Class Experience Policies and FAQs

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our class experiences, the studio, various shows and events. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please email us at: glassadmin@glassacademy.com.

Don't forget to bring a camera or use your phone: Photos are great memories!!

Class Refund and Cancellation Policies:

  • There are no refunds on class experiences, once purchased.
  • If necessary, class reschedules must be requested no less than 14 days before the scheduled class or event.
  • If you must reschedule your class with acceptable lead-time, there is a $10 rescheduling fee per order.  You will receive an e-gift card in the amount of purchased classes minus the $10 fee.  
  •  E-gift cards minus the rescheduling fee will only be issued if requested more than 14 days before the scheduled event.
  • If, after receiving "Class Reminder Email", you are unable to attend the class, we suggest giving the class to a friend as a gift or, if it was someone in your group who could not attend, making their item for them.
  • Arriving more than 15 minutes late will result in missing the safety demo and forfeiting your class experience.
  • In the case of low enrollment, we reserve the right to cancel any experience up to 48 hours prior to the date of the experience. We will move you into another class without the rescheduling fee.
  • In the case of poor weather conditions, equipment failure, power outage, or other natural disaster, we reserve the right to cancel any experience. Customers will be rescheduled at no additional cost. Please call the studio or check the website and/or our Facebook page for the most current updates. There will be a voicemail message on our phone and a post on social media if an experience has been canceled or we are closed.

Other Important Class Policies:  

  • We do not accept participants or guests younger than 16 for safety and insurance reasons. Participants aged 16 and 17 must turn in a signed parental consent form and have a guardian present during the experience.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required. If you wear open-toe shoes, you will NOT be allowed to participate.
  • Shipping to Canada - We welcome our Canadian guests.  Plan on an overnight stay so you can pick up your item in person or incur an international shipping fee of $30.00. For our complete international shipping policy, visit our Shipping Policy page.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What should I wear to the studio?

  • Closed-toe shoes are required. If you wear open-toe shoes, you will NOT be allowed to participate.
  • Do not wear flowing clothing, such as long skirts or shirts with bell sleeves, as these can catch on tools and equipment.
  • Cotton clothing (or other natural fibers) are recommended; synthetic materials become quite uncomfortable due to the heat of the furnaces.
  • Our hot shop and gallery are in a warehouse, so keep in mind that the temperature outside is reflected inside—cold in the winter, warm in the summer—dress accordingly. We suggest wearing layers, including a sweater or light jacket, to classes during the winter months. In summer, shorts are ok.

What should I bring to class?

  • An open mind and sense of adventure!
  • Water, tea, or sports drinks; please stay hydrated—especially during the summer. (We also have a beverage cooler with water, soda, sports drinks, etc. available for purchase).
  • Optional: a camera or phone to capture your experience.

Is your studio accessible? 

Unfortunately, the glassblowing bench, where all of the work will take place, cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. 

Note: The Happy Hour Class Experience does not require use of the glassblowing bench, therefore will be the most accessible class.

If you have more questions about the accessibility of our studio, or have a disability, please give us a call or email us! We will be happy to discuss the accessibility of our studio and try our best to accommodate you within our safety requirements.

Note: we do not allow pets in the studio, unless they’re service animals.

Where should I park?

Please park on the street in front of the building. There is plenty of FREE street parking close to the front door. You may park on either side of the street. We also have overflow parking available at the corner of Gulley where our green *Glass Academy* sign is.

Do you have tools for smaller hands or left handers?

We would love for everyone to get the chance to experience the wonder of working with molten glass, so we do our best to provide an overall experience, but some things just don’t translate easily!  Our studio benches are set up for people who are right-handed, and the tools only come in one size, a result of this being a male-dominated craft. We know this is a concern, but rest assured, we’ll do our best to make it work for you!

An interesting side note: Chris Nordin, one of the studio’s founders, is actually left handed. The Italian master who trained him refused to work with someone who didn’t work the glass with their right hand. It took weeks for Chris to adjust to blow right handed, but in the end, it paid off and he can make anything with ease!

What is the minimum age for participating in classes?

