Class Catalog
View classes at Potekglass that have been offered in the past, are currently offered, or will be offered soon.
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Beginning Stained Glass
Learn the Art of Stained Glass!
Join us for this beginner-friendly, 4-week course designed to teach you the Tiffany copper foil method of stained glass. Whether you're new to glass art or looking to refine your skills, this class will guide you through the steps to creating your own stained glass masterpiece. Class is 2.5 hours each week for 4 weeks. Students will have 2-4 hours of homework each week. No experience necessary.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ History of Stained Glass– Brief history of stained glass
✔ Glass Cutting & Grinding – Shape and smooth your pieces for a perfect fit
✔ Foiling & Soldering – Assemble your design using the copper foil method
✔ Framing & Finishing – Complete and polish your stained glass artwork
Cost: $115, plus the cost of glass, tools, and supplies
Before the First Class:
- Visit Potekglass to select your pattern, purchase your glass (price varies), and pick up a beginner kit (discounted 10% to $169.99). If you have tools already then bring them in and we can give them a quick assessment.
- Additional supplies throughout the course will be approximately $110-$120, this includes purchases each week in class.
Class Details:
- No experience necessary – Perfect for beginners!
- All tools & materials available for purchase at Potekglass
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Bench Time(Between class sessions, students may work in the studio at a reduced studio rental rate to complete class homework)
Please note: No refunds on multi-week courses within 30 days of the start date of class
Italian Soft Glass Beadmaking
Experience the Art of Italian Soft Glass Bead Making!
Discover the joy of working with vibrant Italian soft glass as you learn to gather, shape, and decorate molten glass beads. In this beginner-friendly torchwork class, you’ll explore essential techniques for creating beautiful, handcrafted beads.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Molten Glass Gathering & Shaping – Learn to apply glass on a mandrel to form beads
✔ Surface Decoration Techniques – Master dot stacking, stringer application, and layering
✔ Hands-On Creations – Expect to make 6 to 8 beads depending on your work style
Class Details:
- No experience necessary – Perfect for beginners!
- All materials and tools provided – Glass & student tool kit rental included
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Torch Use
Join us and explore the art of Italian soft glass bead making!
Glass Menagerie Tortoise
Experience the Art of Glass Menagerie!
Discover the sculptural potential of Borosilicate glass, an American hard glass infused with boron for added strength and versatility. Glass Menagerie is a series of beginner classes as an introduction to sculpture on the torch. In this beginner-friendly torchwork class, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating shapes into smaller animal sculptures. Students will use color and clear rods in this class.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Difference between Seals & Punties – Learn how to control hot glass with precision
✔ How to Read the Heat on a Gather
✔ How to Use Hot Glass Tools
✔ Importance of Heating Out Tool Marks
✔ How to Work With and Strike Boro Colors!
Class Details:
- No experience necessary – Perfect for beginners!
- All materials and tools provided – Glass & student tool kit rental included
- This class certifies you for our Open Studio Rental: Torch Use
Come explore the exciting world of Borosilicate glass in this Try-iT! class!
Working on Edge with Joe Ring
Take your fusing technique to the next level!
Join us for this advanced fusing class–perfect for the glass artist looking to expand their existing fusing knowledge.
In this two-day class, students will choose a mold (maximum mold size of 14" x 14") to make a glass plate with a dichroic decorative edge. This unique design technique is created by an assembly of layered glass strips. Joe will show you all the tips and tricks to make your project successful. Example projects that utilize relevant techniques will be on view before receiving instruction on how to apply those techniques to your own project in class.
Intermediate and advanced student class: glass cutting experience required & prior fusing experience highly recommended
(Taking our Kiln Try-iT! class is a great way to become eligible for intermediate fusing classes!)
Instructor: Joe Ring
Joe has over 50 years of experience in glass – come learn tips and tricks for glass cutting from a pro!
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Learn how to utilize the Flying Beetle System to accurately cut glass strips and other design elements
✔ Discover how to use bricks and dams
✔ Create a unique fusing design utilizing a combination of confetti, ribbons, frit, and glass strips
✔ Basic lapidary and wet saw procedures
(This class certifies you for our Coldworking Station at Potekglass)
Required Supplies (Purchase Before Class):
(All required supplies are available for purchase or rent at Potekglass)
- Glass Cutter
- Running Pliers
- Grozing Pliers
- 90 COE Glass (sheets, confetti, stringers, ribbons)
Provided Supplies:
- Flying Beetle System
- Fusing cradle
- Mold choice
- Dichroic glass for plate edges (all other glass must be purchased in advance by student)
Discounted Supplies:
The cost of class registration covers students’ use of a fusing cradle and a Flying Beetle Bit system. These supplies are also available at a discounted rate if purchased before the start of class.
