Weisser Glass offers a terrific schedule of classes for beginner through professional levels. Courses are offered in stained glass, fusing and kiln forming, beadmaking, glass jewelry, paperweights, glass casting & mosaic. Our goal is to offer the highest quality of instruction in a friendly and helpful environment! New class schedules are posted about every two months.

WE ALSO TEACH PRIVATE LESSONS AND PRIVATE GROUP CLASSES! SELF-DIRECTED BENCH TIME IS ALSO AVAILABLE. CALL OR EMAIL US FOR MORE INFO.

All classes require pre-registration and payment to reserve your space.
You may register by phone at 301-571-8966.

UPDATED 3/22/20

COVID19 UPDATE

Classes through April 30 are being rescheduled.

We appreciate your patience, this is a very busy time of year for classes. We have both instructors and students flying in for many of our upcoming workshops. Please give us time to work out new dates as the situation is changing by the minute, and we must get a handle on when it will be safe to do so.

Your continued support means everything, especially at these trying times. We thank you and know that we are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of this virus.

Copper Foil Stained Glass for Beginners

Thursday evenings, 7-9, Jan 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5
THIS SESSION IS FULL; PLEASE CONTACT THE SHOP TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT LIST

Seven 2-hour classes. Tuition $245.00; tools and supplies extra.

Learn to build a stained-glass window using the copper foil method. Everything you need to know including patterns, types of glass, glass cutting, tools, soldering and finishing are taught. Students complete a small stained-glass window approximately 11” x 14". Requires homework

STAINED GLASS WEEKEND COPPER FOIL CLASS ALSO AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 29 & MARCH 1; Scroll down for more details...

Stained Glass- Beyond Beginner

Thursday evenings, 7-9, Jan 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5
THIS SESSION IS FULL; PLEASE CONTACT THE SHOP TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT LIST

Seven 2-hour classes. Tuition $245.00; tools and supplies extra. Previous stained-glass experience required.

This class has an open curriculum allowing students to continue their exploration into stained glass under the supervision and guidance of an experienced instructor. Students might select a new project like a lamp, box, panel, or bring a project in progress. This class is a great way to learn new techniques, get a refresher, have your questions answered, or get help with more advanced projects. We can provide the instruction and extra motivation you need to get that project done!

FOUR-WEEK BEYOND BEGINNER SESSION AVAILABLE, STARTING MARCH 19! Scroll down for the details...

Stained Glass Weekend: Copper Foil

Saturday, February 29, 9:30-4:30 & Sunday, March 1, 9:30-1

1½-day workshop. Tuition $275.00 includes use of tools and some supplies. Students purchase glass and framing metal.

The copper foil stained glass technique was originally devised by Louis Comfort Tiffany to be used for his intricate designs. Unlike the more traditional lead came method, the foil technique allows for more detailed patterns, as well as construction of three-dimensional objects like lampshades and boxes. In our weekend crash course, students will learn the art of the copper foil stained-glass technique; we use the same curriculum as our seven-week course condensed into a day and a half. Students do not need to purchase any tools, so it’s an excellent way to try your hand at the medium without having to invest in all the equipment. Each student will complete a copper foil panel approximately 9” x 12”.

NEW SESSION JUST ADDED FOR MAY 2 & 3! Scroll down for all the details...

Project Plate Making: Forming on Edge NEW CLASS!

Saturday, March 7, 9:30-12:30

3-hour class. Tuition $145.00, includes materials and use of tools. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

In this workshop you will learn how to create poured frit paintings adapted from the original David Alcala methods taught at Weisser Studio. Students will learn the basics of making layered patterns, pouring crushed glass through a vertical glass frame forming lines, patterns, blends and layers reminiscent of textile and sand paintings. Students will have a variety of colors to work with and create an 8" x 8" fused and slumped dish.

Project Plate Making: Batiky Bowls

Saturday, March 7, 1:30-4:30

3-hour workshop. Tuition $135.00; includes materials and use of tools. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

Join us for a fun workshop on creating amazing batiky bowls. In this class you will work with powdered glass and water on the surface of the glass creating your own unique designs with this technique developed by glass artist Lena Beckeus. The resulting patterns and color are reminiscent of traditional batik cloth design. Weisser Glass Studio adds new insight and direction on the process, and direction will be given to students on color and design ideas. A lot to learn while having an amazing time in the studio! No experience is required so get a friend to join the class. Students will have access to a selection of colors and tools to create their own 9” fused glass bowl.

