PGC 125

Melt, twirl, and spin your way to tiny works of art. In this introductory workshop, you’ll heat glass rods over a 3,000°F torch and learn to shape, layer, and decorate your very own beads. Guided by a skilled instructor, add dots, trails, and swirls to make colorful creations that are perfect to wear, share, or show off.

 

 

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

PGC 164 Spend a day immersed in the colors and textures of the season in this full-day beginner flameworking workshop. Working with borosilicate glass and a 3,000°F tabletop torch, you’ll learn how to melt, shape, and sculpt solid forms inspired by autumn: leaves, acorns, and fall flowers. Explore autumnal abundance as you bring each piece to life with color and detail. Demonstrations throughout the day will guide you in shaping organic forms, adding texture, and exploring a range of techniques to build your seasonal collection.

Design your pieces as small sculptural objects or incorporate loops to transform select forms into wearable pendants. 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.

PGC 176

Take it slow and let your creativity slide. In this introductory workshop, learn to heat and shape borosilicate glass into charming little slugs using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color and texture to make each one your own sluggish creation. Add a glass loop to make it wearable or keep it as a figurine to add to a potted plant.

 

 

 

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

Crawl into the world of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, learn the basics of using a 3,000°F torch to melt and sculpt glass rods into beetles, bugs, and creepy or cute creatures. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll add color, legs, spots, and personality. Turn your buggy creations into magnets or keep them as mini sculptures. Perfect for your home, fridge, or friend who loves tiny creatures.

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

PGC 177 Bring the outdoors inside. In this introductory workshop, create whimsical glass leaves using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and explore shaping and surface techniques to form expressive, leaf-inspired designs. Add a loop to make it a pendant or keep them as mini sculptures. Perfect for brightening your décor, gifting, or celebrating the seasons.

SiO2 Flameworking is a hands-on, after school program specifically for students in grades 9 -12. Classes meet once a week for 10 sessions. This class does not meet on 3/3/2026.

High school-aged students will work closely with professional teaching artists to learn how to use a 3,000°F tabletop torch, the heat it generates, and gravity to shape molten glass. They will learn about borosilicate, a hard glass with a high melting point that can be used to make a variety of small sculptures, jewelry, and more. Young artists are encouraged to bring their creativity to the torch.

This program is designed with youth in mind. The course focuses on safety, confidence building with materials, and teaching foundational glassmaking skills to young artists. Sessions and content will vary and adapt to students' interests and skills. This program is often taken more than once. We encourage our students from Mixed and Mashed Up to level up to this program, but no previous experience is required.

Students who participate in SiO2 Flameworking are invited to participate in a celebration and exhibition at the end of the semester and are also invited to show their work in a rotating display on Pittsburgh Glass Center’s third floor.

PGC is committed to facilitating access for all young people. We offer full- and half-tuition scholarships for middle school and high school students based on application strength. No previous glass or art experience is required. Our only prerequisites are enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.

APPLY NOW for a youth scholarship at this link.

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.