- Flying Beetle System: $137.95 (10% Discount)
- 20” x 12” Fusing Cradle: $120.00 (10% Discount)
This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Bench Time
(Between class sessions, students may return to the studio for a reduced studio rental rate to complete class homework such as cutting class or grinding glass edges)
Please note: No refunds on multi-week courses 30 days or less prior to the start date of class.
Kiln Class: Fusing and Slumping
Create Stunning Kiln-Formed Glass!
Explore the art of fusing and slumping glass in this beginner-friendly kiln class. Over three hours, you’ll learn the fundamentals of glass shaping and kilnwork while designing your own 5" x 5" glass tile, which will be slumped into a functional catch-all dish.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Cutting Patterns from Sheet Glass – Shape and arrange glass pieces
✔ Making & Using Frit – Experiment with crushed glass to add texture
✔ Combining Glass Formats – Explore layers and colors in fusing
✔ Fusing & Slumping in the Kiln – Bring your design to life with heat
Class Details:
- No experience necessary – Perfect for beginners!
- All materials and tools provided – Glass & student tool kit rental included
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Kiln Use
Join us and explore the endless creative possibilities of kiln-formed glass!
Wild Color Mosaic Pet Portrait with Erin Ward
Learn the Art of Mosaic Glass!
Instructor: Erin Ward
A seasoned glass artist and sculptor from River Falls, WI, Erin brings over a decade of mosaic expertise to this workshop. Specializing in pet portraits, Erin also creates landscapes and large-scale outdoor mosaics. Her work has earned accolades such as a Blue Ribbon at the 2019 Minnesota State Fair for her portrait of Babe the Blue Ox, with recent installations in Roseville, MN, and Sioux Falls, SD.
Class Overview:
Join this three-day workshop to create an abstracted and boldly colored glass mosaic based on a photograph of your pet or an animal of choice. Under the guidance of Erin Ward, an experienced glass artist, you’ll explore the nuances of color, line, and shape as you bring your subject to life in mosaic form. Over three sessions, you’ll learn how to prepare the mosaic base, cut and shape the glass using a variety of scoring knives, glue pieces into place, and grout the final piece. Please note, this class will have homework, students will need to complete glasswork during the week between classes.
Preparation:
Once you're registered for the class, please check your email for more information. You will select and email your photo to Erin Ward two weeks prior to the class (please check your spam folder if you did not recieve an email with Erin's contact information after signing up for the class). Erin will review your image and may offer suggestions based on her expertise to help achieve the best results. A wooden base, sized 10” x 10” or 8” x 10”, will be provided, with a custom outline of your pet based on the photo you submit.
Required Supplies: Available for Purchase at Potekglass
- Glass nippers
- Small bottle of Weldbond glue
- Bright, opaque glass pieces
- Scoring knife and running pliers
- Black grout
Additional Recommended Supplies:
- Eye protection (available in-shop or bring your own)
- Tweezers
- A sturdy box or container to safely transport your work
- Small containers with lids to organize and store glass pieces
This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Bench Time
(Between class sessions, students may return to the studio for a reduced studio rental rate to complete class homework such as grinding glass edges)
***No refunds on multi-week courses within 30 days of the start date***
Panel Lamp Class
Enter the World of 3-D Stained Glass Creation!
Take your stained glass skills to the next level with this 4-week intermediate course. Learn how to create a multi-sided panel lamp shade using the Tiffany copper-foil method. Class is 2 hours each week for 4-weeks, with the majority of your project finished as homework outside of class.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Understanding 3-D Stained Glass Creation - Using the Copper-Foil Method
✔ Learn Techniques for Successful Lamp Shade Construction - Pattern Preparation, Set-Up and Creation of Multiple Lamp Panels, Assembly of Multi-Sided Lamp Shade
Cost: $115, plus the cost of glass, tools, and supplies
Class Details:
- Pattern Selection – Choose your own design (with no crown and no skirt) and bring 2 copies of your pattern to your first day of class. Pattern books are available for purchase in our store.
- Pattern Consultation – Stop by before the first class to discuss your design and pick out your glass.
- Materials Required (Available for purchase at Potekglass):Foil pattern shearsGlass for your shade panelsGlass cutter & breaking toolsSoldering iron and stand (adjustable temperature or with a rheostat)Other needed supplies/materials will be discussed in class
Completion of Beginning Stained Glass (or equivalent experience) is required
Please Note: No refunds on multi-week courses within 30 days of the start date
Halloween Special: Little Monsters
Learn Sculpture and Powder Application!