*Please note that this class is being taught with permission from Lena Beckeus, the creator of the original Batik technique

NEW MARCH 14 SESSION JUST ADDED, DUE TO DEMAND! Scroll down for more details...

Project Plate Making: Image Collage

Sunday, March 8, 9:30-12

2½-hour workshop. Tuition $135.00; includes materials and use of tools. No experience required!

Join us for a fun workshop creating unique fused glass bowls scrapbook style using ready mixed glass enamels and stencils. You will learn about various fire on enamels that can be used, how to apply the paint to the glass for best results, layering images and more. The collage imagery is vintage in feel and with so many stencil designs to choose from you can create your own unique story. Each piece is fused and slumped to form your finished work of art.

Project Plate Making: Reactive Whites

Sunday, March 8, 2:30-4

1½-hour workshop. Tuition $99.00; includes all materials, firings and use of tools during class.

In this class you learn about the special design effects that can be achieved when working with reactive glass. You will see samples and gain knowledge about the reactive qualities of French Vanilla and Dense White and be able to design with sheet glass and accessory glasses like frits, stringers and more. What a great way to spend an afternoon in the studio! Each student will design and create an 8" x 8" fused and slumped dish. Students of all levels are welcome.

Project Plate Making: Batiky Bowls NEW SESSION JUST ADDED!

Saturday, March 14, 9:30-12:30

3-hour workshop. Tuition $135.00; includes materials and use of tools. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

*Please note that this class is being taught with permission from Lena Beckeus, the creator of the original Batik technique

Batiky Part II: Enhanced Designs

Saturday, March 14, 1:30-4:30

3-hour workshop. Tuition $135.00; includes materials and use of tools. Previous Batiky Bowl experience required.

The sequel to Weisser's popular Batiky Bowl workshop! Explore further ideas in the Batiky process by incorporating the use of stencils and coarser frits with the basic Batiky steps to create new and exciting design motifs. We’ll show you our tips and tricks for creating fabulous and unique designs, patterns, and color combinations. Students will have the opportunity to create either an 8"x8" fused and slumped plate or a 9” bowl.

Stained Glass- Beyond Beginner

Thursday evenings, 7-9, March 19, 26, April 2, 9

Four 2-hour classes. Tuition $145.00; tools and supplies extra. Previous stained-glass experience required.

Enamel Sampler- Demystifying Glass Paints & Enamels NEW CLASS!

Saturday, March 21, 9:30-4:30

Full-day workshop. Tuition $225.00; includes materials and use of tools

In this class we will look at the many glass enamels (fire-on paints) available on the market today. OK, so maybe we can't cover every brand in one day, but we will investigate many of the readily available enamels commonly used in fusing studios and classrooms! In class, we see the constant quest for the perfect enamel, but all enamels can serve a purpose and they should not be ruled out. Enamels are not by nature “all-around” and should be considered good for some things but maybe not others. Let's demystify enamels and look at the many ways to use them successfully. We will learn how to mix dry enamel for various purposes and look at pre-mixed enamels and discuss the advantages of each type. Students will make many samples using various paints and application methods and will make a finished piece using premixed paints. Mediums, application techniques, and firing procedures are all taught. Action packed and full of information for anyone curious about (or confused by) painting enamels for glass!

Powdered Pet Portraits

Sunday, March 22, 9:30-12:30

3-hour workshop. Tuition $119.00; includes supplies and frame.

Create a black and white portrait of a favorite pet or other animal using fusible glass powder! A great introduction to drawing with powders (have no fear; we will teach you!), these creations also make amazing gifts for the animal lover in your life. Drawing experience is not required: we will give you tips, guidelines and techniques to assist you in creating realistic portraits. No previous glass experience is required, and all you need to bring is an 8”x8” black and white photo of your favorite pet! We will send you guidelines prior to class.

