Hands-On Fused Glass Workshop at Amokura Glass, Rotorua
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic dexterity to cut and arrange glass pieces
Overview
Craft your own colorful fused glass soap dish at Amokura Glass in Rotorua. Perfect for beginners, this three-hour workshop turns sheets of glass into lasting art without traditional glassblowing heat.
FUSED GLASS WORKSHOP - Soap Dish
10+ • fused glass soap dish • 3 hours • $120 • make your own glass art in our studio • Call to book!
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About This Adventure
Experience the art of glass fusing in a hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop! Over three hours, you'll learn to cut and design colorful glass into a unique soap dish and coaster, all without the heat of traditional glassblowing. Limited class sizes ensure personalized attention, making it a memorable creative adventure.
Fused glass is a great way to try something new and make an original piece without being exposed to the heat of the hot shop!
Duration
3 Hours!
About
Ever wanted to try making glass but did not know where it begin? Try out glass fusing! Learn how to cut sheet glass to make your own colourful glass soap dish. This is the perfect introduction for beginners or anyone who has wanted to work in glass, but is adverse to the heat.
In this 3 hour long workshop you will learn how to use sheets of glass to create a beautiful and functional glass soap dish.
During the class, you will learn various ways to cut and break up glass, learn how to reassemble the sheets and learn how to create your own design on a 10cm x 10cm square coaster. We will talk about colour, pattern work, and the differences between opaque and translucent glass. While this class does not involve any heat (unlike the glass blowing workshops), the soap dish will be put into a kiln so the sheet glass can melt together to fuse into your finished piece.
Once you learn the basic skills taught in this class, it is easy to go on to other workshops or come in to our studio during our community hours to make your own work!
Class sizes are limited to 6 people so we can give enough attention to each student. Classes must have at least 3 people to run.
Note: Hot glass needs 16 hours to cool down safely. Your piece will be available to collect from the following day or can be posted to you.
Requirements
Must be 10 years and older. Participants ages 10-15 years must be accompanied by an adult
Must wear close-toed shoes.
Must be in good physical health and able to move about independently, hear and see well.
What to bring
- Must wear close-toed shoes, long pants, and a shirt made of natural fibres such as cotton, wool, or linen during the lesson.
Adventure Tips
Wear natural fiber clothing
Long pants and shirts made from cotton, wool, or linen protect you during the workshop.
Close-toed shoes required
Protect your feet by wearing sturdy, closed shoes as glass cutting tools and materials are used.
Arrive early to settle in
Give yourself time before the class starts for safety briefing and layout of materials.
Bring a creative mindset
This workshop encourages experimentation with color and patterns—no art experience necessary.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Kererū (New Zealand pigeon)
- Tūī (songbird endemic to New Zealand)
History
Rotorua is a significant cultural center for the Māori people, with geothermal features deeply woven into local traditions.
Conservation
Amokura Glass prioritizes sustainable practices, minimizing waste and promoting eco-friendly materials in their studio.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Close-toed shoes
Protects feet from sharp glass and tools in the studio.
Long pants
Covers legs for safety while working with glass.
Shirt made of natural fibers
Cotton, wool, or linen shirts reduce risk from heat exposure and provide comfort.
Creative attitude
Bring openness to learn and experiment with color and form.