tim Drier at https://www.instagram.com/driertim/?hl=en

Make-It-Brunch: Bottle Stopper

$60 MEMBER PRICE: $60
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 27, 2026 at 10 am
11 additional sessions through Jun 27, 2026
Brunch just got a glow-up. Gather with friends for a morning of tasty brunch bites from our friends at Third Space Bakery, refreshing mimosas, and hands-on glassmaking. In this quick and exciting flame shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to gather and shape molten glass into a custom bottle stopper using a 3,000°F torch, perfect for topping any bottle of choice.

After your hands-on studio time, relax on the patio with brunch bites and a beverage, wander the gallery, and watch live glassblowing demonstrations throughout the morning. If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.

Good food and a little molten magic—it’s the brunch plan you didn’t know you needed.

Ages 21+

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the magic of glassmaking. In the flame shop, you’ll work one-on-one with a skilled local artist at a 3,000° tabletop torch. In about 20 minutes or less, you’ll work together to heat, shape, color, and craft your glass item. Perfect for beginners, these short experiences give a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.

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

Fires of Creation: A Journey in Beads, Chains, and Fusion Spark Design

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Ghislaine Sabiti

Calendar Next available session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This class introduces students to the fundamentals of flameworking with borosilicate glass chain fusing. Learn to create colorful, expressive glass beads by mastering torch safety, shaping, and surface decoration techniques. Explore the process of making strong, artistic glass chain links using methods such as the parallel rod technique and surface texturing. Perfect for beginners and intermediate flame workers, this class offers hands-on practice and creative exploration to build your skills and confidence in glass jewelry making.

Discover the vibrant world of glass art in this hands-on, multi-session class where creativity meets craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build intermediate skills, this immersive course offers step-by-step guidance to create stunning glass jewelry from creative patterns, chain, and fusing.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Ghislaine Sabiti at www.ghislainesabiti.com

Make-It-Now: Pickle

$30 MEMBER PRICE: $30
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 3, 2026 at 6 pm
8 additional sessions through Jul 3, 2026
Fire up the torch, shape molten glass, and get dill-lighted by glass. In this quick and exciting flame shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to gather and shape molten glass into a quirky pickle using a 3,000°F torch. Finish it with a glass loop to make it a gorgeous gherkin pendant or keep it as a tiny pickle sculpture.

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the magic of glassmaking. In the flame shop, you’ll work one-on-one with a skilled local artist at a 3,000° tabletop torch. In about 20 minutes or less, you’ll work together to heat, shape, color, and craft your glass item. Perfect for beginners, these short experiences give a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.

Ages 8+

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

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

Make It Move: Kinetic Flameworking

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Kit Paulson

Calendar Next session starts Jul 6, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

In this five-day class we will delve into the world of moving parts. We’ll begin with introductory flameworking details including hot seals, cold seals, and how to turn. Then you can expect many different types of chain (the simplest moving part) leading into the construction of simple mechanisms to make glass move. Bridging, kiln shelf drawing, and gear construction will be addressed.

Bring your sketchbook, compass and straight edge and get ready to build.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Kit Paulson at kitpaulsonglass.com

Full Course

Mini Monsters and Creatures

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 11, 2026 at 10 am
PGC 145

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.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Glass Fidget/Worry Stones

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 11, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Melt your stress away. In this introductory workshop, learn the basics of using a 3,000°F torch and shape molten glass into colorful worry or fidget stones that fit perfectly in your hand or pocket. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll apply color and surface texture to make it your own. Perfect for finding your center, a tool for fidgeting, or great for gifting.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Bottle Stoppers

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 11, 2026 at 3 pm

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.

 

Ages 14+

 

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





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