For the 2nd year in a row Maker Festivals has partnered with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsman to offer Glass Flamework classes to our community. All of these classes will take place at the Guild's studio located at 335 N Queen St, about a 10 minute walk from the Convention Center.

To register for these classes please click the button(s) below.  You will leave our site and be taken to the PA Guilds website to complete registration and payment.

Most of the classes below are limited to 6 students, and will sell out quickly.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Flameworked Starry Night Pendants with Phil Hackman
10:30 am - 1:30 pm l $140 per student - includes all materials

Create your own unique Starry Night pendant through flameworking! Students in this workshop will be guided through the process of forming multiple Starry Night pendants utilizing an interesting color palette and design options. The movement and nature of melting and shaping solid glass into a recognizable form will be a primary and enriching focus of this class, with the result being a great time and handmade pieces that you can be proud of!


This workshop is entirely approachable from a beginner-level perspective and those with some experience behind the torch will benefit from it as well. Participants should each expect to make at least 2 pendants.

Flameworked Glass Suncatchers with Phil Hackman
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm l $140 per student - includes all materials

Learn how to create your own glass suncatchers through flameworking in this new class! Students in this workshop will be guided through the process of forming multiple glass suncatchers utilizing an interesting color palette and design options. The movement and nature of melting and shaping solid glass into a recognizable form will be a primary and enriching focus of this class, with the result being a great time and handmade pieces that you can be proud of!


This workshop is entirely approachable from a beginner-level perspective and those with some experience behind the torch will benefit from it as well. Participants should each expect to make at least 2 suncatchers.

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Soft Glass Flameworking: Plant Stake Mushrooms with Ilene Schenkel
10:30 am - 1:00 pm l $140 per student - includes all materials

Flameworking with soft glass, you will start with a basic barrel shape, add and shape glass mushroom caps, and then apply some creative designs to the cap and base with your choice of colors. Add these adorable 9-11” handcrafted plant stakes to liven up your potted plants or fairy gardens!


Please avoid wearing synthetic fabrics. All materials are included in the tuition. Your beads will need to be annealed overnight. They will be available to pick up from the Guild within 2 days of the class.

Flameworking Glass: Individual Session with Phil Hackman
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm OR 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm l $250 per student - includes all materials

Flameworking with soft glass, you will start with a basic barrel shape, add and shape glass mushroom caps, and then apply some creative designs to the cap and base with your choice of colors. Add these adorable 9-11” handcrafted plant stakes to liven up your potted plants or fairy gardens!


Please avoid wearing synthetic fabrics. All materials are included in the tuition. Your beads will need to be annealed overnight. They will be available to pick up from the Guild within 2 days of the class.

Friday, August 2, 2024

Flameworked Glass Cactus with Phil Hackman
10:30 am - 1:00 pm l $140 per student - includes all materials

In this class, students will learn the art of flame-working glass to create beautiful and unique cactus sculptures. Students will start by learning the basic techniques of flame-working, including safety procedures, tool handling, and glass shaping. They will then move on to creating a cactus sculpture using these techniques. Students will learn various glass manipulation techniques such as twisting, bending, and layering to create different cactus shapes and textures. They will also learn about color applications to create vibrant cacti.


The class will cover the use of torches, hand tools, and other flame-working equipment. Students will have access to the necessary tools and materials, including glass rods, torches, kilns, and safety gear. By the end of the class, students will have a beautiful, unique glass cactus sculpture to take home and display. They will also have gained valuable skills and knowledge in the art of flame-working glass that they can use to create other glass sculptures in the future.

Intro to Sculpting Glass with Phil Hackman
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm l $140 per student - includes all materials

Students will be led to address the common techniques to create and issues involved with beginner level sculpting of borosilicate glass. We'll draw from a variety
of forms in application using the characteristics of each to hone in on a technical and aesthetic understanding of the processes. For the thought trajectory involved to create free form to organic replicas in glass there will be coverage of the skills necessary to practice ongoing, some note taking will be helpful but not mandatory.

This workshop is designed to be approachable to a true beginner, but the subject matter covered can and will be adapted to any given students skill level. A grasp on controlled fluidity will be attained within the workshop.

Frit Glass Beaded Pendants with Jessica Keemer
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm l $140 per student - includes all materials

Make a Frit Glass Pendants and add your strung beads from Bead Fest to make a complete one-of-a-kind necklace! Join us for a dynamic and inspiring experience where craftsmanship meets creativity, and your artistic expression is taken to new heights.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Beginner Flameworked Glass Beads with Jessica Keemer
10:30 am - 1:30 pm l $165 per student - includes all materials

Unlock the captivating world of flame-worked glass bead making in this hands-on and engaging class designed for adults exploring this mesmerizing art form for the first time. Led by experienced instructor, Jessica Keemer, this course provides a unique opportunity to delve into the ancient craft of shaping glass with a torch to create stunning, personalized glass beads.
This class is perfect for adults with little to no experience in flame-worked glass bead making who are eager to explore their creativity in a dynamic and supportive setting.


Embark on a captivating journey into the world of flame-worked glass bead making and discover the joy of transforming molten glass into unique, wearable works of art. Join us for an immersive experience that combines craftsmanship, creativity, and community in this exciting introduction to a timeless art form.

Intermediate Flameworked Glass Beads with Jessica Keemer
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm l $165 per student - includes all materials

Elevate your flame-working skills to new heights in this Intermediate-level class tailored for adults with some prior experience in creating glass beads. This workshop delves deeper into the art of shaping molten glass, offering a rich exploration of advanced techniques, design principles, and the intricacies of working with borosilicate glass. Experiment with shaped beads such as leaf shaped beads, oblong, square, and other non-traditional beads in this fun class!