FAQ

Do I need experience to work with glass?

Nope! Our first experience classes are introductory classes that are designed for people who have absolutely no experience. We will help you through every step of the process. We also offer advanced workshops for experienced artists.

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I don't consider myself "handy" or creative. Can I still make glass?

Absolutely yes! We've taught boys and girls and women and men from the ages of 5 to 85! Glass is both a both artistic (you can make creative decisions about colour, for example) and technical (you have learn the tools and techniques required to manipulate the glass). For this reason, glass making can appeal to a much broader audience than other art forms. But, if you get stuck, know that our instructor or your classmates can give you tips on colour, design, or technical help whenever you need it.

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Is it dangerous to cut glass?

No, not if you learn a few simple rules. We teach all of our students workshop safety and the glass cutting rules before class begin s.Learning to score and cut glass is very easy. Glass is a solid liquid and technically we score glass rather than "cut" glass. We run a glass cutter over a piece of glass to make scratch that disturbs the surface of the glass. We we can then snap or break the glass along this disturbed line. This can be done a few ways and you will learn a couple of these methods in your first class.

 

But, to be sure, you will practice on scrap glass to understand each cutting method before starting a project on real glass.

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What do I wear for class?

While work aprons are provided, you should wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet (we use water when grinding glass).  Ensure you have sleeves that either don't hang in the way of your arms and hands or can be folded or tucked up out of the way. Wear your hair up if it’s long, and remove jewelry.​ Each student also gets a cubby under the table where they sit to safely store their phone, purse and or valuables.

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What’s the difference between glass fusing and glassblowing?

Glassblowing involves shaping and blowing molten glass (2000 degrees F) using steel pipes and other tools. Glass fusing involves cutting and assembling/layering cold glass and using a kiln to fuse the glass together at a molecular level and to shape the glass. And, for beginners, all kiln work is handled solely by staff at our studio.

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What if I have time and want to make a second or third piece during one of the workshops?

Our class prices are based on a specific number of finished products as part of the lesson. Students who want to make additional pieces during this time can, but will be charged for the additional glass (by weight) and kiln firings required (see kiln firing pricing here.) 

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Can I take pictures during class?

Absolutely!. Feel free to take pictures and tag #verbeekglassstudio in them when you share them on Facebook, and Instagram. Please be aware of your surroundings, as there are tripping and glass hazards in our studio. (And of course, be sure to check with your classmate before you post their picture online.)

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What is your Cancellation / Refund Policy?

Refund: We will provide a full refund for classes cancelled a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours can be applied as credit. You may however choose to postpone your attendance. (See below).

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Postponement: You may postpone a class and have your deposit/payment transferred to a class scheduled for a later date with no additional charge or penalty.