FOR AGES 10 AND UP

Making paperweights is the perfect introduction to working with hot glass. It is an exciting process that will put you in the “zone,” like nothing else. We’re going to make a demonstration piece, show you the tools, and talk you through every step of the process. No experience is necessary.

You’ll learn to gather hot glass from the furnace, center the glass on your blowpipe or puntie, and make it symmetrical on the marver table. You’ll select the colors you would like and learn how to add color to the ball of hot glass. Using jacks, tweezers, shears, and icepick you can shape your colors and manipulate the hot glass.  In between each step, you’ll re-heat your paperweight in the glory hole to keep it molten so you can shape the glass. With blocks and newspaper, you’ll shape your paperweight while turning and turning the pipe. With the jacks, you’ll create the location to break your paperweight off the pipe. Your instructor will catch the hot paperweight and put in the annealing oven for its gradual cool down overnight. Don’t worry, we’ll explain all these terms and talk each student individually through the process.

The best class size is about 4 people (ask us if you want to have more students). The studio is small, so you must pre-arrange with us if you are planning to bring a guest.

Class lasts 2-3 hours depending on the number of students.

Shop Safety

WHAT TO WEAR:

• 100% cotton or other natural fiber clothes to keep you cool and protect you from the heat.
• Safety glasses should be worn at all times. (we provide these for you)
• Long hair needs to be tied back.

WHAT TO NOT TO WEAR:

• Polyester or synthetic fabrics can melt from the heat of the furnace or glory hole. DO NOT wear synthetic fabric to blow glass. (Your coats, hoodies, fleece can be hung up on the coat rack, just don’t wear them when you blow).
• Black clothes get hot faster than light colors
• Short sleeve shirts
• Short pants
• Open-toed shoes

If you have questions or would like to schedule a private group “Intro to Glass Blowing,” please contact us at 541-621-6100 or  elkcreekglass@outlook.com. We don’t answer the phone or return messages while teaching class. We’ll get back to you the next business day.

525 Main St, Elkton, OR 97436