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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Spend an unforgettable and fun week this summer diving into the world of glass. This program is designed for teens in grades 6-12 (ages 12-19) to take over the Pittsburgh Glass Center studios. It gives students the rare hands-on opportunity to learn the many facets of glass in one of the top facilities in the country. Working with experienced instructors, students will rotate through all of the studios and explore glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, and coldworking. New this year, students will also connect glass and technology in the fabrication lab.

Please look over our Teen Boot Camp Policies and important information regarding scheduling and forms by clicking here: https://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/teen-boot-camp-policies/

Required Forms

All registered students must complete our Teen Boot Camp Intake form. This form is presented during the registration process, and is required for all students prior to their first day of camp. Forms will ask for emergency contacts, known student allergies, and designated persons allowed to sign students out of camp.

Scholarships are available for all students! Scholarship Application Deadline: May 3, 2026. New this year: tuition can also be paid in installments upon registration.

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.

 

Ages 14+

 

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