Book a Class
You can register for classes by simply clicking the”Book a Class” link above! For those not so tech savvy, we still like to chat on the phone, so you can always call us or stop in. For those who have our handwritten gift certificates to redeem, you’ll still have to call us. Our new online gift certificates, which we began to use mid 2021, are integrated so if there is a ‘voucher code’ you can use that to book your class online!
Our class sizes are small –typically 4 students to 2 instructors. Keeping the class size small means classes are shorter, you won’t have as much ‘down’ time and we won’t have a crowded studio. If you have a group that is larger than 4, we’d be happy to accommodate you during a 3pm class session on a Saturday (4-6 people), or book two sessions back to back for groups of 8 people. Please call us or email us so we know your group is all together, or if you need us to open up seats in a 3pm class.
Scroll down to learn about all the glass blowing classes offered, appropriate for those age 14+ and for complete beginners. Please note: ALL BLOWN GLASS MUST COOL OR ‘ANNEAL’ OVERNIGHT IN A KILN AND WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO TAKE WITH YOU. You will receive information regarding hours for pick up Tuesdays-Saturdays. We are able to ship some projects and are experienced at packing glass, however, some breakage does occasionally occur during shipping.
We have been happily teaching our love of glass for 17+ years so we book earlier and faster than ever! We appreciate all the great word of mouth, kind reviews and glass fans who keep our place buzzing!
You can book classes about six months in advance...so if you have a special occasion, guests visiting or other specific date you need to get in for a workshop our biggest advice: book way in advance! We are grateful to be so busy but also hate to disappoint, so make it a win win and plan as far ahead as you can! Classes in the hot shop can book 6-8 weeks in advance, especially for Saturday sessions, and often even further out during glass pumpkin season (late August – November) We will open registration for the glass pumpkin class on June 5th of 2023.
Want creative fun but our glass blowing classes are full? Check out our glass fusing studio!
https://hotshopglass.com/glass-fusing/
OUR CANCELLATION POLICY : You may reschedule your session or receive a credit if you give us at least two weeks notice.* This includes a reduction in the number of people in your group. We will offer you a refund only if we can fill the space with a student on our waiting list. Because of the nature of our business and small class sizes we are unable to guarantee refunds or offer rescheduling with less than one week notice. Thank you for your understanding.
We recommend making your reservations as far in advance as possible. . . we are a popular place and when we are booked, we are booked! We sometimes have last minute openings, so be sure to try us if you’d like to take a class last minute! Click on the ‘Book A Class’ button to see availability.
If you have questions, aren’t tech savvy or have a GIFT CERTIFICATE, please call us 262.833.00950 email info@hotshopglass.com to make a reservation.
Payment is due at time of registration for all of our classes.
Glass Blowing Classes
Held Tuesday & Thursday evenings – one hour sessions at 6pm and 7:30pm
Saturdays at 10am, 11:30, 1:30 and 3pm.
Explore Glass Workshop — Make a Paperweight or an Ornament!
Our ‘flagship’ Glass Blowing class since 2005! A great hands on, interactive glass experience. Participants can choose to make a sculpted paperweight, blown ornament or gazing ball. Dozens of color choices and design options to inspire you. We do the tricky parts to ensure everyone gets a beautiful finished piece created & designed by you! Don’t worry, we have lots of samples you can copy if you don’t feel creative!
$65 per person, all inclusive. Offered January-late August, late November & December.
SPECIALTY Beginner CLASSES Offered Seasonally……
Glass Heart Paperweight Class! — Make your own heart shaped keepsake!
$75 per person, all inclusive.
Join us for this fun class and learn to sculpt a beautiful heart from molten glass. Lots of colors to choose from, including sparkly aventurine glass!
Offered in January & February.
Blown Bowl class! –make a beautiful little dish! Great for Spring!
$75, all inclusive. One hour sessions Tuesdays & Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings & afternoons beginning the end of March on select dates through May.
This double walled bowl is great as candy or nut bowl, with a clear pedastal bottom, these are sturdy bowls meant to be used!
Glass CACTUS Class!– Make your own blown glass cacti with mold pressed flower!
Perfect for the heat of summer in a hot shop! Join us for this fun new beginner workshop on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays. It’s been a big hit and only available during the summer months – limited spaces available in June through mid August.
