Buy a gift card
Manage Fuelership
Back to all classes
Copper foil and leaded stained glass, lampworking and borosilicate torchworking.
Read Class Info & PoliciesWhat to bring/wear, refund policy, waitlists, age requirements, gift certificate redemption, and more.
See our Sensory RubricWhat kinds of sensory impact to expect in a particular type of class.
Click on the class name to see all meeting dates, times, and fees.
Learn the basics of stained glass and add some color and sparkle to your life! This class will introduce the basics of stained glass using the copper foil technique, which involves wrapping each glass piece in copper tape and then soldering the pieces together to form the whole. You'll learn and practice all the steps in the process of creating stained glass pieces, including using patterns, cutting and grinding glass, foiling, and soldering. We'll start with 2D pieces and you'll have the opportunity to explore 3D forms. As we progress, you're encouraged to bring your own ideas and the instructor will assist in translating them into stained glass.
$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks Open to ages 16 and up.
Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan
Handcrafted glass beads have been made for hundreds of years. In this class, we will focus on replicating beads from the 19th Century: Lewis & Clark beads, skunk beads, French cross beads, end-of-day beads and more. We will practice surface distressing techniques to give the beads an old patina appearance.
Prerequisite: Experience on a dual-gas torch is a prerequisite. Wear long pants and closed toed shoes and long hair pulled back.
$110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)
Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann
Dip your toes into the world of lead lighting in this beginner-level class. You'll learn and practice leaded stained glass techniques in the process of making a small piece inspired by quilt squares. We'll cover safety when working with lead and by the end of this crash course you'll have a basic understanding of cutting and grinding glass, leading a window, and soldering - and leave with a unique piece of your own creation! No experience necessary.
$160 ($135 tuition + $25 materials) Open to ages 18 and up.
Instructor: Evalin Becker
Ever wanted to build your own terrarium? Now you can! This is an intermediate-level glass class, prior experience not required but absolutely recommended. If you have ever taken a stained glass class or soft soldered jewelry class you will be ready to challenge yourself to create a three dimensional glass project. You'll learn all of the techniques required to make a geometric terrarium that you will get to take home with you at the end of class. All of the supplies and tools will be provided.
During this course, you'll learn how to use the tools and techniques necessary for cutting glass. You'll choose from a selection of patterns for your terrarium and cut the glass pieces for your project. Once we have cut all our pieces we'll apply the copper foil to the glass pieces in preparation for assembly. Next we will heat up our soldering irons and assemble our terrariums! After soldering, you'll apply patina to the solder seams for your desired metal finish and add some shine to the seams with polish. Our last step will be to add some sand or dirt and some plants to our terrarium. At this point your new botanical masterpiece will be ready to go home with you!
$160 ($135 tuition + $25 materials) Open to ages 16 and up.
Instructor: Annemarie Hines
The childhood classic, The Hungry Caterpillar, is the inspiration for this introductory glass bead-making (aka lampworking ) workshop. You'll create a bookmark featuring decorative glass beads to keep or share with your favorite bookworm. We'll start with basic bead creation then cover skills such as making and placing different sized dots and using tools to shape the glass to finish this fun class. Expect to make 6-8 beads plus several basic beads in the class time. Metal bookmark included in class fee and your bookmark will be assembled at pick-up. No experience necessary!
$70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials) Open to ages 16 and up.
Instructor: Kathy Schultz
Open Torch Time is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a lampworking class at CAFAC.
Keep your chops up with regular Torch Time and share studio time with your fellow artisans! You supply the consumables (glass, mandrels, and bead release) and CAFAC will supply the torches and tools. We have space for up to seven lampworkers, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!
$45
Welcome to a crash course in stained glass! This is a beginner-level stained glass class, no prior experience necessary. We will learn all of the techniques required to make a geometric suncatcher that you will get to take home with you at the end of class. All of the supplies and tools will be provided.