**Intermediate Class - Prior Torchwork Experience Required**
Gather your friends for a ghoulish good time this Halloween season! Capture the ghostly spirit and create little monster pendants and glow-in-the-dark beads. Learn to create your own glow-in-the-dark rod and manipulate larger gathers for sculptural endeavors. Focus for these mini-misfits will be Glo-powder and Thompson Enamel application/techniques, basic sculpture color striking, and annealing.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Molten Glass Gathering & Shaping – Learn to apply glass on a mandrel to form larger beads
✔ Surface Decoration Techniques – Learn sculptural tooling, stringer application, and develop your dot pattern technique
✔ Hands-On Creations – Expect to make 2 to 3 little monster pendants and 3 to 6 glow-in-the-dark beads depending on your work style
✔ Annealing – Learn how to cool down your glass pieces without breaking them
Class Details:
- Intermediate Class – prior torchwork experience required (No glass experience? Just Try-iT! We recommend our Potekglass Try-iT! Italian Soft Glass Class as a prerequisite)
- All materials and tools provided – glass & student tool kit rental included
- This class certifies you for our Open Studio Rental: Torch Use
- Projects need to be annealed and can be picked-up within the week
Please Note: No refunds on courses within 8 days of the start date
Basics from Boron
Try Your Hand at Borosilicate Glasswork!
Discover the sculptural potential of Borosilicate glass, an American hard glass infused with boron for added strength and versatility. In this beginner-friendly torchwork class, you'll learn essential techniques to gather, blend, and shape molten glass while creating your own unique pieces.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Gathering & Shaping Molten Glass – Learn how to control hot glass with precision
✔ Sculptural Bending & Twisting – Experiment with shaping and movement
✔ Hands-On Projects:
- Small Paperweight – Master controlled gathers
- Icicle Ornament – Smash and twirl molten glass
- Glass Blown Figure – Introduction to small-scale glassblowing
Class Details:
- No experience necessary – Perfect for beginners!
- All materials and tools provided – Glass & student tool kit rental included
- This class certifies you for our Open Studio Rental: Torch Use
Come explore the exciting world of Borosilicate glass in this Try-iT! class!
Stained Glass Leaded Window
Master the Art of Traditional Leaded Stained Glass!
Take your stained glass skills to the next level with this 4-week intermediate course. Learn the classic lead came technique to design and construct a beautiful stained glass window using traditional methods. Class is 2 hours each week for 4-weeks, with the majorirty of your project finished as homework outside of class.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Understanding Lead Came Construction – Pattern Preparation, Set-Up and Assembly of a Lead Came Window
✔ Soldering & Reinforcement
✔ Puttying & Finishing
Cost: $115, plus the cost of glass, tools, and supplies
Class Details:
- Pattern Selection – Choose your own design no larger than 24" x 24" with 34 pieces or fewer (straight lines & curves) and bring 2 copies of your pattern to the first day of class
- Pattern Consultation – Stop by before the first class to discuss your design and pick out your glass
- Materials Required (Available for purchase at Potekglass):Lead pattern shearsGlass for your windowGlass cutter & breaking toolsLead dykes and/or lead knifeSoldering iron and stand (adjustable temperature or with a rheostat)Other needed supplies/materials will be discussed in class
Completion of Beginning Stained Glass (or equivalent experience) is required
Please Note: No refunds on multi-week courses within 30 days of the start date
Glass Casting I: Relief Sculpture Workshop with Chad Holliday
Join us for “Thick & Thin, Light & Dark,” a 4-day, two-weekend workshop that offers a truly rare opportunity to explore the fascinating world of glass casting with world-renowned visiting artist Chad Holliday. This is the first in a series of 4 classes, that Potekglass will host over the next year.
In this transformative introductory course, students will work with solid transparent forms, discovering how varying glass surfaces and thicknesses can create dynamic relief sculptures. Learn firsthand how glass uniquely holds and conducts light in ways that other materials simply cannot.
Beginning with basic drawings, you’ll transform your concepts into clay models and then build professional hand-crafted molds. Chad will guide you every step of the way, from mold-making to refining your castings through cold working. Learn essential glass casting techniques like measuring mold volumes and annealing glass.
This workshop is not just a class but an immersive creative experience that will deepen your skills and understanding of this captivating art medium.
