Ready to turn up the heat on your glass skills? Whether you’re brand new to flat glass or have taken a workshop or two, this in-depth 6-hour introductory workshop will help expand your technical know-how and creative techniques. You’ll learn glass tool fundamentals and glass cutting techniques while gaining an understanding of glass compatibility, fusing and slumping techniques, mold materials, firing schedules, and kiln theory. By the end of the day, you’ll have a set of functional glass items (plates, bowls, and platters) in the kiln and an appreciation for the alchemy of kilnformed glass.

 

Note: Class time includes a 30-minute break for lunch. Lunch is not provided, but we do have a refrigerator on site if needed.

 

 

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

Create a meaningful and decorative fused glass mezuzah in this introductory fused glass workshop. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn to cut and layer sheet glass, frit (colored glass granules), and stringers (thin colored glass rods) to design a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personal style. Whether you choose an abstract pattern, symbolic imagery, or a colorful landscape-inspired design, your finished mezuzah will bring handmade beauty and a touch of luminous color to your doorway. Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln to fuse everything together into a durable and functional work of glass art.

Please note: scrolls and mounting hardware are not provided.

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.

Make a Fused Glass Coaster!

Everyday objects are better when they’re handmade. In this fun kiln experience, you’ll be guided by a skilled artist to use colorful glass granules (frit) and thin glass rods (stringers) to design your own glass coaster, a fun place to rest your beverage of choice and express yourself with glass. Once you design it, we’ll fire it, so all the pieces become one. 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!

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick, hands-on introduction to the colorful world of kilnformed glass. In the kiln shop, you’ll learn from a skilled local artist how to design and assemble your own glass creation using glass frit and stringers. In less than an hour, explore how layers of glass come together to form vibrant patterns and images of your own design. Perfect for beginners, these quick experiences let you discover the beauty of working with glass at your own pace and with no heat.

Ages 21+

Guests under 21 are 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 kiln shop must be heated and fused in the kiln, then cooled slowly. Items are available for pick-up after 5 days. Shipping can be arranged on site the day of your activity.

PGC 189

Turn sheets of glass into a sparkling, functional work of art. In this introductory workshop, you’ll learn to cut sheet glass into geometric shapes and combine them with frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin colored glass rods) to design a one-of-a-kind dish.

 

Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln to fuse everything together and then shape it in a mold, creating a beautiful and functional piece. Perfect for holding spare change, serving small snacks, displaying jewelry, or simply adding a touch of glassy sparkle to your space.

 

 

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

PGC 182 Bring a little sparkle to your table with handmade fused glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of fused glass while creating a set of colorful geode-inspired coasters. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn how to cut and arrange sheet glass while incorporating frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin glass rods) into layered designs inspired by natural crystal formations.

Using vibrant glass colors and organic patterns, you’ll assemble a set of functional coasters that are both decorative and durable. Once your designs are complete, we’ll fire them in the kiln so all the pieces fuse together into luminous finished works of glass art. Each participant will make a set of 2 to 4 coasters.

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 Fused Glass Suncatcher

In this fun fused glass experience, you’ll use colorful glass granules (frit) and thin glass rods (stringers) to design and make your own vibrant glass suncatcher. Whether festive, cartoonish, or geometric, your handmade creation will add a little sparkle to any window. Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln so all the pieces fuse together into a beautiful finished suncatcher.

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 184

Turn your next snack spread into a showstopper. In this introductory workshop, you’ll design and fuse your very own glass charcuterie board, perfect for cheese, crackers, and a conversation starter. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, learn how to cut, design, and assemble colorful sheet glass, glass granules (frit), and thin glass rods (stringers) into bold designs. Once you design it, we’ll fuse it in the kiln. Charcuterie not included.

 

Completed charcuterie plates are 8" x 8".

 

 

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

Are you curious about the kiln Shop? In Kiln 1, you will gain a broad understanding of the vast possibilities of kilnformed glass exploring both fusing and casting techniques. You will learn how to cut sheet glass and work with a variety of other materials to melt and shape your designs creating an array of functional and decorative pieces. Then get a bit more dimensional with an introduction to cast glass. Using a found object, you will learn how to reproduce the object in glass. You will also gain an understanding of kiln programming and the properties of glass. No experience is necessary.

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026

Ages 14+