ABOUT THIS EVENT

Event Category

Arts & DIY

Event Overview

Lampworking (also known as torchworking) is basically miniature glassblowing. Each student will work on their own torch to create a unique and stylish pendant.

I'll explain the safety rules and show you how to make the project, then I'll help you make yours. Bonus*** You get to keep the demonstration projects and your own. Projects will need to cool in a kiln overnight before they will be ready for local delivery ($10-15), shipping ($15-20), or pick-up (free).

Don't see the date you want? Want to host a Private Event? For this and all other inquiries, scroll down or click here and use the SEND MESSAGE button. This class is listed for Thursdays but I will gladly teach it any day for you, just send me a message and let me know your preferred day and time for your pendant class.

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: up to 6, but usually it's just you and whoever you signed up with

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: Each person will have their own torch station. After I complete my demonstration, everyone can work on their torch stations with my guidance at the same time or take turns.

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. 

Minimum age

7 years or older

Location