Intro to Flameworking for Craftspeople with River Valadez

Want to incorporate glass pieces into your practice? This introductory workshop will focus on borosilicate glass as a construction material. We will use a focused flame from a torch to bend, join, and cut glass rods. Flameworking borosilicate (hard) glass allows us to make glass parts and weld them together to create new and exciting forms.

Please come with an idea in mind, no matter how big or small! We will investigate together how to tackle each of our projects while getting a grasp of the fundamentals!

This brief course will be designed to give each student a sense of self-sufficiency with the glass equipment so that they can practice independently at UrbanGlass in the future.

What to Expect: Flameworking requires a little practice at heat control with the torch to create successful pieces. After demonstrations, expect to make some successful objects in this class, and a couple failures, while gaining more confidence and skill in the studio. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page. 

Flameworking can involve a mix of seated and standing activities, including 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:Previous experience working with borosilicate glass required. Ideal for an advanced beginner to intermediate student.

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

This is an in-person class taking place on-site at UrbanGlass. Health and safety guidelines will be emailed to you upon registration. 

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 if you have questions about the class or would like to arrange a payment plan.

Host or Publisher UrbanGlass