PGC 200

Roll into the magic of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, learn torch basics and melt and manipulate glass rods into colorful, swirling marbles using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll add decorative techniques like twists, dots, and trails to create one-of-a-kind designs. Use graphite molds to perfect your sphere and walk away with a set perfect for collecting or sharing.

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

PGC 202

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.

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.

Join us for an evening of hot glass making and cold beer drinking with Two Frays Brewery.

Keep your beer fresh and the molten glass flowing. 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. Use your bottle stopper with any beverage at any time to keep it fresh.

After your hands-on studio time, kick back and talk with the brewer, enjoy the beers, relax on the patio with some snacks, wander the gallery, and watch live glassblowing demonstrations throughout the evening. If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.

Cheers to a night of craft, flavor, and fun.

Don’t put a cork in it yet. Register here to make a blown glass cup in the hot shop and register here to make a coaster in the kiln shop.

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 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 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.

Experience the best of both worlds in this unique workshop combining beadmaking and stained glass. On day one, explore the colorful world of flameworked beads as you learn to shape molten glass on a 3,000°F torch creating several small beads. Guided by a skilled instructor, you will learn how to add dots, lines, texture, and give your beads personality. End your day exploring the whimsical world of stained glass. You’ll choose a pattern for your panel and pick your glass colors. Match your beads or go wild and have fun with contrasting colors.

On day two, you’ll be back in the stained glass studio to construct your stained glass panel. Guided by a skilled instructor you will learn the basics of cutting, grinding, and copper foiling your glass panels. Finish your work by adding your flameworked beads to your panel for texture, depth, and fun whimsical detailing. This workshop is great for all levels of beadmakers and stained glass students. No Experience required.

This two-day class runs on:

Saturday 9/12 9:30am-1:30pm

Sunday 9/13 10:00am-4:00pm

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 Flameworked Pendant

Fire up the torch, shape molten glass, and turn fire and color into wearable art. In this quick and exciting flame shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to gather and shape molten glass into a hand-crafted pendant using a 3,000°F torch. 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.

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.

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.