One of the greatest challenges in kilnformed glass is capturing intricate detail in finished work. This hands-on five-day class introduces students to non-traditional Pâte de Verre techniques—an innovative approach to working with glass paste at low temperatures without the use of investment molds. You will learn how to recreate real or imagined objects in striking detail, while also exploring methods that lend themselves to expressive abstraction.

Through demonstrations, discussion, and guided practice, you will explore:

• Silicone Molds – Make replicas of small objects using two types of silicone molds: one with common household caulking, and another with two-part pourable silicone rubber.
• Freeform Sculpting – Shape glass paste directly using simple tools such as palette knives, creating unique forms without molds.Color Samples – Create and test color swatches, learning how low-fire schedules affect color maturity and how to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Exploring Binders – Experiment with three different binders, comparing their strengths and weaknesses for various applications.
• Dry Working – Develop methods for refining detail, smoothing surfaces, and preparing pieces for successful firing.
• Cold Working – Develop methods for cleaning and refining surfaces after firing.
• Technical Discussions – Gain insight into low-fire kilnforming challenges, including managing shrinkage, balancing thin and thick areas, fusing schedules, and kiln support strategies.

By the end of the course, students will have a toolkit of practical techniques for shaping glass paste into forms rich with texture, depth, and detail—equally suited for realism or abstraction.

Advanced beginners are welcome, however they must have some understanding of firing schedules and heat work in a kiln.

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 Evelyn Gottschall Baker at www.glassfractions.com

Experiment and explore non-traditional methods of working with Pâte de Verre in this five-day class. You will experiment and learn how to create a wide range of objects without making plaster silica molds. We will make both flat and three-dimentional objects, investigate different possible results, and discover how to achieve artistic and aesthetic goals using glass paste.

We will explore different possibilities of working with this medium, both on its own and in mixed media. We will test combining other materials like metals and botanicals. And lastly, we will discuss firing schedules as well as finishing and coldworking options.

This week will be filled with experimentation, fun, and discovery.

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 Tali Grinshpan at www.taligrinshpan.com