In this workshop, you'll learn how to use the tools and techniques necessary for cutting glass. Next, we'll choose from a selection of patterns and cut the glass pieces for your project. (There will be lots of colors and textures to choose from!) Once we've cut all our pieces we'll apply the copper foil to the glass pieces in preparation for assembly. Then we'll heat up our soldering irons and assemble our suncatchers! After soldering, you will apply patina to the solder seams for your desired metal finish. We will wrap up the class by polishing our suncatchers. At this point your new stained glass suncatcher will be ready to go home with you!
$85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials) Open to ages 16 and up.
Open Torch Time is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a borosilicate glass class at CAFAC.
Keep your chops up with regular Torch Time and share studio time with your fellow artisans! You supply the glass and CAFAC will supply the torches and tools. We have space for up to six flameworkers, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!
Instructor: Ashley Austin
Open Stained Glass Studio is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a stained glass class at CAFAC.
This is your opportunity to get into the studio to work on projects or keep practicing your skills. You'll work independently with an instructor on hand if you have questions. You supply the consumables (glass, lead-free solder, foil, flux, and patina) and CAFAC will supply the tools and equipment.
Add a few more lampworking techniques to your tool kit! This skill-building session is for you if you already have experience using a dual gas torch with COE 104 soft glass. You'll learn how to:
It's science! Class fee includes blow pipe, fine silver, and silver leaf. Wear natural fiber clothing and closed-toe shoes.
$120 ($90 tuition + $30 materials)
Designed for beginner flameworkers, in this class you'll learn the basic flameworking techniques needed to create multiple types of implosions with borosilicate glass. Implosions are a popular glass technique that creates the appearance of a magnified design within clear glass, often used in making pendants and marbles. We will cover safety protocol, tool and equipment use, and beginner flameworking techniques. Through hands-on practice, you will explore how to manipulate the glass with the flame and embed colorful designs into clear glass. These implosions can later be used to create pendants or marbles. Wear long pants, closed toe shoes, and if your hair is long, put it up.
$125 ($110 tuition + $20 materials) Open to ages 16 and up.
Learn how to make your own little critter in borosilicate glass! Borosilicate is the beefy cousin of soft glass. It's in the same family as Pyrex, allowing it to withstand multiple heat/cool cycles with minimal cracking and is commonly used to make vessels for laboratory experiments (aka scientific glass). Because it takes more heat to melt, it allows artists more time and control while sculpting with it. In this class, you'll learn how to light a torch, melt glass, and play with color and shape. You'll assemble and join components into a solid 3-D form, anneal your critter and give it a name if you'd like! No prior glass experience needed.
Please note: Your little critter will be available to pick up two days after class, in order to give it time to complete the annealing process.
$75 ($65 tuition + $10 materials) Open to ages 16 and up.
This immersive class will introduce you to the basics of borosilicate glass flameworking. We'll start by covering safety protocols and learning how to use the torch and other tools. Each week we'll focus on a different skill and technique, building your repertoire along the way. We'll practice applying color, twisting, pulling, bending, and sculpting molten glass. You'll also learn how to draw with glass, turn a piece of glass into a pendant by adding a bale, and make a complex sculpture with multiple bits welded together. The last session will be a "free day," where you can try out new ideas with instructor guidance, or continue practicing a technique already covered.
$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 sessions Open to ages 16 and up.
Ready to take your leaded stained glass skills to the next level? In this class, you'll be learn pattern drafting and practice problem-solving as you design and create your own custom window (about 1-foot square). We'll start with a refresher on stained glass basics, including glass cutting and leading. Next, we'll discuss how build a strong leaded window design, and begin the process of building your window. Leave class with a finished leaded window of your own design and the skills to take on more complex projects. Prerequisite: a 3- or 6-week leaded stained glass class at CAFAC.
$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks Open to ages 18 and up.
