Book Classes
Come Learn to Blow with us! We love to teach and grow your community of glassblowers. However, in the past, we had issues filling group classes. So we switched to private classes, and that is working beautifully. We typically use group classes for spring or summer workshops that last five days, where we teach the Introduction to Glassblowing.
Our format is a progression of three two-hour classes taught one-on-one. They can be booked weekly or spread out over a longer period. The number of classes depends on your abilities and the regularity and frequency of your attendance. Like most everything else, being good at glassblowing requires regular practice. Once you have completed the first series of classes, you can rent practice time at our studio.
The classes are divided into three series: Introduction to Glassblowing, Focus on Forms, and Focus on Color. The first two are taught in clear glass. Completing the Intro to Glassblowing curriculum will take 6-8 two-hour classes. As you progress, if you want to practice with an instructor to work on a particular skill, we also offer one-hour skill-building classes.
Kiln-Forming is a glass art technique that involves shaping and fusing glass in a kiln. We offer both project workshops (2 hours) and a series of kiln-forming classes (three classes which are two days each).
Ever wonder what is meant by kiln-forming techniques? What the difference is between kiln-forming and warm glass? Between fusing and kiln casting? What temperatures do these all take place in? Participate in our workshops and classes, you will learn this and more!
Kiln-forming is the process of making glass and shaping it using heat and gravity in a kiln. Glass fusing, slumping, and kiln casting are all part of kiln-formed or warm glass.
Specialty glass manufactured for use in the kiln is called kiln-glass. One of its properties is compatibility, allowing the glass to combine with other compatible glass into one piece.
As glass is heated, it becomes soft and sticky. As the temperature increases, the glass becomes a liquid. Once the glass is molten, physical processes like gravity allow it to fill the space in which it is contained and join it (fuses it) with other compatible glass in the same area. Once this has happened, the temperature is lowered through an annealing process so that the glass resumes its original structure. Glass is a material like no other!
You can read more on kiln-forming techniques here.
The kiln-forming classes at Glassblowing Houston are strong on theory to help build an understanding of what is happening to the glass as it transforms in the kiln. They are supported by examples and by demonstrations.
Ever wonder what the difference is between kiln-forming and warm glass? Between fusing and kiln casting? What temperatures do these all take place in? Take our Foundations of Kiln-Forming to find out!
Safety: Please bring your own personal safety gear (N95 mask), safety glasses, or prescription eyeglasses (We can allow the use of ours if necessary.)
Food: Bring your own as desired.
Materials: Sketchbook/notebook & writing utensil
Supplies: Included
Classes and project workshops are limited to a total of 6 attendees.
Participants will make at least four projects in Kiln-Forming I, at least four different elements to create visual textures in Kiln-Forming II. In the third workshop, participants will demonstrate their learnings by designing two to four pieces with the parts they have made.
We use COE 96, so if you have experience kiln-forming and want to bring your own design elements or favorite glass to Kiln-Forming III please make sure it is COE96.
Most kiln firing will be completed post-class due to limited kiln space. Firing schedules are included. Your final pieces will not be available until one week post-class time. Shipping is available at your expense.
Everyone who makes glass with us must read and sign our online safety waiver.
If participants are under the age of 18, the safety waiver must be read and signed by the parent or legal guardian with the child’s name as the participant.
We have a no refund policy. 72 hours notice is required for a free reschedule.
We look forward to making glass with you.
An intensive workshop that covers all the content of our Intro to Glassblowing Class Sessions at a much cheaper price!
