Glass Kiln & Fused Glass Program at Loveland CreatorSpace

Loveland CreatorSpace offers a supervised fused‑glass program led by trained kiln instructors. The glass kiln is not available for independent member use. All kiln firings are performed by authorized instructors during scheduled classes and Open Studio sessions.

This page outlines how the fused‑glass program works, when sessions are held, and what members need to know to participate.

1. Overview

The fused‑glass program supports:

• Introductory fused‑glass classes

• Weekly Open Studio sessions

• Instructor‑guided projects

• Fusing, tack‑fusing, slumping, and basic warm‑glass techniques

• Learning firing schedules, annealing, thermal shock, devitrification, and glass behavior

All kiln operation is performed exclusively by kiln instructors.

2. Kiln Access Policy

Members do not operate the kiln.

Only trained kiln instructors and the kilnmaster run all firings.

Members may participate in fused‑glass activities only during:

• Scheduled classes

• Wednesday Open Studio sessions

• Special workshops

This ensures safe operation, consistent results, and proper handling of materials and firing schedules.

3. Weekly Fused Glass Program

Loveland CreatorSpace hosts Fused Glass Classes and Open Studio every Wednesday evening.

📅 Weekly Schedule

Wednesdays, 5–8 PM  

Location: Glass Kiln Area

This is the primary time for all fused‑glass activities.

4. Intro to Fusing Class

All new participants must complete an Intro to Fusing class before attending Open Studio.

The Intro class teaches:

• Basics of fused glass

• Glass compatibility (COE)

• Firing schedules

• Annealing

• Thermal shock

• Devitrification

• Glass cutting

• Project design

• Safety and kiln procedures

This class is required for safety and ensures participants understand how glass behaves in the kiln.

5. Wednesday Night Project Classes

These instructor‑led classes are open to beginners and returning students.

✨ Make a 4×5" Glass Suncatcher

• $40 for LCS Members

• $50 for Non‑Members

• All materials included

✨ Make a 9" Glass Bowl

• $125 for LCS Members

• $155 for Non‑Members

• All materials included

Students receive instruction in:

• Glass cutting

• Design

• Layering

• Fusing concepts

• Kiln behavior

• Project finishing

The kilnmaster handles all firing.

6. Open Glass Studio — Wednesdays 5–8 PM

Open Studio is supervised creative time for students who have completed the Intro to Fusing class.

Open Studio Requirements

• Must have completed Intro to Fusing

• Must follow instructor guidance

• Kiln firings are performed only by instructors

• Materials are provided during studio time

Open Studio Rates

• $10 per session for LCS Members

• $20 per session for Non‑Members

Project Firing Fees

After firing, finished pieces are weighed and charged at:

• $0.18 per gram

This covers glass, kiln time, shelf prep, and consumables.

7. What You Can Make

During classes and Open Studio, participants can create:

• Suncatchers

• Bowls

• Plates

• Ornaments

• Small fused‑glass art pieces

• Tack‑fused texture projects

• Slumped forms (as approved)

Instructors will guide project selection based on skill level and kiln availability.

8. Safety Rules

Even though instructors run the kiln, participants must follow glass‑area safety:

• Wear safety glasses when cutting glass

• Handle glass carefully to avoid sharp edges

• Keep the work area clean

• Follow instructor guidance at all times

• Do not touch the kiln or kiln furniture

• Do not open the kiln at any time

• Allow instructors to handle all loading/unloading

• Report any broken glass or hazards immediately

9. Slack Channels

For updates, announcements, and firing results:

• #kiln — Scheduling, class updates, instructor communication

• #kiln-fired — Finished project photos, results, and community sharing

10. Need Help?

Contact one of our Glass Kiln Instructors or ask in Slack (#kiln) for assistance, class information, or Open Studio questions.