2 Hour Exclusive Glassblowing Private Lesson
123 Have Dabbled
Arts & DIY
Explore the exciting world of Glass Art in your own Exclusive Private Lesson. Enjoy 2 hours of Glassblowing at one of the coolest venues in Chicago. Receive 1-on-1 guidance and learn to form molten glass into works of Art. This class costs $330, which includes 1-4 students. Private Lessons are completely customized to the needs of the student(s).
Begin with a brief safety talk and Glassblowing demonstration. Then take turns to design and make your own! Choose from Hearts, Paperweights, Flowers, Cups, Hanging Ornaments, Vases, Pumpkins, and more. Typically 2-4 projects can be made in this amount of time depending on how many people are in your group and the complication level of the projects.
Don't see the date you want? Want to host a Private Event? Click here to send a message to the teacher
Projects will need up to 72 hours to cool properly before they will be ready for local delivery ($0-15), shipping ($15-20), or pick-up (free).
FAQ's:
Q: What should I wear ?
A: Everyone must wear closed-toe shoes. It is extremely recommended that you wear natural fiber clothing, such as cotton or linen. Most people wear jeans and a t-shirt, or similar. Outfits made completely of plastic (acrylic, polyester, etc) are not recommended. [Ladies: if you are considering jeans try to choose some with at least some cotton content. I understand that ladies jeans are basically all made with some plastic fiber and it is really difficult for us to find natural fiber clothing; just do your best.] Long hair will need to be pulled back. We sell cotton t-shirts and there is a washroom where you can change. Contact lenses are not recommended for this activity because glass dust could get stuck behind them. If you wear glasses, that is enough eye protection for this activity. I provide clear plastic safety glasses to everyone else. Keep in mind, the studio is drafty because of the ventilation. You are always welcome to warm up by the fire and during your turn you might feel very warm. You may want to wear or bring a long sleeved shirt if you run cold.
Q: What if I need to cancel?
A: The studio does charge me a significant amount for canceling at the last minute and I ask that you try not to cancel on me. I absolutely cannot work if you get me sick; and that is even more costly. Please be respectful if you are considering canceling. PLEASE DON'T SHOW UP SICK! I would much rather you be honest, and reschedule your class, than risk my health. I am immunocompromised and fully vaccinated and boosted. Even before the pandemic I had to be very careful, and there is a general rule in all glass studios that you shouldn't go in the studio if you think you might be sick, you've been recently exposed to an illness, or if you have recently been sick. With all that being said, if you cancel on me and I cannot fill your spot, I am out of the work it took me to prepare for your class as well as the income I would earn from your class. If you cancel, your class does not run. You are the only one signing up and paying for this class. With all that being said, please respect the commitment of signing up for this class, and for the love of all that is sacred, please do not cancel on me unless you are actually experiencing any of the conditions I have listed.
Q: How many people will be in the class?
A: That depends on how many people you bring. It's YOUR class. You may have up to 4 people in your group. So, if you purchase 1 seat in this class for $330, you may bring 1-3 guests to participate. (guests who just want to watch are also welcome). What you are paying for is 2 hours of glassblowing, regardless of how many people attend. If you want the entire 2 hours for yourself, I will completely understand because that really is what this class is designed for. If you are sharing your session with guests, everyone takes a turn to make a project and then we use up any leftover time making extra projects for the entire 2 hours. You may add students to your group for $82.50 per person.
Q: How do I add more people to my group?
A: For groups of 6 or less: if you see the date and time you want, sign up for it and complete the payment for $330. You can add guests to your group by sending me a message. I will open a private session for you to share where only you or your guests can sign up. Each student that you add will extend the session by 20-30 minutes. I will make sure that each guest gets a turn to make a project. Lots of times we can still do this in 2-2.5 hours, but sometimes we do go up to 3 hours.
Q: How do I schedule a private lesson for more than 6 people?
A: Please message me asap for scheduling and to arrange a private link for your group to use. We have a beautiful and lively space that is great for groups and small parties. Cater or BYOB. We have modules for ceramics, torchworking, and fusing.
Q: How does it work? Does everybody work at the same time?
