Flameworking Studio Tour

The flamework studio features nine bench torches around a large table that allows for individual work in a communal atmosphere. The studio offers workshops in beadmaking, glass sculpture, marbles, and murrine using both soda lime soft glass and borosilicate.  Just past the farmhouse, the flame shop is located in a cluster of buildings including the metalsmithing studio, the small Snow Farm gallery, and the 2D/mixed media studio.

COVID-19 UPDATE: The maximum number of students in the flameworking studio has been reduced to 6. Moveable plexiglass barriers are available to placement on the shared worktable. Individual tool kits will be provided. A new UV Sterilizer is available for cleaning shared hand tools and tool kits between classes.  Students are encouraged to bring their own gloves, apron, small tools, writing utensil, etc to reduce sharing. Anti-bacterial wipes will be provided and instructions posted for cleaning shared equipment. For more information, see the COVID-19 Information page.

Equipment & Supplies

The studio runs Nortel Minor Bench Torches on a 100 gallon liquid oxy tank and 100 gallon propane tank. Additional equipment in the shop includes two Smith hand torches with quick release set-up, a murrini wet saw and a 12” lap wheel. The kiln/stained glass studio has a 24" lap wheel and a 6" wet belt sander, and the glassblowing studio has a sandblaster (appx. 2’x’3 interior) that can be accessed by flameworkers.

Kilns in the flameworking studio include two Chili Peppers, a Fuji electric, a Watlow 93, a Paragon F130 Guilotine, and two Paragon GL-18AD 18" x 18" kilns.

During workshops, each student receives a tool box with necessary hand tools, graphite pads, and dydium glasses. 

Generally, students purchase glass rods based on their usage during class. Bringing your own glass is also welcome.

Physical Requirements

Flameworking generally involves sitting for extended periods and close attention to small detail.  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

Flameworking instructors will outline safety guidelines and shutdown procedures for the class. Between 4:30pm and 9pm, a student may work alone alone in the flameshop 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 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 safely and shutdown procedures. As is true in all Snow Farm studios, no consumption of drugs or alcohol is allowed in the studios, 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.

All Glass Workshops