Glass Blowing
– GLASS BLOWING CURRICULUM – LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS –
Four Week Survey Classes & Workshops
Our glass blowing curriculum builds technical fluency and creative control through a progressive series of Survey Classes and Workshops. Designed for both beginners and advancing students, each level builds essential skills through guided instruction and dynamic studio practice.
Every level starts with a Survey Class, followed by skill-based Workshops that reinforce and expand upon those core concepts. To ensure readiness for the next level, students must complete two workshops at their current stage before moving forward.
To move to the next survey level, students must complete a minimum of two workshops at their current level. Tools and basic supplies are included in all survey classes and workshops.
All classes are held in our fully equipped hot shop using industry-standard tools and safety practices. Glass is worked at over 2100°F and undergoes an overnight cooling process. Finished pieces are typically ready for pickup within 3–5 days.
Here’s How the Structure Works:
- Survey Classes: 4-week series introducing foundational techniques and studio flow
- Workshops: One and Two-session intensives that reinforce and expand specific skill areas
- Progression: Complete 2 workshops after each Survey Class to move to the next level
- Included: All tools, equipment, and safety gear
- Instruction is hands-on, guided by experienced artists in SiNaCa’s dedicated glass blowing studio
Whether you’re learning to gather and shape your first bubble in Survey I or refining vessel forms in a Level Three workshop, each step builds confidence, control, and creative fluency in the hot shop.
📎 Before You Begin –
Be sure to review our FAQ page for important info on what to wear, when to arrive, and how to complete your Release Form. It’s everything you need to know before your first class.
Glass Blowing Survey I: Learning the Dance
Price: $800 Per Participant | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Class Duration: 4 session(s) | 4 hours/session | Prerequisite: None
In this beginning course to glass blowing, students will learn the basics of manipulating hot glass. Each week during the four-week course, we will work on specific criteria to help you reach your full potential in glass. We will build a foundation that focuses on a team approach to glass blowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. Students will learn the appropriate movements and manipulation of glass in the hot shop while reaching the goals of making a straight walled tumbler/cylinder.
Project(s): Making a bubble, Un-opened cylinder, Making a straight walled tumbler.
Glass Blowing Level One Workshops
Strengthen Your Skills and Expand Your Creative Range
Level One workshops are designed for students who have completed Survey I and are ready to build greater control, consistency, and creative fluency in the hot shop. These focused, project-based sessions reinforce core techniques while introducing new forms, tools, and color applications.
All instruction takes place in SiNaCa’s fully equipped hot shop using molten glass at over 2100°F. Tools, safety gear, and basic studio supplies are provided. Materials are sold separately through the SiNaCa Store.
By completing Level One Workshops, students will:
- 🔹 Practice shaping vessels, ornaments, or sculptural forms
- 🔹 Explore color overlays, optic molds, or tool-based shaping
- 🔹 Build confidence working independently at the bench
🧭 To advance to Survey II, students must complete at least two Level One Workshops.
Glass Blowing Level One Workshop: Paperweights |
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Price: $200 Per Participant | Class Duration: 1 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey I Students will explore working with glass in its solid state, working towards making a spherical paperweight. Students will learn color application and hands on interaction with the glass.
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Glass Blowing Level One Workshop: Tumblers |
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Price: $380 Per Participant | Class Duration: 2 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey I In this 2-week workshop, students will design a personalized cup. Students will continue to work with the fundamentals of gathering, marvering and shaping. Students will design a unique cup shape.
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Glass Blowing Level One Workshop: Better Bubbles |
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Price: $200 Per Participant | Class Duration: 1 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey I In this workshop, students will continue practicing the fundamental steps for creating a starter bubble. Students will become more proficient in gathering, marvering, and heat management, as it relates to the initial starter bubble.
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Level One Workshops – Now Enrolling
Glass Blowing Survey II: The Possibilities are Endless
Price: $800 Per Participant | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Class Duration: 4 session(s) | 4 hours/session | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey I + 2 L1 Workshops
In this four-week course, students will gain a better understanding of the basic techniques of manipulating hot glass. We will build on the skills learned Glass Blowing I and explore new ideas. Students will gain more control of hot glass and a better understanding of the tools with a focused on a more deliberate outcome. Students will create cups and vases before advancing to more complex techniques and vessel shapes. By the end of the course, students will have many completed works and a more advanced understanding of glass blowing techniques. Students may wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Glass Blowing III. Each time you handle this complex material, you will gain confidence and skill as your passion for glass grows.
Glass Blowing Level Two Workshops
Refine Your Technique and Expand Your Creative Range
Level Two workshops are designed for students who have completed Glass Blowing Survey II and are ready to take on more complex forms, refine their technique, and expand their design vocabulary in the hot shop.
At this stage, students begin to work more independently while exploring advanced shaping, color layering, and heat management. These sessions offer a deeper dive into form development and process control—building the muscle memory and creative instincts needed for more ambitious work.