Dazzling Dichroic Jewelry

Saturday, March 28, 10-4, & Sunday, March 29, 10-1

1½ day workshop. Tuition $295.00; includes all supplies and use of tools.

Learn all about working with fusible dichroic glass to create stunning wearable art! Using beautiful, sparkling dichroic sheet glass, students will explore various techniques to create pendants, earrings, and more. Students will have the opportunity to use small tabletop kilns to fuse their pieces, then learn to coldwork and refine their pieces for a finished, professional look. This a great workshop for both beginners and the fuser that wants to refine the look of their work. Students will get hands-on experience with firing in table-top kilns, using a variety of coldworking equipment, and some wire- wrapping and finishing techniques.

Coldworking: Methods and Machines

Saturday, April 4, 10-4

1-day workshop. Tuition $185.00. Practice glass for the machinery will be provided, students may bring an unfinished piece to class to work on as well.

Coldworking is the process of grinding, shaping, and polishing glass without heat- an essential step to creating a finished, professional look for your glass art! Learn about different options for finishing glass edges and surfaces. Students will learn how to use saws, grinders, diamond flat lap and the wet belt as it applies to coldworking. You will also learn ways to grind and finish your glass pieces by hand, using assorted abrasives grits and pads, without the assistance of machines. Students will have the opportunity to try out the machines and various methods for creating finely finished artwork. There will also be discussion of fire polishing in the kiln in combination with coldworking. After completing the course students qualify to rent coldworking equipment in the studio.

Mastering the Art of Cutting Glass- Pattern Cuts

Sunday, April 5, 10-12

2-hour workshop. Tuition $79.00. Appropriate for all levels, beginner to advanced.

The key to success in any of the glass art forms is good cutting; people are often intimidated by detailed glass cutting challenges, but it’s all a matter of the proper techniques and tools. We’ll teach you to do it well! This comprehensive cutting lesson will cover both simple and more difficult shapes. Learn to cut with ease and confidence; guaranteed to improve your cutting no matter your skill level. An excellent starter class for students with no cutting experience, and a valuable refresher for the more experienced glass artist. Bring any challenges you may have!

Mastering the Art of Cutting Glass II- The Portable Glass Shop & Other Strip Cutting Jigs

Sunday, April 5, 1:30-4

2½-hour workshop. Tuition $89.00; includes practice glass

Straight lines, strips, geometric shapes and more- we teach you our studio methods of creating quick and accurate cuts saving you time and money! Starting with the Morton Portable Glass Shop, learn to master this extremely useful studio tool for strip cutting and creating quick and accurate geometric pieces of glass like squares, rectangles, diamonds and more. We will also show you strip cutting methods, and the specialty tools designed to help you succeed every time. Gain confidence and understanding as we show the tools and methods to improve your skills.

Easy Screen Printing for Fused & Stained Glass

Saturday, April 11, 10-4

1-day workshop. Tuition $225.00: includes a pack of two screens

When we say easy, we mean easy! Whether you are a fuser or a stained-glass artist (or both), printing on glass can be used to create detailed line work, imagery or customized lettering. When you are creating one of a kind artworks or small production runs there’s no need to deal with large screens and messy emulsion. In this workshop we will start with ready-made and commercially available screens to get you started and show you how simple this really is. Once you get the hang of that we will move you on to creating your own screens using your personal images. Stock images will be provided as well if you prefer, plus sources for finding images that are suitable for printing will be discussed. You will learn how to prepare images for screen printing, how to develop your screens and of course how to print with them. Wondering “why screen printing”? We will answer that as well. There will be good information on types of enamels (fire-on paints) including premixed ready to use varieties and great information on firing schedules and procedures for different applications and projects.

Details will be provided prior to class on what type of imagery to bring. Students will create a variety of sample tiles; each student will receive (2) 8.5”x11” blank screen sheets that they will use to create their reusable screens during class.

The Art of Layers with Emma Varga

Wednesday, April 15- Sunday, April 19
Wednesday- Saturday 9:30- 5:00 each day, Sunday 9:30-3

5-day workshop. Tuition $1,050.00, plus a $50.00 material fee due at class

Prerequisite- some fusing and coldworking experience*

During this class, Emma will introduce students to her original method of fusing and casting multiple layers of glass, which she has been exploring and developing, with great success, for the last 15 years. This class will focus on a new way thinking about glass and on using the properties of glass to achieve visual effects as well as to achieve sense of movement within cast glass. Her innovative approach starts with multiple layers of thin glass sheets composed of tiny mosaic-like elements, ultimately achieving three-dimensional images inside the transparent fused/cast sculptural object.

