Point Pulling Bootcamp with River Valadez

In this 1 day intensive class we will go over the fundamentals of preparing a borosilicate tube of glass for blowing bubbles.

In this 1 day intensive class we will go over the fundamentals of preparing a borosilicate tube of glass for blowing bubbles. The technique we will investigate is Pulling Points. Points are a method of creating hollow handles from a larger glass tube. With these handles you can make almost anything hollow: from cups to hollow sculpture!

Expect to go through several drills and exercises — this will be a course focused on repetition! You will walk away with several prepared glass “blanks” (sections of tubing with hollow handles on them) to use in the future!

What to expect:  As a bootcamp class, students should not expect to make completed work but rather practice a technique. Flameworking with borosilicate glass requires a little practice at heat control with the torch to create successful sculptures. After demonstrations, students will have time on the torch to hone their skills. Clean-up time is included in the duration of class, and usually the last 20 minutes of class are dedicated to cleaning your workstation. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page. 

While flameworking, participants primarily engage in seated activities such as working with glass rods and torches. The environment can be bright and loud at times. Handling glass and tools may require a certain level of dexterity. To learn more about accessibility the Accessibility page on our website.

Eligibility: Some experience recommended but open to all levels. Open to ages 14 and up. 

Pick-up: The glass needs to cool down overnight, so the students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work. 

We recommend registering for classes early to reserve your spot! We base materials, and teacher needs off of student enrollment. Early registration not only guarantees your spot in class, but also helps to ensure the class will run. Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled within two weeks of the start date of class. Contact our Registrar of Education, Ari Eshoo, at arianna@urbanglass.org if you have questions about the class or would like to arrange a payment plan.

1 Session, Sunday, July 19 th, 11am-5pm

Instructor: River Valadez