$80, all inclusive, One hour sessions Tuesdays & Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings & afternoons. SOLD OUT
Glass PUMPKIN Class!– Make your own blown glass sculpted pumpkin! SOLD OUT!
Offered August through Thanksgiving. Join in a one hour class and create your own blown glass pumpkin. A variety of colors for pumpkin and stems are available to make your piece unique to you! This is a great activity for family, friends, dates or on your own!
Our most popular specialty class, registration will open online again June 5th, 2023! THIS CLASS SOLD OUT IN 24 HOURS. Set a reminder in your phone so you don’t forget!
Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 6:00pm & 7:30pm , Saturday mornings at 10am, 11:30am and afternoons at 1:30 and 3pm. 4 students per workshop. Larger groups may be accommodated, please call to discuss the specific needs of your group.
$90, all inclusive. One hour sessions Tuesdays & Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings & afternoons.
Date Night Glass Blowing Class NEW IN 2022! 
Friday Nights from 5:30-7:30pm
This new workshop is designed as a ‘next step’ for those who have enjoyed our make & take type glass blowing classes listed above. Two of you will join an artist/instructor in our studio for this special private workshop. Together you will design a vase and two drinking glasses as you further your understanding and skills in working with hot glass! All inclusive class fee is $295 and includes a $25 gift certificate to enjoy food or beverages at your favorite downtown spot after class. This class is released about 2 months ahead of the dates available and books quickly.
Glass 1 — Learn the Skills to Blow Glass! ON HOLD DUE TO OUR CRAZY BOOKED SCHEDULE!
It is designed for students interested in delving more seriously in to working with glass. See info on private instruction below.
Learn the fundamentals of blowing glass through great demonstrations, exercises and time to practice through the creation of several solid and blown glass forms. 3 students/1 instructor ratio. 12 class hours, $395 per student and includes the classic must read Beginning Glassblowing by Ed Schmid.
Taught by HOT SHOP GLASS staff, these skill building workshops teach the fundamentals of glass blowing and a teamwork approach to working with hot glass. Two instructors teach a maximum of 6 students per session.
Call Hot Shop Glass at 262.833.0095 for more information or to be put on our call list if future dates are set.
Private Instruction:
Hot Shop Glass instructors may have Tuesday or Thursday weekday availability for those wishing to learn the skills to blow glass but cannot fit our Glass Blowing 1 curriculum into their schedule. Those with some glass experience wishing to further their skills may schedule ongoing weekday time with an instructor. We do not offer private classes for groups when our regular class schedule is full. Due to our show schedule and demand for custom work we offer classes to the public when we can and typically can not stray from that schedule.
Cost is $65 per hour for one bench and instructor.
Studio Rental:
Skilled glass blowers may rent the studio and work independently with studio staff approval. Cost is $45 per hour for use of tools, clear glass, annealing space, one bench & one glory hole. Renters must complete a simple ‘tumbler test’ to demonstrate basic knowledge and skill. Typically only occassional Tuesday or Thursday blow slots are available due to our production and teaching schedule.
Our studio uses Spruce Pine Batch and has a variety of gaffer, reichenbach and kugler color for sale in a variety of frit sizes as well as bar.
- Corporate team building activities, private parties or demonstrations for your group or club are available. Contact us at 262.833.0095 for more information and to plan a unique event!
- Shop Hot Shop Glass’ GALLERY of original blown glass art – great for special gift giving! Beautiful custom blown glass pendant lights are available.
- GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE in our gallery or online!
See why we are the hottest place downtown! Shop our gallery, pick up gift certificates for classes & see our studio in action!!
Registration Information:
All fees for classes must be paid in advance. Fees are refundable only if we fill your space with a student on the waiting list. All students must sign a waiver of liability, comply with all studio policy and procedures and be over age 14. Parent or guardian must sign a release for those 14-17 years old. Please click here to download our safety policy and release forms.
Gift Certificates are available!
Visiting Artist Ed Schmid works with glass artists from Racine, Kenosha, Milwaukee & Appleton during his 3 day visit April of 2017.
Glass artist & instructor Holly Wolf-Mattick assists Ed Schmid, visiting artist from Bellingham Washington, during a community event creating glass art for The Prairie School Premier, April 2017. Ed Schmid is an internationally known author, artist and instructor. His visit was a collaboration between The Prairie School Art Department and Hot Shop Glass.
