Additional and Custom Class Offerings

Introductory Glassblowing I (4 Weeks)

Back to Schedule

If you'd like to try working with hot glass for the first time or would like a refresher course, this is the class for you. We start with an introduction to glassblowing tools and equipment as well as basic techniques. Every week, a different form will be taught. Lots of exercises and hands-on time is provided to build a solid foundation of glass blowing skills.

Glassblowing II (6 Weeks)

Back to Schedule

This class begins where the Introductory I class leaves off. After concluding this class, students should have enough confidence and glass working skill to rent time and work with a partner. More advanced forms will be taught as well as some basic color techniques.

Intermediate Glassblowing (6 Week)

Back to Schedule

The Intermediate class is designed for glassblowing students who are comfortable with the basic forms as covered in the Intro II class (cup, long neck bottle and bowl). The Intermediate class will concentrate on building hand skills and refining the forms. Attention will be paid to the wall thickness and proportion of the finished vessel. Many different color techniques will be taught. Some advanced bitwork will be covered as well, including dropped feet.

Bits and Additions (6 Week)

Back to Schedule

This 3 hour/week class is taught by George-ann Greth, who will show (and teach) the class how to make & manipulate forms out of glass by the addition of bits. This class will also explore the creation of non traditional forms with sculptural intent. This class is recommended for intermediate to advanced students.

Intensive Sculpture Workshop (8 Week)

Back to Schedule

This intensive 4 hour/week class is co-taught by Chris Lydon and Brian Regan, two glass masters who will show (and teach) the class how to make almost any form out of glass. This class takes full advantage of the extensive facilities that East Falls Glassworks provides, including all three benches, the garage, bench torches, cold working facilities and multiple pick-up ovens. This class is recommended for intermediate and advanced students.

Murrini Making Workshop (4 Week)

Back to Schedule

This class will cover the basics of pulling cane and creating many different varieties of murrini. Due to the limited time of the class, emphasis will be on making murrini and not on incorporating the murrini into vessels. There is an additional $50 lab fee for the extensive amount of color needed for this technique. Students will make plenty of murrini to take home and incorporate into their own projects.

Murrini Pickup Workshop (4 Week)

Back to Schedule

This intensive 4/hour class will cover the basics of using all those murrini you made in the murrini making workshop. We will cover a variety of techniques for using the murrini in glasswork, from bubble pickups, collar pickups, paperweights, & fusing into plates.

Fun With Glass (4 Week)

Back to Schedule

Several 'non-traditional' techniques of shaping and decorating glass will be explored in this class. Sculpting of solid glass will be explored, as will casting (and blowing) glass into sand molds, and incorporation of copper elements into the hot glass form. This class will benefit not only beginning students, but intermediate as well. We suggest that any students who have completed Intro I consider this class.

Fun With Glass (1 Day)

Back to Schedule

Several 'non-traditional' techniques of shaping and decorating glass will be explored in this 7-hour class. Sculpting of solid glass will be explored, as will casting & blowing. We will also incorporate copper elements into the hot glass form. This class is a great way to get a feel for the material before committing to a multi week class or workshop.

Photo-Resist Workshop

Back to Schedule

Ever wonder how to engrave lettering or a drawing onto glass? Guy Kass of Kass Glassworks will guide you through the process in this one day workshop. Students will create sandblasting masks from their own B & W line art (including drawings & text), which will allow them to etch the surface of either a pint glass, coffee mug, or a solid cube. All materials will be provided.

In-Depth Color Techniques (8 Weeks)

Back to Schedule

There are an almost infinite number of ways to color glass. This class will explore many different techniques, potentially including color overlays, "french crackle", optic twists, basic and advanced cane work, incalmo and many others. Because of the amount of materials (color) needed for the class, there will be an additional $50 lab fee for color bar, frits and powders. If students have any special requests for certain colors or techniques, we will accomodate.