Log in
Forgot password

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!

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

Upcoming classes

  • Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals

    • Mon, April 08, 2024
    • Mon, May 13, 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    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

  • Glass Etching & Soldering Basics: Candle Luminary

    • Sat, April 13, 2024
    • Sat, April 20, 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register


    Craft your very own custom etched luminary in this beginner-level class! You'll be guided through the entire process of working with glass, starting with learning how to cut glass into panels. Next, we'll practice etching designs onto glass with a rotary tool, learn how to apply copper foil, and finally solder the etched panels to create an illuminated work of art. No two pieces will be alike as you delve into the artistry of creating intricate designs on glass surfaces. If you have a design in mind for your etching, please bring it. The instructor will also provide patterns for you to choose from.

    Whether you're interested in working with glass as a medium, aiming to craft personalized gifts, or simply eager to acquire a new skill, this class offers an engaging and fulfilling introduction to working with glass. Designed for individuals with no prior experience, this class is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys hands-on projects. It's a unique opportunity to unleash your creativity and discover the joy of working with glass by creating a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art!

    $120 ($90 tuition + $30 materials)  
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Annemarie Hines

    Show details

  • Hot Glass, Cool Beads: Italian Glass Bead Sampler

    • Sat, April 20, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 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

  • Stained Glass Project Shop: Spring Leaf Suncatcher

    • Sun, April 28, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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. 

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

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 

    Show details

  • Leaded Stained Glass Fundamentals

    • Tue, May 07, 2024
    • Tue, June 11, 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    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 will learn all the basics of the leaded stained glass craft. You'll draft your own pattern, cut and grind glass pieces to fit, build the window using lead came, and then 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, May 19, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 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. 

    $50

    Instructor: Samael Leopold Sullivan

    Show details

  • Stained Glass: Advanced Copper Foil Techniques

    • Thu, May 23, 2024
    • Thu, June 27, 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Push your stained glass skills to the next level in this continuing class! Open to students who have completed Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals or have prior stained glass experience. We'll dive into more advanced pattern design techniques, practice making 3-D stained glass objects, and explore various ways to make hinges and latches for boxes, lanterns, and kinetic pieces. You'll leave this class with more precision in your patterning, cutting, and grinding, and become familiar with the diamond saw.

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

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 


    Show details

  • Open Torch Time

    • Sat, May 25, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    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

  • Open Copper Enamel Studio

    • Sat, June 01, 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 5
    Register

    Open Copper Enamel Studio is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) the 5- or 6-week Copper Enamel Jewelry I 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. CAFAC will supply the tools and equipment, along with scrap copper and some enamels (enough for 3-4 smaller pieces). You are also welcome to bring your own copper and enamels, if you'd like to make larger or more pieces. 

    $50 ($40 tuition + $10 materials)

    Instructor: Crystal Celeste Price

    Show details

  • Stained Glass Project Shop: Pride Suncatcher

    • Mon, June 03, 2024
    • 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    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. 

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

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 

    Show details

  • Hot Glass, Cool Beads: Italian Glass Bead Sampler

    • Sat, June 08, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 5
    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

  • Open Torch Time

    • Sun, June 23, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    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

  • Lampworking Skill Session: Silver and Ivory

    • Tue, June 25, 2024
    • Wed, June 26, 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    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:

    • Make and use silvered ivory stringer
    • Create dark ivory reactions
    • Blow silvered shards and then apply to beads

    It's science! Class fee includes blow pipe, fine silver, and silver leaf. Wear natural fiber clothing and closed-toe shoes.

    $110 ($80 tuition + $30 materials)

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann 

    Show details

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

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software