In addition, Emma will also cover her methods for creating sculptural and dimensional pâte-de-vérre works. Students will have the opportunity to learn all of Emma's recent discoveries and methods in her unique way of creating large objects that are created with many small pâte-de-vérre elements. Students may choose to explore this direction as well.

We encourage students to review Emma’s massive portfolio of work so they may be prepared to learn as much as possible in this five-day intensive workshop. During the course, students will have access to Emma’s extensive digital gallery on her laptop including images of recent work as well as close-ups revealing fine details on layers inside the glass object.

Students will receive basic information about grinding and polishing 3-D glass objects, adhesives, mounting and display. Emma will also discuss her personal studio practice, strategies for exhibiting work and her newest directions in kiln forming. WOW don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to study with this master!

*Coldworking and finishing methods will be discussed in this class however students will need a basic understanding of cold working methods and will not do coldworking/ finishing during class. Students may rent coldworking equipment after class at a discounted price to finish artworks made in class.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Emma Varga was born in Ada, Yugoslavia, in 1952. She graduated from the University of Applied Arts in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1975 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual & Applied Art, with majors in glass design and ceramic sculpture. Her work has been heavily influenced all along by her environment and experiences, which have, ironically, served as the catalyst for both dramatic change (in tone and feel), and stabilization (in process, style and focus) of her work over the past 20 years. Political unrest within her home country led the artist to immigrate to Australia in 1995, a move which enabled the true blossoming of her work and the development of both her own signature process and style. You can see more of Emma Varga's work on her website: www.emmavarga.com

Stained Glass Weekend: Copper Foil

Saturday, May 2, 9:30-4:30 & Sunday, May 3, 9:30-1

1½-day workshop. Tuition $275.00 includes use of tools and some supplies. Students purchase glass and framing metal.

Advanced Linear Design in Fused Glass NEW CLASS!

TWO SEPARATE SESSIONS AVAILABLE:

Wednesday- Sunday, May 6-10, 2020 (please be aware that Sunday, May 10 is Mothers’ Day) LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!

Tuesday- Saturday, May 12-16, 2020 LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

5-day workshop. Tuition $1,195.00; includes all materials and use of tools.

In this five-day course participants will explore principles of advanced pattern forming in fused glass. Students will expand their knowledge and experience of kiln-forming and cold-working techniques to produce intricate patterns which utilize symmetry and geometry to create hypnotizing mandala-like patterns. Participants will be guided through the creation of Bullseye glass striped sheets which, once fired, will be deconstructed and reassembled. Participants will learn how the arrangement of tone and color can enhance the optical properties of the pattern design and how to lay out the pattern using principles of four-fold and eight-fold symmetry. Students will realize these concepts and techniques while creating a glass tile of their own design.

NEW SUMMER SESSION JUST ADDED FOR JULY 30- AUGUST 3; SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE DETAILS...

Stained Glass- Beyond Beginner

Thursday evenings, 7-9, May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 25, July 2, 9

Seven 2-hour classes. Tuition $245.00; tools and supplies extra. Previous stained-glass experience required.

Print, Paint, & Paper Inclusions for Kiln-Formed Glass with Sheila Rosa

Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31, 10-4:30 each day

2-day workshop. Tuition $395.00; includes materials and use of tools.

Join us for a fun and action-packed class as we explore the many possibilities of paper inclusions in fused glass. You do not need drawing or painting skills for this class. Sheila will cover the use of stock images as well as how to use your personal images, whether they be photos or drawings. See how easy it is to print images and add painterly detail using methods like laser decals, premixed enamels for glass, stamping, screening, and much more! Learn to add new dimensions and depth to your fused glass pieces with graphic imagery, subtle watercolor washes, and bold lines, or easily personalize pieces with no fuss and muss. Students will create a series of sample tiles, as well as a finished piece. Firing methods and schedules for paper inclusions will be covered as well.

