Fused Glass –Fleur-de-Lis Sun-catcher

At Pottery Alley in Lafayette, Louisiana, a small studio on Chance Street invites you to slow down and make light. The Fused Glass Fleur‑de‑Lis Sun‑Catcher workshop is a 2½–3 hour, beginner‑friendly class led by master craftswoman Ginger Kelly where you assemble 3–4 inch glass ornaments and send them to the kiln to become shimmering keepsakes. Located at 303 Chance St, this hands‑on session pairs tactile creativity with a distinctly Louisiana symbol—the fleur‑de‑lis—so your finished piece carries a sense of place.

On arrival you’ll settle into a communal table scattered with pre‑cut glass in glossy, streaked, and iridescent textures. Instruction is step‑by‑step: choose a base, layer color and texture, and arrange shapes as if composing a miniature mosaic. The teacher guides glass placement, safety with shards, and aesthetic choices; tools and protective gear are provided.

When your composition is complete, staff kiln‑fires it and attaches a hanger; the finished sun‑catcher is ready for pickup in about 7–10 days. The workshop is open to ages 12 and up and groups are capped small to keep the experience focused and social. What sets this workshop apart is the mix of Louisiana craft culture and patient attention from Ginger Kelly.

The fleur‑de‑lis is more than ornamentation here—it’s a nod to Lafayette’s French and Acadian roots and a compact way to bring local heritage home. Pottery Alley’s studio occupies a block in a lively city with creole and Cajun influences; the class feels like an artful detour between courthouse squares and café doors. Practical details keep it simple: the listed price is $65 per person plus a $10 glass and materials fee.

Bring a cup with a lid if you want a drink, wear closed‑toe shoes, and arrive a few minutes early to get settled. Expect some “kiln surprises” as the glass melts and shifts; those small variations are part of the charm and will make each sun‑catcher one‑of‑a‑kind. This is an ideal rainy‑day or holiday activity—handmade gifts, travel mementos, and a creative break that doesn’t demand prior experience.

Book when you’re in Lafayette for a cultural afternoon that pairs craft instruction with local character; you’ll leave with a luminous ornament and a clearer sense of why this corner of Louisiana values color, ceremony, and craftsmanship. Bring a friend and treat the session like a short retreat; Pottery Alley limits class size to keep instruction personal, so reservations fill fast around holidays. Street parking is available near the studio and downtown Lafayette has walkable cafes and galleries to explore after class.

If you’re traveling with kids under 12, plan a sitter—teens enjoy the hands-on pace. Finished pieces are sturdy but handwash only; display them in a sunny window to catch south Louisiana light and warmth.