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Pittsburgh Glass Center



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Make-It-Now: Silly Straw

$35
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 9, 2026 at 6 pm
27 additional sessions through Dec 11, 2026

Fire up the torch, shape molten glass, and put a playful twist on an everyday classic. In this quick and exciting flameworking experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to heat and bend molten glass into a whimsical, one-of-a-kind silly straw using a 3,000°F torch. Twist and curl your design into a loop, spiral, or squiggle that are as fun to look at as they are to use.

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 14+

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.

Sandblasted Pumpkins

$95
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 10, 2026 at 10 am
PGC 221 Put your personal touch on handblown glass pumpkins. In this introductory workshop, you’ll start with two clear glass pumpkins hand crafted by our glass artists and use an industrial sandblaster to create your own designs, playful faces, names, patterns, or other details. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you’ll transform each piece into something uniquely your own.

At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with both of your sandblasted pumpkins, ready to display or give as gifts. One pumpkin has an opening at the base, perfect for adding fairy lights (not included) to create a glowing seasonal luminary.

Blown Glass Pumpkins

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 10, 2026 at 5:30 pm
PGC 142

Carve out some fun with molten glass pumpkins. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glowing molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and sculpt it into beautiful pumpkins with curly stems. This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two blown pumpkins, perfect for harvesting compliments at home, gifting to a loved one, or adding a decorative touch to any space.

 

 

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

Blown Glass Pumpkins

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 11, 2026 at 9:30 am
PGC 144

Carve out some fun with molten glass pumpkins. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glowing molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and sculpt it into beautiful pumpkins with curly stems. This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two blown pumpkins, perfect for harvesting compliments at home, gifting to a loved one, or adding a decorative touch to any space.

 

 

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

Fast Track Flameworking: Fall Foraging

$155
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 11, 2026 at 10 am
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.

Fused Glass Platter

$165
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 11, 2026 at 10 am
PGC 195

Serve up style with your very own handmade glass platter. In this introductory 4-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to cut, design, and assemble colorful sheet glass, glass granules (frit), and thin glass rods (stringers) into your own pattern under the guidance of a skilled instructor.

Once your design is complete, we’ll fuse it in the kiln to create a dazzling platter perfect for serving your favorite food, or simply displaying as a handmade work of art. Platters can be made in a variety of sizes including 7" x 12", 10" x 10", 8" x 8", or 9" round. 

 

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

Blown Glass Catch-All Bowls

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 11, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Get ready to be bowl-ed over by the magic of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and choose and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and shape it into vibrant double-walled blown glass bowls.

 

This workshop is a fun introductory experience to glassblowing. Each participant will craft two bowls, ideal for holding small items, serving snacks, displaying jewelry, or adding a funky decorative touch to any space.

 

 

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

Blown Glass Pumpkins

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 11, 2026 at 4 pm
PGC 143

Carve out some fun with molten glass pumpkins. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glowing molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and sculpt it into beautiful pumpkins with curly stems. This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two blown pumpkins, perfect for harvesting compliments at home, gifting to a loved one, or adding a decorative touch to any space.

 

 

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





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