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Discover the captivating art of boro glass flame working in Asheville with North Carolina Glass Center’s Flame Shop 101. Learn to shape colorful molten glass in a hands-on workshop perfect for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike.
Discover the captivating art of boro glass flame working in Asheville with North Carolina Glass Center’s Flame Shop 101. Learn to shape colorful molten glass in a hands-on workshop perfect for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike.
Book with North Carolina Glass Center
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Operated by North Carolina Glass Center · Asheville, North Carolina
Flame Shop 101: Intro to Boro in Asheville offers an exciting opportunity to explore the ancient Japanese glass technique of boro within a modern studio setting at the North Carolina Glass Center. This unique experience guides participants through the basics of flame working, where you will manipulate colored borosilicate glass rods in an open flame to create your own stunning glass art pieces. The hands-on nature of the workshop makes it accessible to beginners, providing a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment as you learn about glass properties and heating techniques under expert instruction. Beyond the technical skills, the class emphasizes safety and creativity, ensuring everyone feels confident while shaping their molten glass. Located in Asheville, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and close-to-nature charm, this adventure provides a perfect blend of indoor craftsmanship and outdoor exploration possibilities. Whether you’re looking for a memorable artistic experience, a creative date idea, or an activity that breaks away from traditional outdoor adventures, Flame Shop 101 delivers a fresh take combining science, art, and personal expression.
easy.
2–3 hours.
No special physical fitness required; suitable for anyone comfortable standing for a couple of hours.
No prior experience is necessary; our instructors guide you through every step.
Participants must be at least 18 years old due to the use of open flames and safety concerns.
We provide safety instructions, protective gear, and closely supervise all participants throughout the session.
Yes, any finished glass art you create during the workshop is yours to keep.
Wear natural fiber clothing and closed-toe shoes to ensure safety around the flame.
The introductory session typically lasts between two to three hours.
Asheville has a rich legacy of artistic craftsmanship, and the North Carolina Glass Center continues this tradition by fostering glass art in the heart of the city.
The studio emphasizes recycling glass scraps and uses energy-efficient equipment to minimize environmental impact.
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.
Book with North Carolina Glass Center