Glass Arts
Say Hello to Torchwork
A glass melting workshop for the curious!
Member$87.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$106.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Sun, 4/5/2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sun, 4/5/2026
About
This workshop is designed for first-time (or not new, but very rusty) students who are brand new to melting glass on a torch.
You'll learn studio safety, how to set up your station, and how to operate and melt glass with a torch. When completed, you'll have enough experience to participate in Open Studio torch sessions!
You'll make organic shapes like mushrooms and leaves from soft glass rod. In the process, you'll learn how to pull stringer (a spaghetti-like length of glass used for adding dots and lines to glass objects), use a glass forming press (gives the leaf shape), use a glass bead roller as a mold (giving the mushroom shape), and apply frit (tiny pieces of gravel-like glass) that adds random color to your work.
You'll learn how to incorporate wire into your mushrooms and leaves for hanging them as ornaments or pendants.
The class includes a beadmaking demonstration for those who are bead curious.
Everything you'll learn can be applied to other soft glass or borosilicate workshops such as bead and marble making.
You'll learn studio safety, how to set up your station, and how to operate and melt glass with a torch. When completed, you'll have enough experience to participate in Open Studio torch sessions!
You'll make organic shapes like mushrooms and leaves from soft glass rod. In the process, you'll learn how to pull stringer (a spaghetti-like length of glass used for adding dots and lines to glass objects), use a glass forming press (gives the leaf shape), use a glass bead roller as a mold (giving the mushroom shape), and apply frit (tiny pieces of gravel-like glass) that adds random color to your work.
You'll learn how to incorporate wire into your mushrooms and leaves for hanging them as ornaments or pendants.
The class includes a beadmaking demonstration for those who are bead curious.
Everything you'll learn can be applied to other soft glass or borosilicate workshops such as bead and marble making.
Materials
A $10 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers everything you need.
Class Policies
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
- Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required in the Glass Studio at all times.
- Long sleeves and clothing of 100% cotton is required to prevent burns. Long hair should be tied back.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Michele Benson
Michele has a bachelor's degree in studio art from Potsdam State College in New York and a master’s in social work from Portland State University. After many years in child welfare, Michele retired and opened Sandhill Glass Studio where she taught lampworking (torchwork) for more than 10 years until she moved to Washington state. She has taught lampworking (torchwork) at the Oregon Institute of Technology and Klamath Community College, and has written articles for Soft Flex Jewelry Company. Michele is a long-time member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers and is currently a member of the Glass Dragons.
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