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. 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

  • Metal + Glass: Hand-Forged Frame & Stained Glass Window Key Rack

    • Thu, July 10, 2025
    • Tue, August 12, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    In this one-of-a-kind, hands-on class that blends the heat of the forge with the beauty of colored glass, you'll create a custom key rack featuring a hand-forged metal frame and a vibrant stained glass insert.

    The course begins with three sessions in the Smithy, where you’ll learn foundational blacksmithing techniques to shape and form a sturdy, decorative frame with integrated hooks. Then, you’ll move to the Glass Salon for three sessions focused on the leaded stained glass process—cutting, fitting, and soldering your own colorful design to complement your forged piece.

    By the end of the course, you'll have a functional and eye-catching wall-mounted rack, suitable for hanging keys or other small items, combining craftsmanship and creativity—perfect for your home or as a unique handmade gift.

    Class meets 3 Thursdays, 7/10 - 7/24, and 3 Tuesdays, 7/29 - 8/12.

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

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk and Evalin Becker


    Show details

  • Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals

    • Mon, July 21, 2025
    • Mon, August 25, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    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

  • Open Stained Glass Studio

    • Sun, July 27, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 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

  • Stained Glass Project Shop: Sun Suncatcher

    • Sun, July 27, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    The long days of summer are upon us! Why not learn to make your own sun-shaped suncatcher? This is an ideal project to learn the basics: how to read a stained glass pattern, cut glass, assemble pieces, foil and solder components, and patina and seal your finished project. Patterns will be provided for you to choose from.  No prior stained glass experience needed. 

    $75 ($50 tuition + $25 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 


    Show details

  • Borosilicate Glass Project Sampler: Little Critters

    • Sun, August 10, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    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

  • Open Torch Time

    • Sun, August 17, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 5
    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 Builder: Glass Bead Sea Creatures

    • Tue, August 19, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    In this workshop, you'll build on your basic bead-making skills by learning how to size and shape glass into creative new forms. We'll focus on sea creatures (crab, turtle, whale, fishes) and cover 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.

    Prerequisite: Basic lampworking experience is required for this skill-building class.

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

    Instructor: Kathy Schultz

    Show details

  • Open Stained Glass Studio

    • Sun, August 24, 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

  • Borosilicate Glass Project Sampler: Little Critters

    • Sun, September 07, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    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

  • 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
    • 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

  • Hot Glass, Cool Beads: Italian Glass Bead Sampler

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

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

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software