What You’ll Learn
- Modeling Clay: Turn drawings into 3D clay models
- Mold Making: Build professional, hand-crafted molds for kiln firing
- Glass Casting Techniques: Measure mold volumes and anneal glass for perfect results
- Cold Working: Refine your cast glass sculptures for a polished finish
- Studio Practices & Safety: Essential studio guidelines and safety practices
About Chad Holliday
Chad Holliday is an internationally recognized glass artist with over 20 years of experience in glass sculpture, casting, and metal fabrication. He has taught and exhibited around the world, including a Fulbright Award teaching tenure at the Secondary School of Glassmaking in Kamenicky Senov, the oldest glass school in the world.
Chad’s work is housed in prestigious collections, including The Museum of Glass in Tacoma and The Museum of Applied Arts in Prague. Chad has held esteemed roles such as Director of Studio Operations at Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Art, Visiting Assistant Professor of Glass at Hastings College, and Associate Professor at West Texas A&M University. His deep expertise, combined with a passion for teaching, makes this an exceptional opportunity to learn glass casting from one of the best.
Totem Shadow Box Lamp
**Intermediate Class - Prior Stained Glass Experience Required**
Learn the Ins and Outs of Light Boxes!
In this 4-week intermediate level course you will be guided through all of the steps to create your own 4" x 14" shadow box lamp. You will get a refresher on cutting glass, learn some trade tips for working with small pieces, and how to prep & wire your own shadow box. The shadow box will be provied to you as part of your class purchase. Please note: this class will have 1-3 hours of homework between classes each week.
Instructor: Abby Kosberg
Abby Kosberg is a St. Paul-based stained & fused glass artist with 5 years of glass experience and another 10 years of experience in painting & printmaking. See her work online @ThePampledMousse or abby.kosberg.com/stained-glass
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Pattern Selection – Select 3 totem block patterns before the start of class
✔ Glass Cutting & Grinding – Refresher on glass cutting & grinding
✔ Foiling – Focusing on small pieces using the Copper Foil Method
✔ Soldering – Adding details with wire & foil to save time by cutting less glass
✔ Framing & Finishing – Learn how to wire & assemble your own shadowboxes
Before the First Class:
- Potek staff will email you one week prior to class so you can select 3 totem block patterns before the start of class. You are welcome to come into the studio and pick out your glass beforehand but this is not required; please be aware that your glass cannot be heavily textured or it will not fit into your shadow box base (standard 3mm art glass is recommended).
Class Details:
- Intermediate Class – prior stained glass experience required (i.e. our Beginning Stained Glass Class or equivalent as a prerequisite)
- Materials & tools available for purchase at PotekglassStudents will need their own glass cutting tools (equalivilant to our Beginner Kit) & glass (grinders are available to use at Potekglass)Project specific supplies are included in the class price (shadow box & lighting are provided)
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Bench Time(Between class sessions, students may work in the studio at a reduced studio rental rate to complete class homework)
Please note: No refunds on multi-week courses within 30 days of the start date of class
Stained Glass Jewelry Box
**Intermediate Class - Prior Stained Glass Experience Required**
Create a One-of-a-Kind Stained Glass Jewelry Box!
Take your stained glass skills to the next level in this intermediate-level workshop. Over three sessions, you’ll design and construct a stunning, three-dimensional jewelry box with the glass of your choice. Add an extra touch of elegance with optional bevels for a sparkling finish—perfect as a gift or keepsake!
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Design & Layout – Plan your jewelry box with precision
✔ Foil & Soldering Techniques – Lead to edge-solder to give your box a professional appearance
✔ Three-Dimensional Construction – Assemble and refine your piece
✔ Final Steps – Add chain, feet, then neutralize and polish your piece for lasting beauty
Class Details:
- Intermediate Class – prior stained glass experience required (i.e. our Beginning Stained Glass Class or equivalent as a prerequisite)
- Materials & tools available for purchase at PotekglassStudents will need their own glass cutting tools (equalivilant to our Beginner Kit)Students will need to purchase their own glass (1 square foot of your choice) & three 1½” bevels (optional for added sparkle)
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Bench Time(Between class sessions, students may work in the studio at a reduced studio rental rate to complete class homework)
Please note: No refunds on multi-week courses within 30 days of the start date of class
Colorful Falling Leaves
**Intermediate Class - Prior Torchwork Experience Required**
Learn Techniques and Tricks to Striking Boro Color!
