Description
Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
$250 per person
Limited to 4 participants ~ If all four slots are not filled at least seven days prior to the scheduled date, the class will be canceled.
It’s pumpkin season! In this workshop, you’ll experience firsthand how to make your own solid pumpkin paperweight AND hollow blown pumpkin. That’s right – each student will get two of their own pieces to bring home (after they have cooled down) from this class.
Traditional handblown glass isn’t made by one person. It takes a coordinated team of two, three, or even four people working together, each playing an important role in bringing a single piece to life. During this workshop, you’ll discover what goes into making glass pumpkins while taking part in every step of the process.
We’ll begin with a 30-minute introduction to the hot shop, safety procedures and go over color choices before watching a live demonstration where Dominique creates a pumpkin paperweight from start to finish.
Then, each participant will take a turn as the gaffer—the lead glassblower making their own pumpkin paperweight—while the rest of the class works together as the shop crew or “assistants”. Everyone will rotate through the supporting roles just as a professional glassblowing team would.
Each participant will choose one color from our soft glass color palette for their pumpkin paperweight body, and one color for their stem.
After that, we will ‘level up’ to each student blowing a larger hollow pumpkin and repeat the process again!!
Glass does need to cool down slowly in the kiln and will not be ready to take home that day.
Workshop Schedule
- 30 minutes: Introduction, safety, demonstration, and discussion
- 2 hour: Hands-on team glassblowing, with each participant taking a turn as the gaffer (approximately 15 minutes per pumpkin with each participant making two)
- Remaining time: Wrap-up, questions, and discussion
Important Information
This is an adults-only (18+) workshop. Every participant must register individually, even if attending with a spouse, partner, friend, or family member.
By registering, you acknowledge that you are voluntarily choosing to participate, understand the nature of the activities involved, and are enthusiastic about taking part in all portions of the workshop.
The workshop involves moving throughout an active glass studio, standing for portions of the class, working in a warm environment, and participating in fused glass, torch work, and hot shop activities.
Safety guidelines and attire requirements
– Safety Glasses: Required. You may bring your own or borrow a pair from us.
– Gloves: Provided for use in the hot shop.
– Attire: Closed-toe shoes, pants (knee-length or longer), and a cotton shirt without large decals; short or long sleeves are ok.
Anyone who does not meet these clothing requirements will not be able to participate in the hands-on hot shop portion of the workshop.
Please bring water and arrive well-fed and well-rested.
Because class size is limited to four participants, registrations are non-refundable and may not be rescheduled.
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Over the years, we’ve found that workshops are the most enjoyable when everyone genuinely wants to be there. This workshop involves active participation, cheering one another on, asking questions throughout the process, and spending time in all three areas of the studio. We hope you are excited to participate and look forward to having you join us.
