Whitney Cornforth

Do you want to learn the art of glass blowing?

Now you can!

Glass blowing classes are now being offered at the Gorse Mill Studios in Needham.

With classes of all types being offered, from introductory workshops to weekly classes, to private lessons in advanced techniques, you’re sure to find the right class for you.

Classes are taught by Whitney Cornforth, who has over 10 years of glass blowing and teaching experience at M.I.T. and other glass studios. All classes are limited to no more than 3 students to ensure plenty of individual attention for a safe, educational and most importantly fun experience!

Class Format
Classes are taught either in a group format, generally having 3 students, or private lesson format for 2 students, resulting in much more hands-on experience for each student.

Glass Paperweight Workshop: 4 hours
Group lesson price :$150 per student for 3 students
Private lesson price: $200 per student for 2 students
Students will learn the skills and techniques used to make their own colorful solid glass paperweights. Students in this class typically create 2–3 of their own works of art.

Blown Glass Ornament and Witch Balls Workshop: 4 hours
$150 per student for 3 students or $200 per student for 2 students
Students will learn the skills and techniques used to make their own colorful blown (hollow) glass ornaments and witch balls, great for hanging on a tree or a sunny window. Students in this class typically create a few of their own works of art.

Blown Glass Drinking Cup Workshop: 4 hours
$150 per student for 3 students or $200 per student for 2 students
Students will learn the skills and techniques used to make their own colorful blown (hollow) drinking vessel. This class emphasizes the importance of teamwork in glassblowing. Students typically make at least one drinking cup each.

Full Day Glass Blowing Workshop: 8 hours
$300 per student for 3 students or $400 per student for 2 students
This course is for those looking for a deeper introduction to hot glass. Students start off by making solid paperweights and progress through blown drinking cups and typically ornaments as well. The overlap of the basic skills involved in all hot glass allows students in this workshop to progress through more shapes in less time. Students typically make at least one of each item, often much more!

Glassblowing 101: 6 weeks, 1 night/week, 4hours/week
$900 per student for 3 students or $1200 per student for 2 students
From paperweights, to drinking glasses, to vases and even bowls, this course covers ALL the basics in shapes, techniques, and color applications. Each week students focus on a new shape, adding new techniques and color applications to the ones they’ve learned. This weekly format allows students to not just see and try, but improve and refine their skills, and through learning about a wide variety of shapes and glass objects gain a more complete understanding of how glass art is made. This course also allows students to begin much more experimentation with their own designs and variations on the shapes that are covered.

Glassblowing 102 and Beyond: 6 weeks, 1 night/week, 4hours/week:
$900 per student for 3 students or $1200 per student for 2 students
These courses require completion of Glassblowing 101, or permission of instructor (based upon experience), and cover more advanced topics in shape and color application. Exact curriculum is determined based upon the experience and interests of enrolled students, and could include topics such as pulled-neck vases, optic twist, color overlays, handles, pitchers, plates, platters, dropped feet, blown feet, incalmo, cane, murrine, the list is truly endless.

To go to the current class schedule and to sign up for classes please click the link below:

Current Class Schedule