As the atmosphere changes and the leaves transform in color, so too does the striking palate of this American hardglass Borosilicate. Create a pile of one-of-a-kind leaf pendants using striking & reactive glass! Focus will be on the flame's atmosphere and gas mix to achieve beautiful colors with boroscilicate glass. We will go over sculpting skills as we hand press with patterned molds to create lines and stunning pressed glass leaves. Then we will create movement in the glass by reading the heat in a body of glass to achieve a flowing "falling leaf" effect.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Gathering & Shaping Molten Glass – Learn how to control hot glass with precision
✔ Hand Press Mold & Sculpting – Practice basic sculpting skills with your leaf press
✔ Loops & Bails – Finish your leaves with loops/bails to create a pendant
✔ Hands-On Creations – Expect to make 5 to 6 leaves depending on your work style
Class Details:
- Intermediate Class – prior torchwork experience required (No glass experience? Just Try-iT! We recommend our Potekglass Try-iT! Basics from Boron Class as a prerequisite although any Torchwork Try-iT! Class will do!)
- Materials and tools provided & available for purchase at Potekglass – glass & student tool kit rental included (students will need to purchase their own leaf press)
- This class certifies you for our Open Studio Rental: Torch Use
- Projects need to be annealed and can be picked-up within the week
Please Note: No refunds on Try-iT! courses within 8 days of the start date
Cracking the Kiln Code: Fusing & Slumping
Come crack the kiln code!
In this 4-week survey course, students will explore the dynamic range of glass kiln work as they create a variety of glass projects including bowls, tiles, and small sculptures. Malcom will instruct on various techniques for creating fused glass pieces, and incorporating pattern bars. No experience necessary.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Gain a Foundational Knowledge of Kilnformed Glass – Learn various techniques from tackfire to fusing, slumping, and basic mold making
✔ Practice Various Techniques – Including incorporating pattern bars
✔ Produce Your Own Heating Schedule – Through learning about glass flow
✔ Create a Variety of Glass Projects – Including bowls, tiles, and small sculptures
Supplies:
Glass, tools, and other supplies are not included, but are available for purchase at Potekglass. Additional class cost for glass, tools, and supplies will range from $120 - $500 depending on glass selection. Reach out for more information!
Please note: No refunds on multi-week courses 30 days or less prior to the start date of class.
Stained Glass Succulents and Water Lilies
Create Beautiful Stained-Glass Succulents or Water Lilies! 🌸
Join us for a fun, hands-on class where you'll learn 3D stained-glass techniques. Perfect for adding unique, no-maintenance plants and flowers to your home! Here's what to expect:
- Duration: Each session is 2.5 hours
- Projects: Make 2 succulents or water lilies while learning decorative soldering, edge soldering, and 3D construction
- Supplies: Bring or purchase glass and tools (see "Items to bring" below*)
- Level: Intermediate (Beginning Stained Glass required)
*Items to bring or purchase at Potekglass:
- Glass cutting tools
- A black marker
- 7/32" silver backed foil
- 50/50 solder and soldering equipment (iron/stand/flux/sponge)
- A homasote board
- 1/2 - 1 square foot of glass per project
Please Note: No refunds on multi-week courses within 30 days of the start date
Try-iT! Glass Menagerie Fish
Experience the Art of Glass Menagerie!
Discover the sculptural potential of Borosilicate glass, an American hard glass infused with boron for added strength and versatility. Glass Menagerie is a series of beginner classes as an introduction to sculpture on the torch. In this beginner-friendly torchwork class, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating shapes into smaller animal sculptures. Students will use color and clear rods in this class.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Difference between Seals & Punties – Learn how to control hot glass with precision
✔ How to Read the Heat on a Gather
✔ How to Use Hot Glass Tools
✔ Importance of Heating Out Tool Marks
✔ How to Work With and Strike Boro Colors!
Class Details:
- No experience necessary – Perfect for beginners!
- All materials and tools provided – Glass & student tool kit rental included
- This class certifies you for our Open Studio Rental: Torch Use
Please Note: No refunds on Try-iT! courses within 8 days of the start date
Lines & Dots! Italian Soft Glass
Master the Art of Italian Glass Beadmaking!
Immerse yourself in the world of Effetre Italian soft glass as you learn the fundamentals of bead shaping and intricate decorative techniques. Over four weeks, you’ll develop essential torch skills while creating stunning beads with dots, scrollwork, filigrana, and silver foil accents.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ Shaping Fundamentals – Rondels, spheres, cylinders, bi-cones & tapered forms
✔ Decorative Techniques – Raised scrolls, line work, filigrana, & silver foil embellishments
✔ Precision & Control – How to manipulate molten glass with confidence
Class Details:
- Effetre Italian soft glass & tool kits provided
- Students will purchase additional glass during class
- Intermediate Class: prior torch experience required (such as our Potekglass Try-iT! Glass Torch Class)
Expand your skills and create one-of-a-kind designs in Italian soft glass!
