ABOUT THIS EVENT

Event Category

Arts & DIY

Event Overview

Pumpkin description

 

This class is offered by request only at this time. Call or text at 773-888-1514. Email at Rosey.Merkin@gmail.com or use the send message on this class description.

Tell me your name and desired day/time. I will send you a private link where only you and your guests can sign up.

Each student gets a 30-minute slot to make a glass pumpkin. In this fast paced, and exciting class, each student will have the option to make a hollow or solid pumpkin. Choose your colors and designs and we will make your pumpkin together. All glass gourds must cool off in the kiln (up to 36 hours) before they are ready for pick up (free); you may also arrange for delivery or shipping for an extra fee ($5-20).

The studio is difficult to find, and the elevated train interferes with people’s GPS and cell phone signal, so take it seriously ahead of time!

DO NOT CALL THE STUDIO ABOUT THIS CLASS. I am the only contact for this class. If you can’t reach me, try hello@dabble.com for a quick response.

Want more? Exclusive 2-Hour Private Lesson in Glassblowing here: http://bit.ly/2qZY40I. Don't see the date or time you want? Want to host a Private Event? For this and all other inquiries get in touch with Rosey directly.

FAQ's:

Q: Is the studio easy to find?

A: NO! Screenshot this information and read it before you venture out, because the elevated train tracks over the studio entrance are likely to interfere with your cell signal and throw your location all over the place.

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. We share the building with a business called "Hoods". 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. It is LOUD and scary and there is no shoulder or room for error. 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 Street and the lanes are easier to understand from this direction. 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 to the right of the gate, on the cinderblock wall by the mailbox. The buzzer says ARTREACH. 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 extremely frustrating to try to go around the block by our studio or try to figure it out with a train driving over your head.

Walking or Driving: Everyone needs to enter through the parking lot on Lake street. The Buzzer is to the right of the gate on Lake street. The buzzer says ARTREACH. 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.

Q: What is the best contact for this class?

A: ME! Please don't call or message the venue. I don't work for the studio and they don't work for me. Call or text at 773-888-1514. Email at Rosey.Merkin@gmail.com Q: Is it ok if I show up to your class sick or bring somebody who might be sick? 

A: NO! All glass studios have a "No Sick People" Policy. Also, I am immunocompromised along with many of the people who rely on our studio. NO ONE is to come to the studio if they have been sick recently, if they might be sick currently, or if they have had a serious exposure to someone who has been sick within a few days of the class. This is a VERY up close and personal service. If you get me sick, I will LOSE money on this class. EXAMPLES: If you have a runny nose from a lingering illness, if you are sick and you "swear it's not covid, it's just a cold", if you have a persistent or lingering cough from an illness, if you have any fever, upset stomach sore throat or diarrhea, or if you have been sick on and off for the past month but have been feeling OK for 1 day, PLEASE DON'T COME INTO THE STUDIO and please reach out to reschedule more than 2-3 days in advance.

Q: What is the best contact for this class?

A: ME! Please don't call or message the venue. I don't work for the studio and they don't work for me. Call or text at 773-888-1514. Email at Rosey.Merkin@gmail.com Q: Why do you schedule this class this way?

A: I know it might seem a little annoying, but it is for maximum efficiency and fuel economy. Please don't feel like you are bothering me. Send your approximate group size and preferred time and date and I will message you back quickly.

Q: What are you doing to keep us safe from COVID-19?

A: Nobody is to attend this class if they may be sick in any way. Also, no one in this class puts their mouth on the tools anymore to blow up the glass. We use a little hand pump instead. I am offering the option to make a paperweight-sized solid pumpkin that does not need to be inflated at all. Wearing gloves is not recommended for this activity. Hand-washing station, wash room, glasses to drink from, water, and hand sanitizer are all provided. There may or may not be other people working in the studio at the same time, but we each have our own areas. Due to the nature of glassblowing the entire building is heavily ventilated. 

Q: What should I wear?

A: Considering Halloween, I will heed warning about costumes in the studio. If you show up and you're in something that I think might be dangerous, I'll help you adjust.

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. Long sleeves or short sleeves. Wear what makes you comfortable. Shorts, long sleeves, etc are all OK. Polyester and Acrylic outfits are not recommended. Long hair will need to be pulled back. We sell good looking cotton t shirts and there is a washroom where you can change. Contact lenses are not recommended for this activity because of the threat of dust getting 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 and you will feel cold in most places, and hot by the fire. Maybe dress in layers. [FAQs continuedHeels? Probably not. Platform shoes? Ok maybe. Long flowing skirts? I prefer not, but ok. Leggings? If that’s what you want to do… cotton blend preferred, but ok we’ll make it work either way. Plastic prints on your clothes? That's fine. Shorts? Fine. Short skirts? Probably not, you’ll be seated and you can't cross your legs.  Tulle? Please no. Plastic (polyester) outfits, please no.]

Q: Do we all have to make a pumpkin?

A: I would prefer if you chose a project from my list and try to keep it simple. You can also make a paperweight, heart, ornament, cup, vase, or bowl. I might be able to help you make a ghost, cat, hat, gourd, corn, pineapple, tomato, or candy dish upon request.

Q: Is it BYOB?

A: Some people bring snacks or a beverage to enjoy responsibly at the end of their session. We have a fridge. 

Q: How many people will be in the class?

A: As many as you plan. It's scheduled by YOUR request.

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

A: Each person will take a turn making their project and usually only 1 person can make their project at a time. It usually takes about 25 minutes to make each project, with some time for set up and water breaks in between. While students are not making their projects, they may help or observe our group, take a gander at the glass art for sale, or there may be other artists in the studio to watch as well. (If you book a private event, we can have 2, 3, or 4 people making projects at one time. We can even "piggyback" the order so that we can accommodate groups of 50+ people in roughly 2.5 hours at a private event---depending on COVID-19 restrictions)

Q: Can I give this as a gift?

A: Yes, you can give it as a gift. I think you would purchase that through the dabble website. If you'd like I'll send you a digital or actual gift certificate for presentation. Glass art gifts are also available for in person purchase or shipping. 

Q: Does this class make a good surprise present?

A: NO! Students need to be mentally and physically prepared. Please tell the gift recipient in advance. When students don't find out they are trying glassblowing until they walk into the studio, they are a safety hazard for everyone in the studio. 

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: When you want it to. This is your class, by request.

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 either way.

Q: Will this class be cancelled due to unfilled enrollment?

A: No. It's a class that is listed individually by request.

Q: What if I need to cancel after I signed up?

A: Dabble has a cancellation policy. When it comes to last minute cancellation, 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! Let me know as soon as you think you might be cancelling. 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. Please respect the commitment of signing up for this class, please do not cancel on me unless you are actually experiencing any of the conditions I have listed. 

 

Minimum age

6 years or older

Cancellation Policy

Location