Mushroom Magic Borosilicate Lampwork with Deenie - 01/06/25
Make a beautiful freestanding sculpture.
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About this class
Step into the enchanted world of molten glass and create your own whimsical lampworked mushroom in this 2½-hour hands-on class. Perfect for beginners and continuing students alike, this session introduces you to sculptural shaping techniques and color control in borosilicate glass.
You’ll learn how to form and shape molten glass into elegant mushroom caps and stems using color rods and clear glass. Students will make a freestanding sculptural mushroom, perfect for display or gifting.
All materials, tools, and safety gear are provided. You’ll work on a professional torch station with individualized guidance to help you refine your shaping skills and explore the creative possibilities of borosilicate glass.
Topics covered
Introduction to Borosilicate Glass
- Overview of hard glass properties and color behavior
- Understanding flame chemistry and working zones
Tools and Materials
- Torches, punties, shaping tools, and color rods
- Proper use of safety glasses, oxygen, and ventilation
Safety and Studio Etiquette
- Safe practices for working with flame and hot glass
- Maintaining an organized and comfortable workspace
Techniques and Demonstrations
- Shaping and balancing mushroom caps and stems
- Implosion technique: drawing color inward to form a floral or gill-like interior
- Creating dimensional effects with color layering
- Building stable freestanding forms and controlling gravity flow
Hands-On Creation
- Freestanding sculptural mushroom with advanced surface decoration
Finishing and Annealing
- Kiln-annealing for durability and clarity
- Cleaning and presentation tips for wearable or display pieces
By the end of class, you’ll leave with a freestanding sculptural glass mushroom and a deeper understanding of shaping, balance, and color play in molten glass. This class is a playful and rewarding introduction to sculptural lampworking and the meditative beauty of borosilicate art.
About the Instructor
Deenie Wallace began working with borosilicate glass in 2003. Over the years, she has sold her lampwork designs to enthusiastic collectors worldwide. Known for her distinctive styles and advanced use of color techniques, her work is sought after for its advanced level of craftsmanship and beauty. Deenie holds a BFA in Intermedia from Pacific Northwest College of Art. She is also a local filmmaker, creative technologist, and wild plant medicine enthusiast.