Beginner's Hot Glass Paperweight Class: Full-day

This full-day paperweight making class in Tasmania is perfect for beginners and a must-do for those visiting the mid-century village of Poatina!

During the private class, you will work with orange-hot molten glass in the glass studio with friends or family in a small group of four to eight people.

During this exciting introductory workshop, you'll gather molten glass from the furnace on a steel gathering iron and learn to control and shape the glass using traditional techniques and tools to create one or two simple solid paperweights.

You'll love choosing from a large range of opaque and transparent colours and discovering ways to manipulate the colours into your own unique designs within the layers of your paperweight.

You'll be guided each step of the way by an experienced glass artist in a one-on-one capacity, who can also step in to help you with some of the more difficult parts of the process as your skills develop.

This class is also a great way to get accustomed to working in the glass studio and learn some of the foundational skills required for all hot glass making (including blown glass), should you choose to take one of our more comprehensive classes later.

This form of glassmaking involves working with the material in its molten form, gathered like honey from a large crucible inside an 1150 degree furnace.

For groups of four to five people, you will make two paperweights each. For groups of six to eight people, you'll make just one paperweight each (some in your group may have time to make another depending on your group's size and the time remaining). When others are having their turn, you'll also get to watch and assist, which is another great way to learn and discover.

All the glass you make will be yours to take home and show off to your friends and family - fascinating mementoes that will no doubt spark off some great story-telling!

Please note:

• Deposits/fees will be fully refunded if classes are cancelled by the studio for any reason.
• All the glass pieces you make will need to cool down in a kiln overnight. These will be available for pick-up the following afternoon, however, postage can be arranged if necessary (at extra cost).
• Discounted rates are available for family groups of three or more - enquire when making your booking request.
• Poatina Arts also offers this workshop in a half-day format for groups of two to four people, and a half-day introductory Private Glassblowing Class for Beginners which can be a good alternative starting point for those who wish to make both paperweights and small blown vessels.
• A range of discounted overnight accommodation options are available to workshop participants by contacting the Poatina Chalet.

Perfect for complete beginners and family groups.
 

• All necessary materials and tools will be provided including safety glasses.
• Tea and coffee will be provided.
• Your own glass creations to take home (these will need to cool down in a kiln overnight).

• Wear enclosed shoes and comfortable non-synthetic clothing. Further details of appropriate clothing to wear and what to bring will be advised upon registration via email.
• You can bring your lunch with you or purchase a light lunch at the Tiers Tea Lounge in Poatina which is generally open Friday through to Sunday each week.

This is a fun indoor activity, suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 12 years old). An adult must accompany any attending kids. The adult may observe at the class for free.

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