$70 | 30 Minutes | Ages 11+ | 1 Participant Per Class
Discover the thrill of creating your own glass artwork in Black Mountain’s Flame Shop. This 30-minute hands-on class lets you craft a custom marble, pendant, or icicle under expert guidance—perfect for all skill levels and ages 11+.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness is required, suitable for ages 11 and up
Wildlife
History
Black Mountain blossomed as an arts colony in the early 20th century, giving it a lasting creative legacy reflected in local studios like the Flame Shop.
Conservation
The Flame Shop emphasizes responsible studio practices with minimal waste and supports local artisans promoting sustainable art.
North Carolina Glass Center
$70 | 30 Minutes | Ages 11+ | 1 Participant Per Class
North Carolina Glass Center is a hands-on glass art studio based in Black Mountain, North Carolina, offering workshops and multi-week classes in both Black Mountain and Asheville. The center focuses on hot glassblowing, flameworking, and fused glass, providing experiences for beginners, hobbyists, and aspiring artists. Classes range from brief 30-minute make-your-own sessions to immersive eight-week courses and three-hour workshops. Instructors guide participants through safety, studio terminology, and step-by-step techniques to create paperweights, ornaments, cups, marbles, pendants, icicles, miniature sculptures, fused tiles, and small blown forms.
The studio’s schedule includes short experiences such as 30- and 50-minute make-your-own sessions, 60-minute specialty projects like donut pendants, 3-hour introductory workshops, and structured 8-week courses including Hot Shop 101, Hot Shop 201, and Flame Shop 101: Intro to Boro. Wesley Thurston leads the flameworking boro course. Sessions emphasize safety, individualized instruction, and clear demonstrations so participants complete tangible keepsakes. Materials, tools, and kiln-firing or annealing when required are provided by the studio. The center caters to solo visitors, families, small groups, and students seeking technical progression from introductory classes to intermediate skill-building. Booking information, schedules, and specific class prerequisites are available through the studio’s listings. North Carolina Glass Center’s combination of brief hands-on options and longer technical courses makes it a practical destination for first-time makers and committed learners interested in glass art.
Location
Black Mountain, NC
Studio in Black Mountain and Asheville
Class Lengths
30 min–8 weeks
Short sessions to multi-week courses
Hands-on Formats
Make-your-own to courses
Hot shop, flame shop, fusing
Named Instructor
Wesley Thurston
Leads Intro to Boro course
Choose from 30-minute make-your-own sessions to 3-hour workshops and 8-week courses — check listings and book a spot today.
Reserve Your Spot in Advance
Classes are popular and limited to one participant per session, so booking ahead ensures you'll get your preferred time.
Dress in Comfortable, Non-Flammable Clothing
Wear cotton or natural fibers to stay safe around open flames during your glasswork session.
Arrive Early for a Safety Briefing
Showing up 10 minutes early gives you time to familiarize yourself with safety protocols and prep for the class.
Bring a Small Bag or Case
You’ll want a protective place to safely carry your handcrafted glass piece home.
Comfortable Cotton Shirt
Natural fibers reduce fire risk while working near the torch.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Protects your feet in the studio environment.
Sunglasses
Useful if you plan to explore outdoors afterward in sunny weather.
summer
Protective Eyewear (Provided)
Critical safety gear supplied for handling molten glass.