Glass Studio in Brookfield, CT
Glass rewards patience, turning heat, color, and a steady hand into something that did not exist an hour earlier.
Brookfield Craft Center's Glass Studio offers lampworking, fused glass, and stained glass instruction through short sampler workshops and longer weekend sessions, with classes ranging from a first introduction to master-level technique.
Depending on the season, you may also find specialty sessions in borosilicate glasswork or glass silkscreen.
If you have been searching for a glass studio near you, our current class listings show what's scheduled now, along with dates, formats, and experience levels.
Ways to Work With Glass
Glass is not one technique but a family of related processes, and each class usually focuses on just one of them.
Lampworking and Flamework
Lampworking uses a torch flame to heat glass rods until they soften, then shapes the glass by hand while it's workable, commonly for beads and small forms. Our studio is equipped with seven Minor torches fueled by oxygen and propane, along with an annealing kiln built for lampwork pieces.
Borosilicate Glasswork
When scheduled, these specialty sessions work with borosilicate glass, a type commonly shaped at the torch and known for its resistance to thermal shock.
Fused Glass
Fused glass involves arranging compatible pieces of glass and firing them in a kiln until they bond, sometimes followed by slumping, where a flat piece is heated over a mold to take on a curved shape. We use both tabletop kilns and larger "bathtub" kilns to support small and larger fused glass projects.
Stained Glass
Stained glass classes introduce you to building an image or pattern from individually cut pieces of colored glass, which may include cutting, grinding edges, applying copper foil, and soldering the piece together.
Glass Silkscreen and Surface Design
When scheduled, these workshops focus on adding printed imagery or pattern to glass, often paired with fused glass work before a final firing.
Find the Glass Class That Fits Your Experience
New to Glass
Introductory classes are built for students with little or no prior experience. Expect an orientation to the tools and safety procedures for that technique, instructor demonstrations, guided practice, and a manageable first project.
Returning Students
If you have taken a glass class before, later sessions can help you build heat and tool control, work with more detailed designs, and complete projects with more independence.
Advanced Students
Our glass studio also supports intermediate and advanced instruction, including more complex torchwork, detailed pattern construction, and specialty glass types for students who already have foundational experience in lampwork, stained glass, or fused glass.
Young Makers
Glass instruction for children and teens is generally offered through our seasonal Summer Youth Program rather than as a standing weekly class, since torch and kiln work calls for closer supervision. Families should check our current youth program listings for available sessions and age requirements.
Choose Your Workshop Format
Requirements differ by workshop, so check the individual course listing for:
- Sampler Workshops. A short, focused introduction to one technique or project. These sessions work well if you want to try glass for the first time, complete a small piece, or decide whether you want to continue with more advanced classes.
- Weekend Workshops. A longer format that gives you more time to practice, work through a multi-stage project, and get more detailed instruction, including kiln or annealing steps that take time to complete.
- Specialty Intensives. Rotating, technique-specific sessions that may be led by experienced or visiting instructors. Because these depend on the current schedule, review the individual listing for length, prerequisites, and project details.
Looking to bring a group together for a custom glass session, whether for a birthday, a team outing, or a private lesson? We also offer private class scheduling for individuals and groups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Classes
Can I use the Glass Studio outside a scheduled class?
Yes, through Open Studio. This is monitored, independent studio time for students and members with the skills to work without formal instruction, generally available as a single session or a discounted multi-session package. Days, times, and eligibility can change, so check our current registration schedule before planning a visit.
Who can use Open Studio, and what are the requirements?
Open Studio is reserved for current students and members who can work independently. Eligibility is limited to students who have taken a class with us in the past 18 months and to members who have reached an appropriate skill level, with a minimum age of 17 and some prior experience required. Session time must be purchased online in advance to reserve a spot.
What safety measures apply to glass classes?
Glass work involves open flame, heat, and hot materials, so appropriate eye and face protection is required for classes like lampworking. Instructors will go over the safety procedures and protective equipment needed for your specific class before you begin.
Does Brookfield Craft Center offer glass classes for children or teens?
Youth glass instruction is generally offered through our seasonal Summer Youth Program rather than as a standing class. Families should check current youth program listings for availability and age requirements.
What can I expect from a class at the Glass Studio?
Every class is a bit different depending on the technique and instructor, but most sessions include some safety orientation, a demonstration, and guided practice on a project suited to that class’s experience level. Some pieces are ready to take home right away, while others need extra time to finish. Check the individual class listing for specifics before you register.
Ready to Get Your Hands on Some Glass?
From your first wobbly lampwork bead to a fused glass piece you're finally ready to show off, there's a class here to match where you're at.
Come see what you can make.
