Intro to Boro: Pendants and Wearable Art with Alex Utts

Learn the fundamentals of borosilicate flameworking while creating your own wearable glass art. In this standalone six-hour workshop, students will be introduced to torch safety, tools, heat control, and the essential techniques used to shape borosilicate glass at the bench.

We’ll explore a range of pendant styles including simple drops, twists, color accents, frit implosions, small sculptural forms, and clean, well-balanced loops for wearing. Students will get hands-on practice with shaping, applying color, controlling heat, and understanding stress in the glass to create strong, durable work.

This class is designed for beginners and anyone curious about making glass jewelry. Each student will leave with at least one kiln-annealed pendant of their own design and a solid foundation for further flameworking

What to expect: Working with hot glass takes practice, but it’s tons of fun! After demonstrations by the instructor, expect to make 1–2 successful pieces during this class (along with a few experimental attempts as you learn the ropes). Don’t worry if not every attempt is perfect – learning to control heat and gravity is all part of the process, and even the wonky shapes will build your skills. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page. 

While flameworking, participants primarily engage in seated activities such as working with glass rods and torches. The environment can be bright and loud at times. Handling glass and tools may require a certain level of dexterity. To learn more about accessibility the Accessibility page on our website.

Eligibility: No experience required. This introductory class is open to absolute beginners. Open to ages 14 and up.

Pick-up: The glass needs to cool down overnight, so the students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work.

We recommend registering for classes early to reserve your spot! We base materials, and teacher needs off of student enrollment. Early registration not only guarantees your spot in class, but also helps to ensure the class will run. Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled within two weeks of the start date of class. Contact our Registrar of Education, Ari Eshoo, at [email protected] if you have questions about the class or would like to arrange a payment plan.

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