All instruction takes place in SiNaCa’s fully equipped hot shop using molten glass at over 2100°F. Tools and basic supplies are included. Materials are sold separately and available in the SiNaCa Store.
🧭 To progress to Glass Blowing Survey III, students must complete at least two Level Two Workshops.
Glass Blowing Level Two Workshop: Bowls |
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Price: $200 Per Participant | Class Size: Min 2- Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Class Duration: 1 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey II Students will focus on working towards a specific controlled bowl shape. Main Objectives
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Glass Blowing Level Two Workshop: Vase Form |
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Price: $200 Per Participant | Class Duration: 1 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey II In this class, students will revisit the fundamental steps in blowing a vase form. Students will also address new tools for trimming, shaping, and thinning out the lip of vase on the punty.
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Glass Blowing Level Two Workshop: Solid Sculpting |
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Price: $200 Per Participant | Class Size: Min 2- Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Class Duration: 1 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey II In this 3-hour session, students will learn how to create multiple objects, utilizing solid sculpting procedures and methods. Students will learn fundamental steps of subtractive method, removing material from a large block/ form, by localizing heat and pull/pushing material into desired shape. Students will also learn the additive method, adding more material to the block/form, by bringing bits to the desired shape.
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Glass Blowing Level Two Workshop: Body Wraps and Raking |
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Price: $200 Per Participant | Class Size: Min 2- Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Class Duration: 1 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey II In this 3- hour class, students will learn how to bring body wraps and do a raking technique to create unique patterns on the surface of a vessel.
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Level Two Workshops – Now Enrolling
Glass Blowing Survey III: Hotter, Faster
Price: $800 Per Participant | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Class Duration: 4 session(s) | 4 hours/session | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey II + 2 L2 Workshops
Students will learn the appropriate Gaffer and Assistant communication skills necessary for team glassblowing. Students will also focus on heat management and step efficiency for optimal results. Students will be introduced to bit work, applying handles and spouts to functional vessels. Students will also have the opportunity to experiment with blown sculptural forms.
Students will learn……..
- Heat management and efficiency
- More efficient movement in and around the studio
- Better communication; Gaffer/ Assistant
- Bit work; handles/spouts/cookie feet
- Trimming and opening
- Problem-solving
Glass Blowing Level Three Workshops
Push Boundaries and Develop a Professional Practice
Level Three workshops are designed for students who have completed Glass Blowing Survey III and are ready to push the boundaries of their technical skill and creative expression. These advanced sessions focus on precision, process layering, and professional-level techniques that challenge students to think like makers and designers.
From cane pulling and overlays to multi-gather forms and functional attachments, each workshop offers a deep dive into a specialized area of hot shop practice. Students are encouraged to bring their full attention, curiosity, and prior experience to the bench as they refine their voice in glass.
All instruction takes place in SiNaCa’s professional hot shop using molten glass at over 2100°F, with individualized coaching from experienced instructors. Tools and basic supplies are included. Project materials are sold separately and available in the SiNaCa Store.
Glass Blowing Level Three Workshop: Basic Cane |
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Price: $380 Per Participant | Class Duration: 2 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey III In this two-week course, students will learn the fundamentals of pulling single color cane. *Specific Color included. Color will be approved by instructor. Color MUST be dropped off prior to class. Students will learn……
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Glass Blowing Level Three Workshop: The Third Gather |
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Price: $200 Per Participant | Class Duration: 1 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey III In this workshop, students will learn how to efficiently work with three gathers of glass. This class will focus on heat management, specific steps for desired outcomes, punty control and tweezing of lip, *from outside the bench. * color optional
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Glass Blowing Level Three Workshop: Handles and Spouts |
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Price: $200 Per Participant | Class Duration: 1 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey III In this 3-hour workshop, students will learn how to apply different styled handles, (Roman and standard), and spouts (using tweezers and jacks) to a 2.5 gather, straight walled water pitcher and a 2 gather mug.
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Glass Blowing Level Three Workshop: Advanced Color |
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Price: $380 Per Participant | Class Duration: 2 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey III In this 2-week (6 hour) workshop, students will learn specific color application. Main Objectives
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Glass Blowing Level Three Workshop: Complex Cane |
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Price: $380 Per Participant | Class Duration: 2 session(s) | 3 hours/session | Class Size: Min 2 – Max 4 | Ages 14+ | Prerequisite: Glass Blowing Survey III In this 6-hour class, students will utilize skills and materials made from L3 Workshop Basic Cane to create unique complex cane. Students are allowed to bring cane made from previous classes as long as it is 96 COE. Students will learn to add bits of color to solid rod and pull cane. Students will learn to bundle, twist and make complex patterns. Students will be limited to a single gather for the complex cane pull. Main Objectives
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Level Three Workshops – Now Enrolling