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Glassmaking Adventure at The Furnace: A Glassworks in Lakewood - Denver

Glassmaking Adventure at The Furnace: A Glassworks in Lakewood

Lakewoodmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

1.5–2.5 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have basic mobility; no strenuous physical activity required.

Overview

Discover the fiery art of glassmaking at The Furnace in Lakewood. Join a workshop led by expert artisans, craft your own glass masterpiece, and take home a personalized keepsake from Colorado’s vibrant craft scene.

Lakewood, Colorado

Experience Glass

$80 per Person | 30 Minutes per Person | Groups of 1-4 | Craft Your Own Work of Glass Art!

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Adventure Photos

Experience Glass photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the enchanting world of hot glass in a hands-on workshop! Under expert guidance, create your own stunning glass piece, choosing between solid-sculpted or blown designs. Learn essential techniques while enjoying a unique, creative outing with friends or family. Unleash your artistic side and take home a personalized masterpiece!

#A short introduction to the magic of hot glass


Rates

  • Single Person: $80
  • Group of Two: $160
  • Group of Three: $240
  • Group of Four: $320

Ages 10+ | Book by your Group Size


Duration

30 Minutes per Person Note: groups will be booked in back-to-back (not simultaneous) sessions, but everyone is welcome to arrive at the same time and hang out together!


About

After a brief safety introduction, our skilled instructor(s) will demonstrate how to make your chosen piece then guide you, one-on-one, through the creation of your own masterpiece.

What you’ll learn:

  • The fundamentals of hot shop safety
  • The difference between blown and solid-sculpted glasswork
  • How to manipulate glass using shaping molds, tweezers, shears, and/or jacks
  • How colors and patterns move across the molten glass as it is shaped

What you’ll make: A single solid-sculpted or blown glass piece. Solid sculpting an item involves plenty of hands-on manipulation of the glass using open-face shaping molds, tweezers, shears, and/or jacks. Making a blown piece allows you to experience the fluidity of the material and to see how colors and patterns change as they move with an expanding bubble.

The solid-sculpted piece could be:

  • a paperweight (with trapped bubbles and/or swirled color; rounded or pointed),
  • a sculpted heart,
  • a sculpted egg,
  • a leaf, or
  • a flower.

Your blown item could be:

  • an ornament (with hook) or tabletop orb,
  • a pumpkin,
  • a small drinking glass, or
  • a flutter or double-walled "treasure" bowl.

What to Wear

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Natural-fiber clothing

FAQ

I want to do this with my friend/partner/spouse/sibling/child. How should I schedule the class? Terrific! Select the number of people who will be blowing glass from the drop-down menu in the booking process and we'll line up your making sessions back-to-back. If you have more than two people in your group, and/or if you would each like to make more than one item, consider signing up for one of our Glass Sampler Workshops.

Do I have to decide what I want to make in advance? Nope! Feel free to decide when you come to the shop.

What’s the minimum age to take this class? We recommend 10+ for the Experience Glass classes. If you have younger people in your group, consider the Make Your Own Ornament workshop.

Can I take my piece home immediately? No—the glass needs to slowly cool to room temperature over a span of 24-48 hours.

Could you mail my piece to my house? Yes! We’ll charge a small fee to cover the cost of postage and packing materials, and collect your shipping address, during your class.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early

Getting to the studio early ensures you have ample time to learn and create without feeling rushed.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Long sleeves and closed-toe shoes help protect against heat and molten glass splashes during your session.

Book in Advance

Slots for workshops fill quickly, especially on weekends, so reserve your spot early to secure your preferred date.

Bring a Camera

Capture your process and finished piece—just be sure to follow safety instructions when photographing around hot equipment.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • You may spot elk or mule deer during outdoor sightseeing
  • Birdwatchers might see scrub jays or swallows

History

Lakewood has a rich history rooted in mining and ranching, with a vibrant arts scene that continues to grow.

Conservation

The Furnace emphasizes sustainable practices by recycling glass waste and minimizing environmental impact during the studio process.

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Adventure Hotspots in Denver

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Closed-toe Shoes

Essential

Required for safety when working around molten glass and hot tools.

Heat-Resistant Gloves

Helpful for handling hot glass safely during shaping.

Comfortable Clothing

Essential

Long sleeves and casual attire to protect against heat and potential splashes.

Camera or Smartphone

Capture your creative process and finished work during the session.