Can I take my finished plate home after class?

No. Each piece requires kiln firings that are done in batches; finished work is available for pick-up about two weeks after your class date.

Is this class suitable for beginners?

Yes. The class is designed for first-timers and experienced makers who want a guided, hands-on project without learning glass cutting.

Can I bring my own design or cut my own glass?

You can choose colors and compositions, but cutting glass isn’t taught in this session—there’s a separate class for cutting techniques.

Are the materials safe—do you use lead?

Fused glass in this class does not use lead. The main hazards are sharp edges on raw glass, and instructors provide guidance and basic first aid supplies.

What sizes and shapes will my plate be?

The class works to produce a slumped plate roughly 8×6 inches shaped in a low sushi-style mold with gently raised sides.

Can someone watch me during the class?

Observers are discouraged due to limited seating; the studio asks only registered students to attend to keep classes viable and comfortable.

Hands-On Fused Glass in Denver: Create a Raised-Texture Plate | Workshop | Events

Strips 'n Frit - Fused Glass Class - Beyond the Basics in Denver offers a focused, hands-on way to make a raised‑texture glass plate in roughly three hours. At LittleGlassArt’s studio in Denver, Colorado, students work with undulating fusible glass and jars of chopped frit to assemble an 8×6-inch artwork that’s tack‑fired and later slump‑fired into a low, sushi‑mold plate with gently raised sides. The room fills with color: stacked strips, translucent shards, and taped templates, and the instructor moves students through cleaning, arranging, and gluing glass on edge so frit and strips retain visible texture after firing. Beginners feel at ease because instructors supply pre-cut base glass, a palette of colors, jars of frit, tools, and a clear step‑by‑step process; cutting instruction isn’t part of this class, but learning to compose with strips and frit yields deeply tactile results.

Because kiln firings require a full day each and classes are fired as a batch, pieces are ready for pick‑up about two weeks after class; plan a return visit or arrange to have your finished plate held until you can collect it. Safety and care are emphasized: glass must be cleaned in alcohol before firing to avoid fingerprints being permanently fused, sharp edges can occur so focus on careful handling, and finished plates are food‑safe but must be hand‑washed and not exposed to extreme temperatures or dishwashers. The class welcomes ages 13 and up, is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and is a tidy, social project that works well for small groups, date nights, creative travelers, and anyone wanting a break from the trails.

Visiting Denver after a hike, bike ride on Cherry Creek, or a day in the mountains? This fused glass session makes an ideal rest‑day activity that still engages hands and eyes while staying dry when weather turns. The studio’s approach is deliberately streamlined for a satisfying outcome—three hours of focused instruction produces a piece that feels finished and personal without overwhelming newcomers. You’ll leave with new vocabulary—frit, tack‑fuse, slumping—and a ceramic‑like glass plate that carries the texture of your design. For travelers seeking a tangible, locally made souvenir or a unique gift, this class delivers a compact, memorable snapshot of making in Colorado’s creative scene.

Plan to arrive five to ten minutes early, bring reading glasses if you need them, and skip observers—the studio asks that only registered students attend because seating is limited. Filtered water, coffee, tea, and snacks are available to keep you comfortable while you work; avoid eating with ungloved hands near glass to prevent oils from spoiling your piece. Anyone under 18 needs an adult chaperone, and if you want to learn glass cutting there’s a separate class for that skill. Register early.