We do not accept participants younger than 16 for safety and insurance reasons. Participants aged 16 and 17 must turn in a signed parental consent form and have a guardian present during the experience. Because this is a hands on experience, we also cannot accommodate children attending as guests in the hot shop and gallery. All attendees must be over the age of 16.

How many students are in a class? 

We design all of our classes specifically with the student in mind. Each class typically has between 4 and 8 students, depending on the project’s complexity. The best way to learn glassblowing is by watching and then doing it yourself. Our classes are small enough that students can watch and learn from each other, without having to wait too long for their turn.

Take the opportunity to mingle with your classmates and consider trading picture-taking duties during the experience. It’s a perfect chance to make new friends! You’ll also get a tour of the studio along with a 20% discount coupon (valid on the day of your class and/or the day you pick up your items) that you can use on anything in the gallery. We highly suggest taking advantage of this opportunity to discover, admire, and purchase beautiful products in our gallery for gifts, special occasions, and souvenirs or keepsakes.

On the day of your experience, if we have any open slots available, you will have the option to make additional projects at a 50% discount rate.  Just check with the Host/ Class Tour Guide if this is an option.

What should I expect when I come to the class?

Arrive a few minutes early to get settled in. Our host will check you in and give you a tour of the gallery. After the tour, one of our instructors will start out by providing you a bit of background information on the process and how to navigate the studio safely. Next comes a demonstration on how the product is crafted: color patterns, shapes, and styles, along with gathering the glass, turning the pipe, and keeping the glass on the punti rod. 

You will see an example of what the finished product will look like. We’ll explain hot shop safety zones, how to sit at the bench and use glass specific tools, then you’ll be ready to roll!  Students will then take turns stepping over to the bench to make their glass keepsake using the supplies and colors curated for this class.

Watching others is the best way to learn techniques so be prepared to sit and watch fellow students as they try their hand at glass blowing.  You may go first and be done, or you may be last and will get your turn after the other students have gone.  Remember, you’ll learn by watching so it’s important to watch others and learn how to work with the glass.  At times, you’ll participate as a group so be sure to bring your camera.  Feel free to ask others to take that perfect shot, if you attend the class alone.

What colors are used for the classes? 

We base our color choices on the season and rotate them on a regular basis. The glassblowing instructors will be sure to guide you on the perfect color combinations for your project.

Will I be able to bring my piece home with me?

Your project will need 24–48 hours to cool to room temperature, so you will not be able to take your item home immediately after class. We will ship your glass project directly to your home during the week following your class.

Can I request a specific instructor?

No, unfortunately not. There is no guarantee that a specific instructor will be available for your class or event but know that each of our instructors bring a level of fun and excitement to each class they teach.

Do you teach people how to be glassblowers or learn this craft as a hobby?

We call our classes “experiences,” because we give you the opportunity to work with hot molten glass, but we do not teach you to become a glassblower or create intricate pieces. Our experiences are fun and exciting, and you will learn a great deal. However, keep in mind that we offer only entry-level classes.

We invite you to watch our live glassblowing feeds on our YouTube channel or attend a seasonal show where our glassblowing masters do all the fancy techniques and special tricks. Those shows happen seven times a year; visit the homepage to find the date of the next seasonal show.

Glassblowing is a difficult art form and takes a lifetime to learn. If you truly want the intensive instruction that will enable you to make glassblowing your hobby or career, we suggest enrolling in an accredited college that teaches glassblowing (such as the College for Creative Studies in Detroit) or finding a studio that can take you on as an apprentice.

Will I shape the whole item or will the instructor do it?

Our instructors are trained to assist you in the creation of your glass item, and to recognize how to assist you. We’ve discovered if we let the student do more, sometimes the results are not the best. It’s simply a matter of skill level, and our ultimate goal is to help you create something you love. Our student-to-teacher work ratio on each piece is an ideal balance forged by trial and error over the years. If you tell the instructor you want to experience more shaping, they will let you do it—just ask! Our classes are designed for all skill levels, and are repeatable! You may sign up for the same class again and again. As you learn more and become more comfortable you may get to experience more shaping of the item.