A: Usually only 1 person can make their project at a time, since I help individually with each project. It usually takes about 25 minutes to make each project, with some time for set up and water breaks in between. Usually, each person takes a turn (or turns) making projects until the time is over. I'll make sure each person will get at least one turn.
While students are not making their projects, they may help or observe our group, or there may be a small number of other artists in the studio to watch as well.
Q: What are you doing to keep us safe from COVID-19?
A: Nobody really puts their mouth on the tools to blow up the glass anymore. The tools are stainless steel and we clean them with alcohol. We are hypervigilant about cleanliness with the tools. You will use a little hand pump to inflate your projects. I am offering the option to make a variety of solid projects which do not need to be blown up at all. Wearing gloves is not recommended for this activity. Handwashing station, wash room, water bottles, and hand sanitizer are all provided. All tools and heavily used surfaces are cleaned and disinfected between each student and regularly throughout the day.
***All students must be able to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for at least 2 weeks prior to class time. If you would like to make a request to take my class without being vaccinated against covid-19 please message me
Due to the nature of glassblowing the entire building is strongly ventilated. The studio does not require masks to be worn.
Q: Is it BYOB?
A: Some people bring snacks or a beverage to enjoy responsibly towards the middle or end of their session. You could have food delivered or catered. We have a fridge and anything unopened will be accepted by the artists on duty. Message me if you need me to provide something specific like champagne and chocolate strawberries, deep dish pizza, etc.
Q: Can I give this as a gift?
A: Yes. You can sign up and then schedule later by sending me a message. I'll provide you with a private link. If you'd like I'll send you a digital or actual gift certificate for the presentation.
Q: Are there restrictions?
A: Everyone will need to sign a waiver. Anyone under 18 will need to be accompanied by a guardian to sign their waiver. Everyone will be expected to follow simple safety rules. (Don't touch this, don't walk backwards, etc) Please send me a message to let me know you are bringing minors. Otherwise, I am completely accommodating to all different limitations and abilities. We are a "all are welcome" space, so just shoot me a message if you want me to know ahead of time that you might need any accommodations.
Q: When does registration for this class close?
A: The registration for each class closes 24 hours before it's start time. If you wish to schedule after that time, please send me a message, and I will gladly try to accommodate your request. This allows me to ensure that the equipment is on and ready.
Q: Can I bring a friend?
A: I very much prefer each student to be registered at least 4 hours before the start time of their session. If that did not happen and you want to bring someone, that's OK, we can get them registered when they show up. If your friend just wants to watch, that's OK too. It is helpful if you give me some kind of message to let me know. Again, this allows me to ensure that the equipment is on and ready.
Q: Will this class be canceled due to unfilled enrollment?
A: No. The minimum for this class is 1. So, if you sign up and pay for it, you do not need to worry about it being canceled on you for this reason.
Q: What's the best way to get there?
A: Firebird Community Arts is at 2651 W Lake street, Chicago, IL 60612.
For public Trans: the closest el is the California Green Line stop. We are between Western/Lake and California/Lake
For drivers: We are really hard to find! We are in a grey cinder block building with colorful murals on every side. The studio is on Lake street and running above Lake street is the elevated train, so it's good to understand you will be driving with the elevated train tracks directly over you. Driving on Lake street is scary for non city drivers, and I would recommend for everyone using Western ave to get to Lake st because it minimizes your time on Lake st. Street parking is free on Lake st and easy to find right in front. If you prefer to use our free gated parking lot, slow down so you can turn in through the posts at our driveway. Pull right up to the gate as though you are about to drive in, and put your car in park, then hop out to ring the buzzer 1 time. The buzzer is on the cinderblock wall by the mailbox. We will look out the door to see if you're walking in or driving in and then buzz open the gate. When it opens completely, drive in and park. Please familiarize yourself with these instructions because it is pretty frustrating to try to go around the block by our studio or try to figure it out with a train driving over your head.
Everyone needs to enter through the parking lot on Lake street. Buzz in by the Firebird Community Arts Mailbox. PLEASE don't go through the alley. Please press the buzzer 1 time. Most of us have our hands full so seriously, please just buzz 1 time and wait up to 30 seconds or even a minute.
