About This Class
2.5 Hour class to be scheduled a week or more in advance.
Enter the hypnotic world of molten color and depth in this fun and challenging introduction to marble making.
You’ll learn how to form perfectly round marbles using color rods, clear glass, and a marble mold. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, you’ll create your own small marble. Receive expert guidance in surface decoration and color design, with the option of using the vortex technique, where swirling color and clear glass create a captivating illusion of depth and motion.
All tools, materials, and safety equipment are provided. You’ll work on a professional torch station with step-by-step instructions to practice shaping, balancing, and finishing your work to a smooth polish.
Topics covered:
Introduction to Borosilicate Glass
- Understanding hard glass and color properties
- Flame chemistry and heat management for round formsTools and Materials
- Torches, marble molds, shaping pads, and color rodsProper use of oxygen, propane, and ventilation systems
Safety and Studio Etiquette
- Best practices for safe torch use and handling molten glass
- Tips for comfort, focus, and maintaining clean workspace habits
Techniques and Demonstrations
- Gathering and forming glass for spherical shapingExternal color decoration and surface design
- Creating the optical vortex effect using depth and reflection
- Balancing symmetry and controlling heat for a flawless finish
Hands-On Creation
- Create one small marble with an external color design
- Vortex marble technique with optical depth (optional)
By the end of class, you’ll leave with your own handmade marble that mesmerizes with color and depth, plus the skills to keep exploring the meditative and delightful art of borosilicate marble making.
Flexible Date Range
Nov 2, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027
After you register, you'll book your session directly with Deenie Wallace and pick a day inside this window that works for both of you.
Your 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.
Prerequisites
Perfect for ambitious beginners or returning students, this session focuses on the fundamentals of shaping, design, and creating optical effects in borosilicate glass.
Safety
Arrive dressed in natural fibers (100% cotton, linen, or wool).
Loose hair must be tied back.
Sunscreen optional.
What's Included
All tools, glass color and clear rod, and safety equipment are provided.
You’ll work at a professional torch station with personalized guidance to help you develop precision, confidence, and creative freedom in your work.
Age
Supported by the Glass Guild
The Past Lives Glass Guild offers fully equipped studios for copper foil stained glass and torchworking, as well as a kiln for fused glass.
In our cold room, you'll find everything you need to create stained glass pieces from start to finish, including:
• A huge variety of scrap glass, completely free to members
• Cutting stations and tools, including specialty pliers for more challenging cuts
• Grinders with a variety of bits
• A diamond ring saw
• Soldering stations equipped with Hakko irons
• Copper foil, flux, patina, cleaners and wax, and more, offered at no cost to our members
• 60/40 solder available at wholesale prices
In a separate room is our hot glass area, offering amenities such as:
• Torches and annealers for small to mid sized torchwork projects
• Various tools and graphite molds
• Propane and oxygen offered at no cost to our members
• Wholesale prices on a selection of hard and soft glass rods
• A small glass fusing kiln, no cost for firings
We look forward to welcoming you to our space!
Where
Past Lives Makerspace
2808 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
FAQ
What's your cancellation policy?
We know plans change, but late cancellations and no-shows leave empty seats that could've gone to someone on the waitlist, and instructors still prep materials and hold space for every registered student. Here's how we handle it:
Canceling with 48+ hours' notice: No fee. Please cancel by emailing classes@pastlives.space as early as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.
Canceling with less than 48 hours' notice, or no-shows: We do not offer refunds for late cancellations and no-shows.
Emergencies: We understand things come up. Emergency exceptions are handled case-by-case. Please reach out to us directly, and we'll work with you.
How to cancel: Email classes@pastlives.space
Is the space accessible?
We have a ramp to reach our first floor, but please note that Past Lives Makerspace is not currently ADA accessible, and we do not have ADA accessible restrooms at this time. If you have questions about accessing a specific class or space, please reach out to us at studios@pastlives.space and we'll do our best to help.
Do I need any prior experience or skill level?
Generally, no! Our classes are designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to those looking to refine existing techniques. Each class description will note if any prior experience is recommended.
What do I do once I arrive at Past Lives?
Our building is secure, and our doors are locked. The instructor will meet you at the front door to let you in 10 min. before your scheduled class time. If you don't see anyone, please knock!
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