This 3 hour class will consist of 20 students working with 2 instructors to shape and form a decorative solid glass reed. The student’s reeds will be cold worked and finished, allowing for decorative display in any garden space for indoor or outdoor use. This is a beginner level class. No experience necessary.

How the class works: Our instructors will give a short demonstration on hot shop safety zones, how to sit at the bench and use the glass specific tools. We’ll also explain that watching others is the best way to learn cool techniques so plan to participate as a group as well. Teachers will demonstrate color patterns, shapes, and styles, along with gathering the glass, turning the pipe, and keeping the glass on the steel rod. Students will then get divided into two groups so they can draw out and plan the look of their individual reed. Once drawn on paper the students will begin to gather, shape, and form their reed with the molten glass. After this process, the glass reed goes into the annealer to cool for 24 hours. Students are encouraged to watch others and take pictures during the class.

Registration: On line at www.GlassAcademy.com, phone registration at 313.561.4527, or come to the studio to sign up. Please arrive no sooner than 15 minutes prior to your class. Expect to stay the full 3 hours.

Please note: While this class is not actually “Glassblowing”, the tools and techniques used during this class are the way glass is shaped and are considered in the field to be the same process of ‘glassblowing’. The only difference is we won’t be blowing down a hollow tube.

How the class works: First we’ll cover the basics: where the bathroom is, gallery, first aid kit, and upcoming events then get your right over to the hot glass to start the class. For those interested in a more in depth tour, we’ll meet after class and walk you thru the studio explaining what it is we do here. Hand out of glass terms will be available.

What to wear: The studio will be hot, sticky, and bursting with excitment. Be prepared to sweat and have fun while doing it! Cotton clothing is a must, shorts are ok, tight jeans are probably not your best choice but regular jeans are ok. Open toed shoes or flip-flops are not an option; you will not be able to participate should you wear them. Water or sports beverages are a great idea. You will be drinking lots of liquids during this class. Water will be available for purchase during the class.

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