The flameworking program includes workshops for borosilicate or soft glass – sometimes both! Snow Farm offers 20+ flameworking workshops each year covering an array of topics such as beadmaking, marbles, hollow and solid sculpture, goblet making, and networking in glass.
The flameworking studio is located between the metalsmithing studio and the farmhouse. The flameworking studio was fully renovated in 2022! With a new table, torches, vent, windows and more, the studio is a bright and shiny place to create beautiful glass art.
The maximum number of students in the flameworking studio is 9. In classes working on large boro sculpture, the class size is limited to 6.
Browse the gallery below to explore the Flameworking studio and view a floor plan.
Equipment & Supplies
The studio runs Nortel Minor Bench Torches and Carlisle CC burners on two liquid oxygen tanks and one propane tank. There are also 8 Smith hand torches. All of the studio torches connect by a quick release set-up to allow the torches to be swapped quickly and easily. Students are allowed to bring their own torches as long as they are supplied with quick connects to attach to the gas system
For coldworking, there is a murrini wet saw and a 12” lap wheel. The Glassblowing studio has a 24″ lap wheel, the kiln/stained glass studio has a 6″ wet belt sander, and there is a sandblaster on campus (appx. 1.5’x’2 interior) that can be accessed by flameworkers.
Kilns in the flameworking studio include two Chili Pepper toolbox kilns, a Jen-Ken octagonal kiln with bead port door, a Paragon F130 Guillotine, a Paragon Blue Bird XL, and a Paragon GL22A.
During workshops, each student receives an individual tool box with necessary hand tools, graphite pads, and didymium glasses. Generally, materials are covered by the supply fee, but students may purchase additional glass rods during class. Bringing your own glass is also welcome as long as the glass you bring has the correct COE for the class you are attending
This studio has a mini-split that provides heating and air conditioning. All studios are supplied with hand sanitizer, KN95 masks, nitrile gloves and anti-bacterial wipes.
Physical Requirements
Flameworking generally involves sitting for extended periods and close attention to small details. Hand and finger dexterity is necessary to turn mandrels and hold glass rods, stringer, and tools. For larger pieces, hand strength to hold a small blowpipe or larger rods could be important. Students who are concerned about their ability to participate safely and comfortably in a particular class should contact us to discuss before registering.
Open Studio Guidelines
Flameworking instructors will outline safety guidelines and shutdown procedures for the class. Between 4:30 pm and 9 pm, a student may work alone in the flameworking studio if they have been approved by the instructor as capable of carrying out safety and shutdown procedures. We suggest bringing a cell phone in case an emergency arises and you need to contact the on-site coordinator. If a student is not comfortable with performing safety and shutdown procedures, they may still work in the flameshop during open studio, however an “approved” student must also be present. After 9pm, when the coordinator makes final rounds, two individuals must be present in the studio. At least one should be “approved” to handle safety and shutdown procedures.
As is true in all Snow Farm studios, no consumption of drugs or alcohol is allowed, nor shall students work with studio equipment when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The last person in any studio at night is responsible for studio shutdown procedures, turning off all lights, and closing the shop doors.
Student Gallery
