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Classes  >>  Glass 



Our glass program includes hot and coldworking options. Lampworking (also known as flameworking) uses soft glass rods and an oxy-fuel torch to create beads and other small pieces. We also offer fundamental and project-based classes in stained glass, including sculptural and jewelry-scale techniques.

Click on the course name to see all class meeting dates, times, and course fee.

If you're looking for a Reheater option, select the class you'd like to Reheat and choose the appropriate fee when registering.

Please read these FAQs for details about what to bring/wear, refund policy, age requirements and more. We've also compiled a sensory rubric with more information about what to expect in a particular type of class. 

Joining a waitlist? Before you add yourself to a waitlist for a class that's full, it helps us if you're pretty certain you'll be available. If a spot becomes available, you'll be automatically registered and given about 24 hours to confirm your registration by paying. If we have a long list of folks who are no longer interested, it can be time-consuming to fill that spot. Thank you!

Upcoming classes

  • Borosilicate Glass Project Sampler: Little Critters

    • Sun, September 07, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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.

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 

    Show details

  • Open Stained Glass Studio

    • Sun, September 07, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    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. 

    $40

    Instructor: Samael Leopold Sullivan

    Show details

  • Open Torch Time

    • Sun, September 14, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    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 six artisans, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!

    $40

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann 

    Show details

  • Hot Glass, Cool Beads: Italian Glass Bead Sampler

    • Sun, September 14, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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!

    $80 ($70 tuition + $10 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

    Show details

  • Borosilicate Glass Flameworking Fundamentals

    • Thu, October 02, 2025
    • Thu, November 06, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    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.

    $285 ($235 tuition + $50 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Ashley Austin 


    Show details

  • Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals

    • Mon, October 06, 2025
    • Mon, November 10, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    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.

    $285 ($235 tuition + $50 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 


    Show details

  • Stained Glass Project Shop: Fall Leaf Suncatcher

    • Tue, October 07, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    In these waning days of autumn, celebrate the season by learning make your own stained glass fall 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. 

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 

    Show details

  • Borosilicate Glass Project Sampler: Little Critters

    • Tue, October 07, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    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.

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 

    Show details

  • Italian Glass Bead Immersion

    • Wed, October 08, 2025
    • Wed, November 05, 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    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.

    $235 ($195 tuition + $40 materials)  |  5 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

    Show details

  • Open Torch Time

    • Sun, October 12, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    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 six artisans, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!

    $40

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann 

    Show details

  • Hot Glass, Cool Beads: Italian Glass Bead Sampler

    • Sun, October 12, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    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!

    $80 ($70 tuition + $10 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

    Show details

  • Leaded Stained Glass Fundamentals

    • Tue, October 14, 2025
    • Tue, November 18, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Leaded stained glass, also known as lead lighting, dates back to the 11th century and is the form of most stained glass windows found in churches and architecture. The process involves fitting glass pieces into the channels of a strip of lead called “came” and then soldering the pieces together.

    In this class you'll create your own stained glass window using this traditional method. You'll start by choosing from a selection of patterns (approximately 1ft by 1ft). Then you'll learn how to cut and grind glass pieces to fit, build the window using lead came, and solder and putty the piece. At the end of the class you'll have a beautiful panel of your own design, proper understanding of lead safety measures, confidence in glass cutting, and a basic knowledge of leading and soldering a window.

    $285 ($235 tuition + $50 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Evalin Becker 


    Show details

  • Open Stained Glass Studio

    • Sun, October 26, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    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. 

    $40

    Instructor: Samael Leopold Sullivan

    Show details

  • Glass Fidget Toys: Sculpting Textured Glass Cubes

    • Sun, November 02, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 5
    Register

    Get a taste of borosilicate flameworking in this fun project-based workshop! We'll learn how to manipulate hot glass in a variety of different ways by making a fidget cube that incorporates multiple shapes and textures. We'll start by covering safety protocols and learning how to use the torch and other tools. Then we'll experiment with mashing, pulling, twisting, bending and carving molten colored glass. No experience necessary!

    $80 ($65 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Ashley Austin 


    Show details

  • Borosilicate Glass Flameworking Intro: Implosions

    • Thu, November 13, 2025
    • Thu, November 20, 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    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.

    $110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Ashley Austin 


    Show details

  • Lampworking Sampler: Let It Snow!

    • Sat, November 15, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    In this workshop, you'll create several winter figures while learning the basics of glass bead-making, also known as lampworking. Have fun shaping Italian soft glass into creative new forms. We'll focus on a winter theme (think snowman, penguin, polar bear, mitten) to gear up for the snowy season ahead, while coverings skills such as making and placing different sized dots and using tools to shape the glass into a variety of forms. Expect to make 4-5 beads plus several basic beads in the class time. No experience necessary!

    $70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Kathy Schultz

    Show details

  • Open Torch Time

    • Sun, November 16, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    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 six artisans, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!

    $40

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann 

    Show details

  • Torch + Pour + Solder: Mixed Materials Sculpture

    • Mon, November 17, 2025
    • Mon, December 01, 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    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.

    $150 ($115 tuition + $35 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 

    Show details

  • Bottle to Bead: Torchwork Techniques for Recycling Glass

    • Sat, November 22, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 5
    Register

    Can beads be made from recycled glass bottles? Yes, they can! In this workshop, you'll use the torch to transform bottles into glass rods  and then into beautiful beads. We'll have a fine selection of bottle colors available during class, but feel free to bring your own lovely, colored glass vessel.

    Previous experience on a dual-gas torch is required. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

    $80 ($70 tuition + $10 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

    Show details

  • Open Stained Glass Studio

    • Sun, November 23, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    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. 

    $40

    Instructor: Samael Leopold Sullivan

    Show details

  • Stained Glass Project Shop: Snowflake Suncatcher

    • Sun, November 30, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

     Celebrate the season by making your own stained glass snowflake! This is an ideal project to learn the basics: how to read a stained glass pattern, cut glass, assemble and solder components into a 2-D or 3-D form, and patina and seal your finished project. Patterns will be provided and you can choose between making a 2-D or 3-D snowflake. No prior stained glass experience needed. 

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 


    Show details

  • Leaded Stained Glass Project Shop: Beveled Mini-Window

    • Tue, December 02, 2025
    • Tue, December 09, 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    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.

    $100 ($80 tuition + $20 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Evalin Becker

    Show details

  • Open Torch Time

    • Sun, December 07, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    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 six artisans, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!

    $40

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann 

    Show details

CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER   3749 Chicago Avenue  |  Minneapolis, MN 55407  |  612-294-0400  |  info@cafac.org 

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