Glass on Glass Mosaic Class with Erin Ward
Create Stunning Glass-on-Glass Mosaics!
Join award-winning mosaic artist Erin Ward for an immersive two-session workshop exploring the art of glass-on-glass mosaics. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, this class will guide you through the process of designing, cutting, and assembling a custom glass mosaic.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Mosaic Design Fundamentals – Explore color, layout, and pattern techniques
✔ Glass Cutting & Assembly – Use nippers and other tools to shape your pieces
✔ Adhesion & Finishing – Secure your design and prepare for optional grouting
✔ Personalized Glass Artwork – Complete a custom 8x10 glass mosaic piece
What to Bring:
🔹 8x10 shadowbox frame (with real glass insert)
🔹 Glass nippers, Weldbond glue, and bright opaque glass
🔹 Containers for storing glass pieces
🔹 Optional tools: Pistol grip cutter, running pliers, tweezers, black acrylic paint, eye protection, and grout (available for purchase at Potekglass).
Class Details:
- Two 3-hour sessions – Hands-on instruction with expert guidance
- Class size: 3-8 participants for an intimate learning experience
- Supplies available for purchase at Potekglass
Join us for this creative journey and bring your vision to life with glass!
Fused Agate Project
Create Your Own Stunning Glass "Agates"!
Join us for a fun, hands-on glass fusing adventure, where you’ll design and assemble vibrant, layered glass pieces inspired by the beauty of natural agates. Over three sessions, you’ll bring your own colorful glass agate design to life, crafting a stunning plate or standing sculpture.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Designing Agate-Inspired Patterns – Learn to layer and arrange colors
✔ Create Agates – Break and fire your fused glass pieces to create glass agates
✔ Assemble your Final Project – Cut base glass layers and arrange your agates to your desired effect
✔ Final Presentation Options – Choose between a flat plate or a sculptural piece
Who Can Join?
🔹 Perfect for beginners! No prior fusing experience is required.
🔹 Basic glass-cutting skills helpful, but not necessary.
Class Details:
- Glass purchase required – Students select and buy materials for their unique project.
- Kiln firings & mold rentals are included in the class price.
Unleash your creativity and craft a one-of-a-kind fused glass agate masterpiece!
Designing Custom Sheets
Create Your Own Custom Fused Glass Sheets!
In this 4-week hands-on workshop, you'll explore advanced glass fusing techniques to create one-of-a-kind kiln-formed vessels. Strengthen your technical skills, expand your design capabilities, and experiment with frits, powders, stringers, and accessory glasses to produce custom sheets and components. These elements will then be cut and reassembled into a beautiful slumped vessel.
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Glass Fusing Techniques – Explore striking and reactive colors in the kiln
✔ Custom Sheet Production – Design and create your own unique fused glass sheets
✔ Component Cutting & Assembly – Shape and arrange fused pieces into a final design
✔ Slumping & Coldworking – Transform your fused glass into a finished vessel
Class Details:
- Glass cutting experience required
- Kiln firings & mold rentals included in the class price
- Coldworking tools provided for finishing touches
Student Supplies:
🔹 Glass purchase required
🔹 Students will be expected to have their own tools
🔹 A full supply list will be provided upon enrollment
***Available for purchase at Potekglass if needed***
No refunds on multi-week courses within 30 days of the start date
Expand your fused glass skills and create stunning, personalized glass sheets!
Mastering the Art of Glass Cutting with Joe Ring
Master the Art of Glass Cutting!
Join us for this skills class–perfect for the beginner as well as the more advanced glass crafter who may have already taken classes in stained glass, glass fusing or mosaics but would like to develop better glass cutting skills. These skills can save the crafter a lot of glass, money, and frustration.
This all-day class will open with an overview of all the different types of hand tools available, so the student understands what tools are best for their glass work. The hands-on part of the class will begin with how to hold the glass cutter to make free-hand straight cuts and then moving on to using a straight edge.
Instructor: Joe Ring
Joe has a wealth of experience in glass – come learn tips and tricks for glass cutting from a pro!
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Learn how to use the Flying Beetle System for cutting accurate strips, squares, rectangles, and diamonds.
✔ Discover the best glass cutting tools and techniques required to cut the four most difficult shape patterns in glass.
✔ Learn how to cut a perfect circle out of a square of art glass.
