What is Flameworking?

 

Flameworking, or the art of manipulating molten hot glass using a torch, is one of mankind's oldest crafts, preceding “traditional”, furnace glassblowing by several thousand years. In its modern incarnation it offers many advantages over furnace based hot glass processes. It is generally a much more energy efficient process which allows it be significantly more economically and environmentally friendly. Though it offers plenty of heat, challenge and excitement it is more approachable than furnace glassblowing. A high degree of competency can be achieved in weeks rather than years, and studio rental time is available at a fraction of the cost of furnace glass for those who choose to continue. Even within the span of one class each student will leave with multiple objects made almost entirely on thier own.

 

 

 

Classes-All Levels

 

Fiamma Glass offers a full range of classes including several introductory offerings.  These classes are open to all experience levels and generally take place several times a week.  Our most popular beginner classes are our 2 hour Introduction to Bead making and Flameworking classes.  In Intro to Flameworking borosilicate glass is used to create marbles and figurines and in bead making students use Italian bead glass to create thier own ready to string beads.  In addition we have  a number of intermediate to advanced classes including level 2 and 3 flameworking and bead making as well as hollow forms classes which begin to explore the use of tubing in making vessels, sculpture and jewelry. Classes are open to anybody 14 or older who can safely operate the equipment.

 

 

Special Classes

 

From time to time Fiamma Glass is fortunate to offer special classes and guest instructors.  Most recently we were pleased to present a Neon sculpting class featuring Sally Prasch and ending with a tour and pumping and filling of our new illuminated art at Wayne Strattman's amazing studio.  For the future, we will be offering our first Glass kiln fusing class later this summer and in the Fall we are looking forward to presenting our first collaborative class with the Metalwerx studio.  Students will begin by making glass elements at Fiammma and then take them into the metal  studio with the talented Joy Raskin to combine them with gleaming silver and copper!

 

 

 

Holiday themed classes

 

During the Holidays its nice to go out and spend a litlle time doing something interesting with friends and loved ones.  With this in mind Fiamma Glass tries to offer a new and interesting themed class with each major US holiday.  These classes are generally meant for beginner or first time students  and the projects are very approachable while still being challenging and fun.  Our recent classes have included a Valentine's day class where students made colorful glass hearts, and a mothers day class where students made glass flowers for(or with!) their mothers.  With fall and winter still to come we are planning several more before 2014!

 

 

Private lessons and Events

 

Looking for a unique experience to share with friends or loved ones?  Looking for some personal instruction or help with a specific techique or style?  We can tailor your experience to your needs.

Private Instruction

We offer private lessons on  virtually all methods of glass work including flameworking, bead making, furnace working, mold making and casting, cold working, and more.  Ready to strike out on your own?  We also consult on the design and construction of flameworking studios, and would be happy to help you on your way.

Group Events

Does your school or community/religious organization need a fun and unique event  to share?  We regularly host small groups with custom tailored classes with flexible scheduling, reasonable pricing, and even custom themes where possible.

 

 

Bench Rental

 

For experienced flameworkers we offer bench time for $16.50/hour when available.  Bench includes gases, tools, glasses and a reasonable amount of kiln space (larger projects may require special consideration).  Bench time does not include glass, glass color, or any other consumable supply except gases.   While a staff member will always in attendance, people renting a bench are expected to be comfortable with all of the equipment and able to operate in a safe manner.  For those who need a little more help during their practice time we offer a guided rental(see next item on menu to the left).  Each person who is interested in renting may be required to do an assessment guided rental session or take a class, and/or provide reference materials prior to renting based solely on our judgment.  All other general policies apply, see our Policies Page for more information

 

 

Guided Rental

 

For both our beginning students and those seeking a little extra help with particular technical issues we offer our guided rental sessions.  For $25/hour we provide tools, gases and instruction for students of all levels.  Glass is not included but is generally a small expense at early levels, and can usually be purchased from our supply shop.  Unlike standand rental, the only requirement is that you have taken one of our intro classes or equivalent experience (assesed individually at our sole discretion).   Students can work on any project they like and experienced staff will help guide them along.  All other general policies apply, see our Policies Page for more information.

 

 

 

Discounts and Gift Certificates

 

We offer a wide variety of discounts, including:

-students 15% off

-Massart/NOCA students 20% off

-seniors, 65 and over 15% off

-all first time students 10% off

 

Gift certificates

We also offer gift certificates that can be bought for a friend or just for yourself if you like, though they must be purchased at least one day before the class day.  These generally offer an added value such as an additional discount,  free rental time or supplies.  Call or email us for details on our current gift certificate offers.

 

Custom gift certificates

Gift certificates can be purchased in any denomination, just call or email us with your desired amount and we will send you a custom invoice which can be paid with paypal or credit card.  We will than either mail you the certificate or send you a printable pdf.