"I found my first glass fusing class to be much easier and satisfying than my first pottery classes. Glass is magical!" - S.D., Toronto
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! We've taught children, youth and adults 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 often appeals to a much broader audience than other art forms. But, if you get stuck, know that our instructors 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?
You should wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. 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.​ 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 (1100C) using steel pipes and other tools. Glass fusing (800C) 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. Note that all kiln work is handled solely by staff at our studio.
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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?
A. More than 24 hrs before
The registrant can either choose to hold their deposit and apply it to a future class or gift shop purchase, or receive a full refund.
B. Less than 24 hours before
The registrant's deposit will be held as a credit and can be transferred to a friend, applied to a future workshop or a purchase at our gift shop.​
C. Cancellations or Changes to Private Group Reservations
7-12 People: Groups of 7+ can request a private workshop for a specific day and time in advance (provided that time is free of existing bookings).
Changes in Attendance/Cancellations for Saturday/Weekend Bookings: Once we schedule a private event, each participant of a private group must register and pay 50% no later than 10 days before the event. However:
1. If the total registered does not reach 7 or more within 10 days of the event:
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The discount rate will be adjusted to the count of those who do attend, AND
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The scheduled time may be opened to others to register and attend
2. Individual Cancellations​:
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Any person who cancels less than 24 hrs of the scheduled date will have their their deposit held as a credit. This credit can be transferred to a friend, applied to a future class or used for purchase from our gift store.