6 years or older
Rosey Merkin is a Glass Artist and Teacher in Chicagoland. With 10+ years of experience, Rosey has worked with all kinds of people in all different places. She does not just make Art and teach people how to make Art. She takes on roles similar to construction workers or therapists. Most people do not realize Glass Artists build and maintain their equipment, tools, ovens, and furnaces. There is an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes work so that that goes into helping people enjoy the fear and responsibility of working with molten glass.
Great class with Rosey Merkin!
Great class with Rosey Merkin!
When I travel for business and know that I will have some free time, I often look for interesting experiences. I was glad to discover Dabble as a way to support that habit.
I took some glassblowing classes at home starting 20 years ago and have managed to take a few more on trips to different cites.
Rosey Merkin is a good teacher. I brought two friends who were new to glassblowing and she explained things clearly to all of us. She was patient and clear with her directions. We were sharing the studio space with others and she made sure that we understood when to stay out of the way.
All three of us enjoyed the lesson and are looking forward to seeing our finished projects.
I was careful to not get ahead of myself simply because I had some prior experience and Rosey was willing to work with me on a slightly more advanced second piece. I appreciate that very much.
I get to Chicago on business every few years at least and will keep Dabble and Rosey in mind on future trips.
I wholeheartedly recommend her class.
When I travel for business and know that I will have some free time, I often look for interesting experiences. I was glad to discover Dabble as a way to support that habit.
I took some glassblowing classes at home starting 20 years ago and have managed to take a few more on trips to different cites.
Rosey Merkin is a good teacher. I brought two friends who were new to glassblowing and she explained things clearly to all of us. She was patient and clear with her directions. We were sharing the studio space with others and she made sure that we understood when to stay out of the way.
All three of us enjoyed the lesson and are looking forward to seeing our finished projects.
I was careful to not get ahead of myself simply because I had some prior experience and Rosey was willing to work with me on a slightly more advanced second piece. I appreciate that very much.
I get to Chicago on business every few years at least and will keep Dabble and Rosey in mind on future trips.
I wholeheartedly recommend her class.
We loved our glassblowing class with Rosey and will be taking more! She was very patient and kind and the experience was very cool. For future students just know the location is in a grey warehouse type building, you must ring the buzzer outside to open the gated parking lot attached. Also this is an urban location for those visiting from the suburbs. Grateful for a parking lot.
We loved our glassblowing class with Rosey and will be taking more! She was very patient and kind and the experience was very cool. For future students just know the location is in a grey warehouse type building, you must ring the buzzer outside to open the gated parking lot attached. Also this is an urban location for those visiting from the suburbs. Grateful for a parking lot.
My wife and I took the glassblowing workshop from Rosie Merkin. Rosie was very professional and thorough in explanation, putting us at ease amongst furnaces and molten glass. She patiently walked us through everything, giving both of us the opportunity to complete a vase and a bowl, respectively. Very hands on and very cool.
My wife and I took the glassblowing workshop from Rosie Merkin. Rosie was very professional and thorough in explanation, putting us at ease amongst furnaces and molten glass. She patiently walked us through everything, giving both of us the opportunity to complete a vase and a bowl, respectively. Very hands on and very cool.
This class is great! My wife and I did as a birthday present and had a blast. We made three pieces of varying complexity and learned several different techniques. Highly recommend!!!
This class is great! My wife and I did as a birthday present and had a blast. We made three pieces of varying complexity and learned several different techniques. Highly recommend!!!
I booked a private class as a surprise for my boyfriend and we had a great time. We were able to complete four projects (including the demo paper weight) and found Rosey's instruction very easy to follow. Can't wait to pick up our glass!
I booked a private class as a surprise for my boyfriend and we had a great time. We were able to complete four projects (including the demo paper weight) and found Rosey's instruction very easy to follow. Can't wait to pick up our glass!
My sister and I had a fun and memorable time glassblowing with Rosey. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and safety-minded. She made what could be an intimidating process very clear and doable by letting us know the next steps to expect, what adjustments we need to make, what NOT to do, etc. We were each able to make 2 items with Rosey and also take home her demo project. This is such a unique opportunity to create art - I would encourage anyone to give it a try!