This class is an in-depth study of flamework (also known as lampworking) using a dual-fuel torch and Italian soft glass to create glass beads. You'll build a repertoire of techniques through hands-on practice, as you learn a variety of shaping techniques, glass manipulation, cane creation, and surface decoration. Creative combinations are limitless! We will have ample time in each class session to practice and hone new skills. Safety protocol, including proper tool and equipment use, will be covered. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
$265 ($225 tuition + $40 materials) | 5 weeks Open to ages 16 and up.
Explore the basics of borosilicate flameworking with this fun, free-form project that is reminiscent of your childhood rock collection. This is an introductory class for those with no experience or some experience with flameworking. We will be getting used to the physics of molten glass while learning to apply colors to clear glass. Then, you'll learn how to manipulate the glass into a tumbled rock collection using hot sculpting techniques.
$80 ($70 tuition + $10 materials) Open to ages 16 and up.
Designed for intermediate flameworkers who have taken borosilicate flameworking classes at CAFAC. In this class you'll take the basic implosion technique to a new level! We will learn how to create specific types of flower implosions: a drawing made of glass, magnified deep inside clear glass. We will use specific colors to draw petals and stamens, and then magnify them in clear using the compression implosion technique. We will form these into spheres and feet to make them stand upright, making a great shelf piece! Wear long pants, closed toe shoes, and if your hair is long, put it up.
Celebrate new growth by learning make your own stained glass spring leaf suncatcher! This is an ideal project to learn the basics: how to read a stained glass pattern, cut glass, assemble and solder components, and patina and seal your finished project. Patterns will be provided and you can choose between a three different styles of leaves. No prior stained glass experience needed.
Class extended to four hours by popular demand! Get more time on the torch!
This class is a glass bead primer to get you acquainted with working a torch and Italian soft glass. You will learn safety protocol, tool and equipment use, and beginner flameworking techniques. Through hands-on practice, you'll explore glass manipulation, shaping techniques and surface decoration. Expect to go home with 4-6 beads and the flamework basics to explore more techniques with confidence. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and bring a readiness to experiment!
This session will focus mainly on the basics of creating a hollow bead. We will begin creating hollows on a solid mandrel and move to the puffy mandrel, creating larger lighter hollow beads. Hollow beads provide a wonderful canvas for decoration, minus the weight. Students must have experience using a dual gas system torch with soft glass. Class fee includes 4 puffy mandrels to take home! Wear natural fiber clothing and closed-toe shoes.
$140 ($90 tuition + $50 materials)
Dip your toes into the world of lead lighting in this beginner-level class. You'll learn and practice leaded stained glass techniques in the process of making a small pieces using pre-cut beveled glass. We'll start by discussing safety when working with lead and then proceed through the steps to assemble your beveled glass into a mini-window. You can expect to make up to three pieces of about five square inches. No experience necessary.
$110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials) Open to ages 18 and up.
Create a sculptural piece using three fire arts in this combo class! You'll learn the basics of flameworking with borosilicate glass, cuttlebone casting with lead-free pewter, and soft soldering techniques, as well as how to combine all three into one piece. We'll start with boro flameworking, making components to soft solder together into a sculpture. The next session will cover pewter casting, creating additional components. Finally, you'll learn how to use soft soldering techniques to combine your glass and pewter elements into a sculpture.
This is a semi-intermediate class where ambitious beginners are welcome but the pace will be fast. If you have prior experience with at least one of the mediums, you'll be more comfortable keeping up.
$170 ($135 tuition + $35 materials) | 3 weeks Open to ages 16 and up.
Celebrate Pride by learning to make your own stained glass Pride-themed suncatcher! This is an ideal project to learn the basics: how to read a stained glass pattern, cut glass, assemble and solder components, and patina and seal your finished project. Patterns will be provided and you can choose between three different styles of leaves. No prior stained glass experience needed.
Return to top
CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER 3749 Chicago Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55407 | 612-294-0400 | info@cafac.org