Intro to Hot Glass at East Falls Glassworks Philadelphia
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours per session, 6 sessions total
Fitness Level
Basic mobility required; standing for extended periods is necessary in the studio environment.
Overview
Master the art of molten glass in Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood with East Falls Glassworks’ six-session hot glass course. No experience needed—just curiosity and an eagerness to learn.
6-Session Intro to Hot Glass
Recommended for Ages 13+ • 6 Sessions of 3-Hour Classes
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About This Adventure
Dive into the captivating world of glassblowing with this introductory class designed for beginners. Over six sessions, you'll learn essential techniques and safety while shaping molten glass at 2000 degrees. Experience the thrill of creating unique forms and build a solid foundation for future glass artistry.
Duration
6 sessions of 3-hour classes
Schedule Options:
- Sundays 2:30-5:30 pm Class Dates: 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00-9:00pm Class Dates: 9/23, 9/25, 9/30, 10/2, 10/7, 10/9 -- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00-9:00pm Class Dates: 11/4, 11/6, 11/11, 11/13, 11/18, 11/20
About
This introductory class is intended for folks with little or no experience in a glassblowing studio but are genuinely interested in learning about this truly unique material. It's a prerequisite for Intermediate Glassblowing.
We'll focus on safety, technique, and basic shaping of solid, clear glass and moving on into blown forms as the class progresses. This approach is meant to help you build a strong foundation of skills and confidence that can be built upon in future classes if you choose to pursue glass further. You'll get to experience the rush of working with 2000-degree molten glass, while also learning about its properties and quirks!
More Info
We heavily encourage students participating in technical classes to bring a notebook to take notes and draw sketches to both reinforce concepts and to have instruction to reference in the future.
If you are uncertain if this class is right for you, please reach out! Emailing staff@eastfallsglass.com is the best way to contact us, but feel free to call as well at (215) 908-7924.
Additionally, students enrolled in any of our Multi-Week Classes will be granted a 15% discount on studio rental time effective from the date of the first session and up to two weeks after the last session of class :)
Choose Your Class Schedule
Sundays First session: 9/7, Sunday, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Second Session: 9/14, Sunday, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Third Session: 9/21, Sunday, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Fourth Session: 9/28, Sunday, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Fifth Session: 10/5, Sunday, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Sixth Session: 10/12, Sunday, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays First session: 9/23, Tuesday, 6:00-9:00pm Second Session: 9/25, Thursday, 6:00-9:00pm Third Session: 9/30, Tuesday, 6:00-9:00pm Fourth Session: 10/2, Thursday, 6:00-9:00pm Fifth Session: 10/7, Tuesday, 6:00-9:00pm Sixth Session: 10/9, Thursday, 6:00-9:00pm
OR
First session: 11/4, Tuesday, 6:00-9:00pm Second Session: 11/6, Thursday, 6:00-9:00pm Third Session: 11/11, Tuesday, 6:00-9:00pm Fourth Session: 11/13, Thursday, 6:00-9:00pm Fifth Session: 11/18, Tuesday, 6:00-9:00pm Sixth Session: 11/20, Thursday, 6:00-9:00pm
Adventure Tips
Wear cotton or natural fiber clothing
Avoid synthetic fabrics that can melt or catch fire easily in the studio environment.
Bring a notebook for notes and sketches
Recording techniques during class helps reinforce learning and track progress over sessions.
Stay hydrated during sessions
Working near intense heat requires regular hydration—bring a water bottle to class.
Arrive on time for each session
Punctuality ensures full participation and safe studio operations with hot equipment.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- River otters along Schuylkill
- Urban songbirds including cardinals and blue jays
History
East Falls was historically a hub of Philadelphia’s early industry, making it a fitting locale for transforming raw materials in craft.
Conservation
East Falls Glassworks practices responsible studio management including recycling glass and minimizing heat waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Cotton long-sleeve shirt
Provides protection from heat and potential glass shards.
Closed-toe leather shoes
Protects feet from hot fragments and accidents in the workspace.
Notebook and pen
Important for jotting down technique details and sketches during class.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is critical when working near extreme heat.
summer specific