Cost: $215, plus the cost of glass cutting tools (glass included)
Required Supplies:
- Tools: Not included – Glass cutter, running pliers, and breaking pliers (available for purchase or rent from Potekglass)
- Glass: Included – A generous supply of glass for practice cutting will be provided for each student.
After Class:
We are offering a free video demonstration from Joe Ring to all his students that participate in this workshop. You will have a reference for what you learned from class forever!
Digital Stained/Fused Glass Patterns Tablets
Learn How to Create Patterns on Any Tablet!
In this 3-hour workshop, students will be guided through a follow-along style demonstration where they will learn how to translate their ideas into digital drawings and then on to glass. We’ll also cover how to use basic drawing software, how to create proofs using actual pictures of glass, and how to incorporate vinyl patterns into their process.
Note: You do not need any drawing experience–digitally or on paper–to take this course! The first section of the workshop will be geared towards understanding the pros and cons of various drawing softwares to help students make a decision that’s right for their process and budget. Students can bring their own tablet/stylus/drawing software or choose to follow along without one.
The instructor will be using Adobe Fresco on an iPad 4 to demonstrate.
Instructor: Abby Kosberg
Abby Kosberg is a St. Paul-based stained & fused glass artist with 5 years of glass experience and another 10 years of experience in painting & printmaking. See her work online or stop in the studio to see her new work hanging from our window! (Abby's artwork is available for purchase at Potekglass)
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Drawing Software Basics – How to use all of the glass-relevant features of your software
✔ Stained/Fused Glass Pattern Basics – Learn to simplify images into glass patterns
✔ How to Build Proofs – Learn how to insert real glass pictures into your patterns to better choose glass for your projects
✔ How to Make & Use Vinyl Patterns – Learn all about how and when you might want to incorporate vinyl sticker patterns into your process
Class Details:
- No experience necessary – Perfect for beginners!
- If you would like to follow along with your instructor, you will need a tablet/iPad stylus, and your preferred drawing app but this is not required (students can use a laptop + Adobe illustrator if they want as well)Drawing apps need the following functions:Masking layersAbility to set a specific canvas sizeAbility to draw in layersAbility to change drawing line weightYou are welcome to bring a notebook & pencil if you choose to skip the digital option while sitting in on this class
Fused Glass Candle Holders
Expand Your Fusing Knowledge this Holiday Season!
Join us for this intermediate fusing class–perfect for the glass artist looking to expand their existing fusing knowledge.
In this one-day class, you'll explore glass fusing and slumping techniques to create one-of-a-kind kiln-formed candle holders. Strengthen your technical skills, expand your design capabilities, and experiment with accessory glass to produce your own handmade 8" x 8" glass tile. The glass tile will then be slumped into a functional candle holder for you to pick up within the next week. Join us at Potekglass this winter to create a beautiful hand-crafted holiday present for yourself or your loved ones!
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Practice Cutting Skills – Review your cutting skills & learn some tips
✔ Using Accessory Glass – Create a unique fusing design utilizing a combination of frit, stringers, and ribbons
✔ Combining Glass Formats – Explore layers and learn how to use striking & reactive glass in fusing
✔ Fusing & Slumping in the Kiln – Bring your design to life with heat!
***Expect to make 1-2 candle holders depending on your work style***
Required Supplies (can purchase in class):
(All required supplies are available for purchase or rent at Potekglass)
- Glass Cutter
- Running Pliers
- Grozing Pliers
- Students will need to purchase their own ThinFire Shelf Paper
- 90 COE Glass (2 Bullseye 10" x 10" sheets & extra colored glass)Students will need their choice of colors for Frit, Stringers, & Ribbons
Class Details:
- Intermediate Class – prior fusing experience required (No glass experience? Just Try-iT! We recommend our Potekglass as a prerequisite although any fusing experience will do!)
- Student tool box rental kits cost $15 per session if needed
- A candle is included in the cost of this class for your candle holders!
- Kiln Firing & Mold Rentals are included in the price of this class
- Projects need to be fused in the kiln and can be picked-up the following week
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Kiln Use
Santa’s Workshop: Holiday Fused Ornament-Making Class
Celebrate the Season with Creativity at Potekglass’s Santa’s Workshop!
This festive class is perfect for crafting unique, handmade ornaments that will bring joy to you, your family, and friends! In this 3-hour class, you’ll learn how to create fun ornament designs. Our instructors will guide you through the ornament-making process, making it easy and fun for beginners. After the initial hour of instruction, it's time for the elves to get to work to create as many additional ornaments as possible with the remaining class time. With our spacious studio and large, beautiful kilns, Santa’s Workshop is a rare and special offering to celebrate the holidays creatively!
