Glass Blowing Classes Chicago - Glassblowing: Make Your Own Glass Art

Glassblowing: Make Your Own Glass Art

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ABOUT THIS EVENT

Event Category

Arts & DIY

Event Overview

Each seat in this class purchases a 30-minute session to Make Your Own Glass Art Keepsake. First we will go over 3 basic safety rules, and I'll show you how to make the project of your choice. Choose your colors and design, then receive 1-on-1 guidance and learn to form molten glass into your own special project. Choose from Hearts, Paperweights, Double-Walled Bowls, Flowers, Cups, Hanging Ornaments, and Pumpkins. This class usually runs for 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how many people are in your group. It is for all skill levels and I will help you with each step and walk you through your whole project.

I try to have the projects ready to pick up the very next day, but sometimes they will need up to 36 hours to cool properly before they will be ready for pick up, local delivery ($10-15), or shipping ($10-$20).

Students also have the option of booking the Exclusive 2 Hour Private Lesson in Glassblowing here: http://bit.ly/2qZY40I. Don't see the date you want? Want to host a Private Event? For this and all other inquiries, scroll down and use the SEND MESSAGE button.

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 or shorts and a t-shirt, or similar. Outfits made completely of plastic (acrylic, polyester, etc) are not recommended. [I understand that 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 (or bring your own if you prefer). Keep in mind, the studio is usually about 10F degrees hotter than the weather outside, and it is significantly hotter near the fire when it is your turn.

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. This is a very up close and personal experience. We will be within arms reach often. I absolutely cannot work if you get me sick. Please be respectful if you are considering canceling. PLEASE DON'T SHOW UP SICK! I am have to write this because people have shown up visibly sick and told me "it's just a cold" two times already in 2022. It's really uncomfortable for me to have to ask students to leave. I would much rather you be honest, and reschedule your class, than risk my health and everyone else at the studio. I am immunocompromised and fully vaccinated and boosted. Even before the pandemic I had to be very careful not to catch colds because I could land in the hospital easily. 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, please respect the commitment of signing up for this class and if you are sick or you think you might be sick, send me a message so we can figure out if we need to get a substitute teacher, reschedule, etc.

Q: How does it work? Does everybody work at the same time?

A: If we have up to 4 people sign up, only 1 person will make their project at a time, since I help individually with each project. If we have more than 4 people sign up, we will have an assistant so that we can have 2 students making projects at a time.

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. There is also a variety of artwork to look at or buy.

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, and when they do we disinfect the mouth piece. The tools are stainless steel and we clean them with alcohol. You will use a little hand pump to inflate your projects instead of putting your mouth on the tool. 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. Scroll down and send me a message if you need me to provide something specific like champagne and chocolate strawberries, deep dish pizza, etc.

Q: Are there restrictions?

A: Anyone under 18 will need to be accompanied by a guardian. Everyone will be expected to follow simple safety rules. (Don't touch this, don't walk backwards, etc) If the guardian understands that the minor will need to try to follow instructions, I'm ok with it. Please send me a message to let me know you are bringing minors. I am completely accommodating to all different limitations and abilities. While it isn't necessary, it is helpful if you send me a message beforehand so I can be aware of any accommodations. This activity is not recommended for people with a pacemaker.

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: What's the best way to get there?

A: Firebird Community Arts is at 2651 W Lake street, Chicago, IL 60612.

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.

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.

Minimum age

6 years or older

Parent or guardian required if under 18

Cancellation Policy

Location

EVENT DETAILS

EXPLORE

MORE ABOUT YOUR HOST

Rosey Merkin

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.

MESSAGE HOST VIEW PROFILE

EXPERIENCE REVIEWS

Sheila S.
Reviewed on 04/09/19

Fantastic experience! Rosey went out of her way to make this extra special for my husband and young adult son. They both were hesitant to take the time out to do this but came back with big smiles on their faces and both stated they would love to learn more and do it again!

Fantastic experience! Rosey went out of her way to make this extra special for my husband and young adult son. They both were hesitant to take the time out to do this but came back with big smiles on their faces and both stated they would love to learn more and do it again!
Lily T.
Reviewed on 02/10/19

My husband and I went to this Glassblowing class that could have up to 4 people. While 4 people registered the other two were a little late, and the instructor was really great about letting us get started right away. In fact, they ended up dividing the class so that we basically took the first half and the other couple took the second half (but learned by watching the end of what we were doing). This took some flexibility on the instructors part and I appreciate that they made it work. Also, the instruction was really clear and easy to follow, the activity was fun, and we ended up with a really nice paperweight to show for our efforts (well, we each made one). Keep in mind, the glass will take time to cool, so you won't be walking out with what you make but will want to either pick it up or have it shipped to you. All in all, a great experience and one we wouldn't mind repeating & have recommended to friends.

My husband and I went to this Glassblowing class that could have up to 4 people. While 4 people registered the other two were a little late, and the instructor was really great about letting us get started right away. In fact, they ended up dividing the class so that we basically took the first half and the other couple took the second half (but learned by watching the end of what we were doing). This took some flexibility on the instructors part and I appreciate that they made it work. Also, the instruction was really clear and easy to follow, the activity was fun, and we ended up with a really nice paperweight to show for our efforts (well, we each made one). Keep in mind, the glass will take time to cool, so you won't be walking out with what you make but will want to either pick it up or have it shipped to you. All in all, a great experience and one we wouldn't mind repeating & have recommended to friends.
Madeleine A.
Reviewed on 01/10/19

I could not recommend this class enough. Rosie was extremely nice and helpful and really took her time to make the experience great for me and my mother. She did an amazing demonstration and then allowed each of us to create our own piece and really allowed us to help a lot even though we had limited experience. It was essentially a two hour private lesson and totally worth the money. I would recommend this class to anyone!!