Forming Beyond the Mold with Frank van den Ham NEW CLASS

TWO SESSIONS OFFERED
Wednesday, June 10- Sunday, June 14 NEW SESSION ADDED DUE TO DEMAND!
or
Tuesday, June 16- Saturday, June 20 LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!

Times TBD

Tuition $1,050.00, plus a $100.00 material fee due at class
A $500.00 deposit is required to reserve your space; the $550.00 balance is due April 1, 2020

Prerequisite- students should have two or more years of fusing experience and understand basic fusing and slumping practice. Recommended for kiln owners.

In this five-day master class students will explore a new way of thinking about “kiln forming” as it applies to forming glass under heat inside the kiln. The emphasis of the workshop is on giving students the tools to create new, unusual shapes, free from commercial molds. Frank will take students through his methods of using ‘as little mold as possible’ to create unique forms (slumps) minimizing texture with the goal of making truly transparent fused forms.

Through a series of projects students will explore shaping with heat and gravity, sagging, and attaining transparency difficult to accomplish in typical fusing and slumping. This workshop will open your eyes to a new way of making three dimensional artworks in your kiln.

Included in the class Frank will have several lectures covering the theoretical aspects of fusing and kiln-forming, including firing-cycles and more. Each student will be able to finish at least three different objects and obtain the knowledge needed to move forward in these methods in their own studio practice.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born in the Netherlands in 1952, Frank van den Ham has been working with glass full time for almost 40 years and teaches workshops in over twenty countries.

Frank is best described as an artist that makes different worlds recognizable and aims to connect them; from his glass bridge between those worlds he tries to connect, to understand and to explain. His fascination with Africa and the Far East and his purely Dutch roots make him into a traveller between worlds. His work tells stories about different worlds that are- in Franks opinion- actually one, and in which he is always looking for his home.

Always in search of the additional, the complimentary, always in search of home, his homesickness for "there" gives his objects tension and warmth that inevitably touches the onlooker. Colorful, poetic compositions in glass, sometimes combined with other materials like wood, fabric and silver, give a surprising insight into his realm of thoughts and dreams.

His objects are exhibited all over the world and can be found in many museums and private collections. His work demonstrates uniqueness in an exuberant range of different objects in which shape is equally important as color.

Frank currently resides and works in Indonesia.

Advanced Linear Design in Fused Glass NEW SUMMER SESSION ADDED!

Thursday- Monday, July 30- August 3

5-day workshop. Tuition $1,195.00; includes all materials and use of tools.

A $595.00 deposit is required to hold your space. Tuition balance of $600.00 will be due May 15, 2020.

Corallite Creations: Forming with Powder with Nikki O’Neill

NEW CLASS JUST ADDED!
Thursday- Sunday, August 6-9, 9:30-4:30 each day

4-day workshop. Tuition $795.00, with a $50.00 material fee due at class

In this class Nikki will reveal her methods for layering and manipulating dry glass powders to create stunning organic sculptures suggestive of the intricate designs found in coral reef creatures. Students will learn all the basic steps to forming glass powder into lacy structures that can then be slumped or draped into finished works of art. In addition to creating these basic forms, Nikki will teach students how to create many kinds of glass elements to use in composing larger and more complex sculptural forms.

Students will form elements using a wide range of techniques such as layered, reticulated Corallites, tipped stringer rods sagged into sea anemones, sea sponges made with powder dough, dichroic faux sea glass, segmented seaweed colonies, glass powder sand dollars, and glass frit sea stars.

While the theme of this class will be in creating richly colored under water sea life inspired sculptures the methods taught can be used in so many ways and will certainly inspire you.

A thorough discussion of selecting and layering color, fusing schedules and mounting methods will ensure success in making and finishing pieces in your own studio.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Nikki O’Neill has been working with glass for over 30 years and currently uses kiln-forming techniques to create sculptures and vessels from glass powder and from recycled float glass. O’Neill found her passion for art and working with glass while earning her Ph.D. in biology. Since retiring as a research scientist, she works full-time as a studio glass artist and educator. Nikki is a popular instructor at Weisser Studio and the Corning Museum Studios and has recently begun to travel more to share her expertise.