Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect on my visit to The Fusing Shop?

Glassblowing Lampworking

The Fusing Shop gives you a hands-on experience with lampworking. Students take complete control over the project from start to finish.

Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Choose your project

Step 2: Learn how to create your piece

Our trained instructors will demonstrate and give step-by-step directions on creating the glass piece of your choice.

Step 3: Begin creating your piece

At this point, you’ll get behind the torch and start working on your glass art. Our instructors are present for any questions and guidance.

Step 4: Annealing

After you have finished your piece, it has to be annealed before it can leave the studio.

Note: Projects are generally annealed are ready for pickup by the next day.

Gem Polishing

Step 1: Lesson on glass cutting

Learn how to cut glass and layout your pattern

Step 2: Assembling your gem

Learn how to layer your glass.

Step 3: Gem cutting

Start cutting your gem on our high-end grinding machine.

Note: Gems can be taken home after they are made. They do not require annealing.

Glass Fusing

Step 1: Glass cutting lesson

Learn how to cut glass.

Step 2: Layout your glass

Fusible glass can be laid out in many different shapes and patterns.

Step 3: Fusing

After your project is assembled, it is put into the kiln to be fused into one solid piece of glass.

Note: Fused projects are generally available for pickup within 3-4 days.

How long are the sessions for?

Sessions are 1.5 hours. More time can be purchased if projects are not completed in the 1.5-hour window.

Most beginner projects can be completed in 1.5 hours, depending on skill level. If you are planning a trip to The Fusing Shop, please give yourself at least 1.5-2 hours of time just in case your project runs over.

Is glass fusing safe?

One of our goals is to provide 100% transparency about the types of glasswork we do here. Overall, working with sheets of glass is not dangerous, and we provide safety equipment to anyone who enters the glass shop. We take every safety precaution possible to give our customers a safe environment. A Fusing Shop employee will be on-site to ensure all safety procedures are followed.

That being said, there are risks when working with glass. Cutting glass can result in sharp edges, small glass splinters/shards forming, and glass can fly when proper techniques are not followed. Sharp edges can result in cuts on the skin or splinters.

How long will it take until my project is ready?

We understand how exciting it is to lay out your glass artwork. And take the time to perfectly plan the placement and color of each piece of glass. And then be told that you can’t take your project home with you, grrr.

The good news is that your piece is usually ready within a week. Sometimes we have many projects that may take us a bit longer, so please be patient. We will contact you once your artwork is ready for pickup.

Glass polished gems can be taken home with you the day you make them.

Can I show up for a class?

Classes are by appointment only. You can book a session using the information below:

What is the age ranges for your different types of glasswork?

Great question! Here is a convenient chart for you.

  • Flameworking: 14+ years

  • Glass fusing: 8+ years

  • Glass Gem Polishing: 10+ years

My glass changed color after being annealed; what happened?

There are many reasons why glass changes color after being annealed. Some of those reasons are:

  • A striking color was used

  • Fusible glass can condense making a darker color then what was originally used.

  • The colors were layered and this forced the glass to “merge” creating a new color that was not intended.

Being that The Fusing Shop is a teaching studio, we cannot accept responsibility for projects that change color after being annealed.

Do you have party or group rates?

Due to the size of our facility, we can accommodate a group/party of three people.

What types of payment do you accept?

We accept the following forms of payment:

  • Paypal

  • Cash

  • Check

  • Zelle

  • Venmo

Do you Offer Glass Repair?

Unfortunately, due to many different glass materials, we do not offer repairs of any type of glass object. Not all glass is compatible with each other, and you need to know the exact type of glass that a piece was made out of to get it repaired.