LAKEWOOD WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Two Days at the Torch: A Weekend Intensive in Borosilicate Flameworking
A focused, weekend-long class in Lakewood that covers basic lampworking techniques with Nortel Minor torches—this guide explains what to expect, how the two-day schedule flows, and what to bring.
Two Days at the Torch: A Weekend Intensive in Borosilicate Flameworking.
Flamework: Basic Torch Skills Intensive is an immersive, weekend-long class in Lakewood that teaches the fundamentals of lampworking—sculpting borosilicate glass at a bench with Nortel Minor Lampworking torches. Over two days students work through gathering glass, basic color application, and the hand-tool techniques needed to make marbles, pendants and small sculptures in a supportive studio environment.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Nortel Minor Lampworking Torches at Every Bench
Instruction centers on working with Nortel Minor Lampworking torches—students learn torch basics and safe handling as the core platform for forming borosilicate glass.
Hands-on Projects: Marbles, Pendants and Small Sculptures
The curriculum progresses from gathering clear spheres and pulling stringers to applying color and shaping pieces with hand tools, with a focus on creating basic marbles, pendants and small sculptures.
Two Days of Focused Demonstrations and Practice
Over a compact weekend format, participants receive demos of more complex color work, practice techniques for connecting elements and use a variety of hand tools to refine pieces.
What the day feels like
What the Weekend Feels Like
Expect two full days at the bench—each day runs 6.5 hours (10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)—filled with safety briefings, hands-on torch time and instructor demonstrations. The class alternates focused practice (gathering, stringer pulling, pendant loops) with step-by-step demos of color application and tool use, so you leave with finished pieces and the basic techniques to continue on your own.
THE TOOL
Nortel Minor Lampworking Torches at Every Bench
Instruction centers on working with Nortel Minor Lampworking torches—students learn torch basics and safe handling as the core platform for forming borosilicate glass.
THE MAKING
Hands-on Projects: Marbles, Pendants and Small Sculptures
The curriculum progresses from gathering clear spheres and pulling stringers to applying color and shaping pieces with hand tools, with a focus on creating basic marbles, pendants and small sculptures.
THE LEARNING
Two Days of Focused Demonstrations and Practice
Over a compact weekend format, participants receive demos of more complex color work, practice techniques for connecting elements and use a variety of hand tools to refine pieces.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits — and who should check with the operator before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two days: each day runs 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. Expect 6.5 hours of instruction and bench time per day.
Meet at The Furnace: Creative Annex, 11354 W. 13th Ave Suite 6, Lakewood, CO.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes; layered clothing (the annex is not air conditioned, though portable swamp coolers are used); and a water bottle or beverage (a bottle filler is on site). You may bring a sack lunch; a refrigerator and microwave are available.
The studio has a refrigerator, microwave and a bottle-filler. If you prefer an off-site lunch, a nearby business district with fast-casual options is within a five-minute drive.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the workshop each day?
The weekend intensive meets 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with a one-hour lunch break each day.
Where do we meet?
The class meets at The Furnace: Creative Annex, 11354 W. 13th Ave Suite 6, Lakewood, CO.
What projects will I make?
The course focuses on basic marbles, pendants and small sculptures; instruction covers gathering glass, applying color and using hand tools.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and a water bottle or beverage; a refrigerator and microwave are available for lunches.
Is the studio air conditioned?
The Creative Annex is not air conditioned; portable swamp coolers are used when the weather is warmer.
Is there an alternative if I prefer a less condensed schedule?
If a less condensed approach works better for your schedule, consider the Flamework: Basic Torch Skills workshop offered by the operator.