I could not recommend this class enough. Rosie was extremely nice and helpful and really took her time to make the experience great for me and my mother. She did an amazing demonstration and then allowed each of us to create our own piece and really allowed us to help a lot even though we had limited experience. It was essentially a two hour private lesson and totally worth the money. I would recommend this class to anyone!!
Dave S.
Reviewed on 01/06/19

Rosey was great to meet and she really takes her time explaining everything before you get your hands dirty. Awesome "hands on" experience! Totally recommend this class!

Rosey was great to meet and she really takes her time explaining everything before you get your hands dirty. Awesome "hands on" experience! Totally recommend this class!
Alex T.
Reviewed on 01/02/19

My wife had been wanting to try glass blowing for a long time and therefore the expectations were high. Rosey was an outstanding teacher, by chance our workshop ended up being just ourselves and Rosey which made the experience even more memorable.

The sessions started with Rosey giving us an overview of glassblowing and demonstration of the item we had selected to make. When it came to our turn to create our glass pieces Rosey struck the perfect balance of giving us a feeling on control and independence without ever leaving us feeling worried or unsafe.

This was by far more involved and interesting than other glass blowing courses people we know have undertaken and it is all down to our wonderful instructor.

My wife had been wanting to try glass blowing for a long time and therefore the expectations were high. Rosey was an outstanding teacher, by chance our workshop ended up being just ourselves and Rosey which made the experience even more memorable.

The sessions started with Rosey giving us an overview of glassblowing and demonstration of the item we had selected to make. When it came to our turn to create our glass pieces Rosey struck the perfect balance of giving us a feeling on control and independence without ever leaving us feeling worried or unsafe.

This was by far more involved and interesting than other glass blowing courses people we know have undertaken and it is all down to our wonderful instructor.
Genevieve N.
Reviewed on 12/10/18

My mom and I took the Make your Own Glass Art class with Rosey. We were able to make our own pieces with her guidance and direction - It was so interesting and incredibly rewarding! This class gave me such an appreciation for the art of glassblowing. I highly suggest it!

My mom and I took the Make your Own Glass Art class with Rosey. We were able to make our own pieces with her guidance and direction - It was so interesting and incredibly rewarding! This class gave me such an appreciation for the art of glassblowing. I highly suggest it!
Kim F.
Reviewed on 12/07/18

Our instructor was sick, but we were redirected to David. David was enthusiastic, knowledgable and confident. I really enjoyed his style of teaching. I did so much more than I anticipated and created something I am really proud of. Highly recommend.

Our instructor was sick, but we were redirected to David. David was enthusiastic, knowledgable and confident. I really enjoyed his style of teaching. I did so much more than I anticipated and created something I am really proud of. Highly recommend.
Chun Y.
Reviewed on 09/15/18

Very great experience. Teacher was very nice and walked me through every steps. Excited about my final piece.

Very great experience. Teacher was very nice and walked me through every steps. Excited about my final piece.
Laura G.
Reviewed on 03/06/18

Our second class with Rosey. She's a great teacher: very knowledgeable, encouraging, enthusiastic. A wonderful hands-on experience!

Our second class with Rosey. She's a great teacher: very knowledgeable, encouraging, enthusiastic. A wonderful hands-on experience!
Erin K.
Reviewed on 03/01/18

I have previous glass experience but this was my first time working with Rosey...she was able to meet me where I was at with my learning level and show me new things! Super venue at the firehouse and that was neat because I hadn't worked here before. I will definitely sign up for more glass adventures. You will come away with something special, no matter what you set out to make!

I have previous glass experience but this was my first time working with Rosey...she was able to meet me where I was at with my learning level and show me new things! Super venue at the firehouse and that was neat because I hadn't worked here before. I will definitely sign up for more glass adventures. You will come away with something special, no matter what you set out to make!
Laura G.
Reviewed on 02/28/18

Rosey is awesome. We had a great time!

Rosey is awesome. We had a great time!
Lrfergo1@Comcast.Net L.
Reviewed on 02/19/18

We thoroughly enjoyed our intro to glassblowing with Rosey. She taught us with precision, care, and good humor, and we got a good feel for this beautiful art form. Highly recommended.

We thoroughly enjoyed our intro to glassblowing with Rosey. She taught us with precision, care, and good humor, and we got a good feel for this beautiful art form. Highly recommended.
Rebecca N.
Reviewed on 02/13/18

Rosie was awesome and worked with us one on one to create our pieces! We were able to pick out what we wanted to create and what colors to add. A very hands on experience! I will schedule with her again!

Rosie was awesome and worked with us one on one to create our pieces! We were able to pick out what we wanted to create and what colors to add. A very hands on experience! I will schedule with her again!
Abby J.
Reviewed on 01/08/18

Rosey is an EXTREMELY talented and personable person. She walks you through glass blowing step by step and makes sure you feel comfortable with scolding hot materials. She helps you learn the trade from its origin, right down to the nit and grit of hands on glass blowing. Rosey helped me make a stunning gift that I know will be absolutely perfect for my Fathers birthday. If you have any doubts, you shouldnt.

Rosey is an EXTREMELY talented and personable person. She walks you through glass blowing step by step and makes sure you feel comfortable with scolding hot materials. She helps you learn the trade from its origin, right down to the nit and grit of hands on glass blowing. Rosey helped me make a stunning gift that I know will be absolutely perfect for my Fathers birthday. If you have any doubts, you shouldnt.
Phillip K.
Reviewed on 12/24/17

I learned a lot, plan to sign-up again for it.

I learned a lot, plan to sign-up again for it.

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