My sister and I had a fun and memorable time glassblowing with Rosey. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and safety-minded. She made what could be an intimidating process very clear and doable by letting us know the next steps to expect, what adjustments we need to make, what NOT to do, etc. We were each able to make 2 items with Rosey and also take home her demo project. This is such a unique opportunity to create art - I would encourage anyone to give it a try!
It was an awesome experience! I went with my boyfriend and 2 teenagers. We loved the entire experience and can’t wait to go again.
It was an awesome experience! I went with my boyfriend and 2 teenagers. We loved the entire experience and can’t wait to go again.
I was so excited to learn we could take this glass blowing class! I can’t say enough good things about her and her class. Rosie is a great teacher who might I add is super sweet with so much patients and knowledge. She is a wonderful person to work with and made things so enjoyable and easy to understand. She lets you get to it and she makes sure you have fun and also makes sure you are safe. She went above and beyond and even gave us pointers on good places to see after her class! If you are looking into trying it just go for it! I would recommend her class for anyone who wants to try glass blowing. You won’t regret it! Give her a try! She will make sure you come home with something beautiful! We will be back!
I was so excited to learn we could take this glass blowing class! I can’t say enough good things about her and her class. Rosie is a great teacher who might I add is super sweet with so much patients and knowledge. She is a wonderful person to work with and made things so enjoyable and easy to understand. She lets you get to it and she makes sure you have fun and also makes sure you are safe. She went above and beyond and even gave us pointers on good places to see after her class! If you are looking into trying it just go for it! I would recommend her class for anyone who wants to try glass blowing. You won’t regret it! Give her a try! She will make sure you come home with something beautiful! We will be back!
We had a great time in class with Rosey! I signed up for a private lesson with 5 of us, and we each got to do a project of our choice. Rosey did a great job demonstrating what to do and helping us through each step to create our masterpiece!! We love the class and had a lot of fun, and each got to make a wonderful blown glass masterpiece.
We had a great time in class with Rosey! I signed up for a private lesson with 5 of us, and we each got to do a project of our choice. Rosey did a great job demonstrating what to do and helping us through each step to create our masterpiece!! We love the class and had a lot of fun, and each got to make a wonderful blown glass masterpiece.
Had an AMAZING time!!! A previous "group glass - everyone helps make one piece" left me wanting more. Rosey was patient, encouraging & awesome - a fantastic teacher! She let me do as much as I could & took over the parts that were beyond my skillset. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!! - Why did I wait so long to book this???
Had an AMAZING time!!! A previous "group glass - everyone helps make one piece" left me wanting more. Rosey was patient, encouraging & awesome - a fantastic teacher! She let me do as much as I could & took over the parts that were beyond my skillset. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!! - Why did I wait so long to book this???
We enjoyed our time with Rosey very much. She is delightful and patient and excited about her craft. We would recommend her to anyone!
We enjoyed our time with Rosey very much. She is delightful and patient and excited about her craft. We would recommend her to anyone!
Rosey is great, we had a wonderful time at our private session. My boyfriend and I each had a good amount of time being hands on and blowing glass. She knows her stuff and makes the class really fun and engaging! I would highly recommend this to my friends. Great date night.
Rosey is great, we had a wonderful time at our private session. My boyfriend and I each had a good amount of time being hands on and blowing glass. She knows her stuff and makes the class really fun and engaging! I would highly recommend this to my friends. Great date night.
Its so awesome! My boyfriend and I had the best time. We were able to make 5 pieces. Rosey our instructor was great! Super informative, patient, funny, and super helpful. Just an awesome teacher!
Its so awesome! My boyfriend and I had the best time. We were able to make 5 pieces. Rosey our instructor was great! Super informative, patient, funny, and super helpful. Just an awesome teacher!
I got this as a birthday gift for my boyfriend and it did not disappoint! We each got to make a bowl and had a blast in the process. Rosey was awesome and made it a safe, fun experience. Would highly recommend!