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Cutting Patterns from Sheet Glass – Shape and arrange glass pieces
✔ Intro to Frit & Stringers – Add embelishments with accessory glass
✔ Basics of Fused Glass – Explore layers and colors in fusing
✔ Fusing & Slumping in the Kiln – Bring your design to life with heat!
***Expect to make 4-6 Ornaments depending on your work style***
Class Details:
- No experience necessary – Perfect for beginners!
- All materials and tools provided – Glass & student tool kit rental included
- Projects need to be fused in the kiln and can be picked-up the following week
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Kiln Use
Holiday Speical: Fused Snowflake Ornament
Join us for this intermediate fusing class–perfect for the glass artist looking to expand their existing fusing knowledge.
In this one-day class, you'll explore glass fusing and slumping techniques to create beautiful, handmade snowflakes. Strengthen your cutting skills, learn how to use geometry to create a design, and experiment with accessory glass to produce your own uniquely crafted 5 inch glass snowflake. Once completed, the glass snowflake will then be fused in the kiln for you to pick up within the next week. Join us at Potekglass this winter to create a stunning hand-crafted holiday present for yourself or your loved ones!
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Practice Cutting Skills – Review your cutting skills & learn some tips
✔ Learn How to Create a Jig – Cut glass from a pattern
✔ Using Accessory Glass – Add embellishments to create texture using frit
✔ Combining Glass Formats – Explore layers and colors in fusing
✔ Fusing in the Kiln – Bring your design to life with heat!
***Expect to make 2-3 snowflakes depending on your work style***
Required Supplies (can purchase in class):
(All required supplies are available for purchase or rent at Potekglass)
- Glass Cutter
- Running Pliers
- Grozing Pliers
- Students will need to purchase their own ThinFire Shelf Paper
- 90 COE Glass - Students can choose any Bullseye glass colors but recommend clear/iridescent glass and colored embellishmentsNeed Bullseye 10 x 10s of each color you choose
Class Details:
- Intermediate Class – prior fusing experience required (No glass experience? Just Try-iT! We recommend our Potekglass as a prerequisite although any fusing experience will do!)
- Student tool box rental kits cost $15 per session if needed
- Kiln Firing & Mold Rentals are included in the price of this class
- Projects need to be fused in the kiln and can be picked-up the following week
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Kiln Use
Holiday Special: Try-iT! Icicles, Dewdrops, and Pine Trees
Create Your Own Handmade Glass Ornaments!
Discover the sculptural potential of Borosilicate glass, an American hard glass infused with boron for added strength and versatility. In this beginner-friendly torchwork class, you'll learn essential techniques to gather, bend, and shape molten glass while creating your own unique pieces. Students will work with clear and colored glass in this class. Perfect as seasonal decorations or handmade gifts this holiday season!
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Gathering & Shaping Molten Glass – Learn how to read the heat in hot glass
✔ Sculptural Bending & Twisting – Experiment with shaping, stretching, and puntying
✔ Loops & Bails – Finish your ornaments with loops/bails
✔ Hands-On Creations:
- Delicate Icicles
- Sparkling Dewdrops
- Charming Pine Trees
***Expect to make 3-5 ornaments depending on your work style***
Holiday Special: Stained Glass Poinsettia
**Intermediate Class - Prior Stained Glass Experience Required**
Create Your Own Stained Glass Poinsettia!
In this 2-session, intermediate level class you will be guided through all of the steps to create your own Stained Glass Poinsettia! You will get a refresher on accurately cutting glass, grinding, & foiling. Using the Copper Foil Method students will learn decorative and edge soldering, along with 3D project construction. Break out of the world of 2D construction & assemble a multi-planed poinsettia this holiday season at Potekglass!
What You’ll Learn & Create:
✔ Glass Cutting, Grinding & Foiling – Refresher on these stained glass techniques
✔ Soldering – Refresher on soldering & learn decorative and edge soldering
✔ 3D Project Construction
***Expect to make 1 poinsettia during this two session class***
Class Details (Can Be Purchased During Class):
- Intermediate Class – prior stained glass experience required (i.e. our Beginning Stained Glass Class or equivalent as a prerequisite)
- Materials & tools available for purchase at PotekglassStudents will need their own glass cutting tools (equalivilant to our Beginner Kit)Students will need to purchase their own glass (approximately half a square foot of glass)Yellow Jewel (Center Part) is included in the cost of the classSilver Back Copper Foil Required50/50 Solder Required
- This class certifies you for Open Studio Rental: Bench Time