Experience Glass Blowing | 2022

Price: $125 | Class Size:   Min 1 - Max 6   |   Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: None

The perfect class for your first experience working in a glass blowing studio. Participants are given the opportunity to work with our instructors to learn about the equipment, tools and materials used to transform raw glass into a memorable experience. When you are working in the hot shop (glass blowing studio), you are working with the glass in its molten state (2100°F). The process begins by taking a pipe and gathering the molten glass from the furnace and then forming and shaping it with tools and by blowing air into it.

In this 2-hour glass workshop, each participant will demonstrate the basic techniques of glass blowing to make at least two individual items. You will work with our instructors select and add color to molten glass to create a one of a kind mini paperweight and a seasonal item. Items created will be ready for pick up in the SiNaCa Studios gallery five business days after made.

We will be lifting our requirement for masks for both participants and staff effective Monday, 3/28/2022. We will still maintain heightened studio safety & sanitation protocol. As a general practice, SiNaCa believes in a culture of respect. To that end, if a participant chooses to wear a face covering, our staff will act in turn. Staff members that choose not wear a face covering regularly will always be prepared to put one on when actively working with a participant that is wearing their face covering.

Traditionally, SiNaCa Studios has had a "the more, the merrier" policy for our classes, but these are not traditional times. So, to keep our small space safe for everyone, we have enacted a "Participants Only" policy for all classes. Guardians accompanying participating minors will be the only exception. All non-participating observers will be asked to remain outside of the building. Guests are welcome to visit the on-site glass gallery.

Please refer to the FAQ section of our website to see all measures that we are taking to keep our staff and participants safe. If you are a first-time participant, you can find a link to our Risk and Release form on the FAQ page. You are welcome to bring a completed form with you. We will also have blank forms available during class check-in. ALL participants are required to have a completed form on file.

Glass Blowing: When you are working in the hot shop, you are working with the glass in its molten state (2100F). The process begins by taking a pipe and gathering molten glass from the furnace and then forming and shaping it with tools and by blowing air into it. You will be given the opportunity to apply color, reheat and shape your creation.

Flame Working: When you are working in the flame working studio, you are working with colored and clear glass rods or tubes in front of an open, gas-fueled torch. You will be given the opportunity to melt the glass as well as use tools and gravity to shape your item. SiNaCa Studios teaches with two different types of glass in our flame working studio. One is a soft soda-lime based glass that is used primarily for our bead making classes. The other is a hard glass called borosilicate, sometimes referred to as pyrex. It requires a much hotter flame to work, but can be used to create more complex sculptural and blown work.

Kiln Forming | Fusing & Slumping Glass: When you are working in the kiln forming studio, you are working with the glass in its solid state. You will be given the opportunity to cut and layer sheet glass with glass frits and stringers to create your design. We will then put the assembled work into an electric kiln where it will be fired over a 12-hour cycle to fuse the layers together. SiNaCa Studios uses and teaches with Bullseye Glass (90coe) exclusively in our kiln forming studio.

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