I got this as a birthday gift for my boyfriend and it did not disappoint! We each got to make a bowl and had a blast in the process. Rosey was awesome and made it a safe, fun experience. Would highly recommend!
We loved our glass blowing experience with Rosie! I took my mom as a mother's day present and it exceeded our expectations. Rosie was kind, patient, and knowledgeable. We finished with 3 bowls and a heart shaped paperweight! Would definitely recommend!
We loved our glass blowing experience with Rosie! I took my mom as a mother's day present and it exceeded our expectations. Rosie was kind, patient, and knowledgeable. We finished with 3 bowls and a heart shaped paperweight! Would definitely recommend!
We had a great class with Rosey. She was a wonderful teacher, very calm but also serious about the process. She explained everything nicely and we will get to take home some awesome items! I would do this class again and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something different!
We had a great class with Rosey. She was a wonderful teacher, very calm but also serious about the process. She explained everything nicely and we will get to take home some awesome items! I would do this class again and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something different!
Fantastic class. Best instructor, she was patient, fun and helpful. We learned a lot about glass blowing and she helped us create beautiful keepsakes.
Fantastic class. Best instructor, she was patient, fun and helpful. We learned a lot about glass blowing and she helped us create beautiful keepsakes.
Fantastic class. Best instructor, she was patient, fun and helpful. We learned a lot about glass blowing and she helped us create beautiful keepsakes.
Fantastic class. Best instructor, she was patient, fun and helpful. We learned a lot about glass blowing and she helped us create beautiful keepsakes.
Awesome!! Rosey is a terrific teacher and also lots of fun to be with. She immediately made us feel comfortable and safe. She helped us every step of the way as our group of three each made beautiful glass creations of our choice. I highly recommend this activity.
Awesome!! Rosey is a terrific teacher and also lots of fun to be with. She immediately made us feel comfortable and safe. She helped us every step of the way as our group of three each made beautiful glass creations of our choice. I highly recommend this activity.
It was a wonderful experience - highly recommend!
It was a wonderful experience - highly recommend!
I highly recommend this class if you have ever thought about trying glassblowing. Learning through a private lesson gave us time to learn more about the art and technique and we were able to make some really neat projects. Rosey is a great teacher - very encouraging, fun, and knowledgeable. I may sign up for another one in the future so I can create more!
I highly recommend this class if you have ever thought about trying glassblowing. Learning through a private lesson gave us time to learn more about the art and technique and we were able to make some really neat projects. Rosey is a great teacher - very encouraging, fun, and knowledgeable. I may sign up for another one in the future so I can create more!
Rosey was super awesome. She accommodated our group very well even though we went over capacity. she even stayed for extra time so we could finish an extra glass item. She was very prompt in responding via text. I highly recommend this class, it was so fun and the final glass piece is something I'll cherish forever.
Rosey was super awesome. She accommodated our group very well even though we went over capacity. she even stayed for extra time so we could finish an extra glass item. She was very prompt in responding via text. I highly recommend this class, it was so fun and the final glass piece is something I'll cherish forever.
I booked this class to surprise my fiancee with something cool to do for his birthday, and Ms. Merkin did not disappoint! We had so much fun learning the techniques and some of the history of glass blowing. It was an awesome experience and we will be doing it again!
I booked this class to surprise my fiancee with something cool to do for his birthday, and Ms. Merkin did not disappoint! We had so much fun learning the techniques and some of the history of glass blowing. It was an awesome experience and we will be doing it again!
Man, I LOVED this class! My boyfriend and I took a private class with Rosey and learned how to make double-walled bowls (we made 2!) and a paperweight. I have never had an experience like this. Rosey dug right in with us and taught us all the proper safety and protocol along the way. She has an enormous amount of skill and did a great job gently directing us so that our projects turned out nicely. I will definitely be back!
Man, I LOVED this class! My boyfriend and I took a private class with Rosey and learned how to make double-walled bowls (we made 2!) and a paperweight. I have never had an experience like this. Rosey dug right in with us and taught us all the proper safety and protocol along the way. She has an enormous amount of skill and did a great job gently directing us so that our projects turned out nicely. I will definitely be back!