Three or Four Legged Coffee Cup Class with Julia Tomaro

Wednesday, July 22nd * 6:00pm - 8:00pm

In this two and a half hour class students will learn how to create a coffee cup using slab construction to create a unique design. After the cup is made, participants will choose a glaze of their choice. When they come to pick up the mug weeks later, it will be ready to go!

Come join me for a hand building class for making bee cups that will look lovely in your gardens! No experience is required. Clay will be provided along with wires to support your bee cups. We will make several cups and have time to decorate them. They will then be fired and have a clear glaze put on them before they are ready for pickup.

This class is intended for ages 15 and up or ages 11 to 14 when accompanied by an adult. 

Intermediate / Advanced Beadmaking

6 Saturdays: July 25th; August 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

9:00am – 12:00pm

Designed for students ready to expand their flameworking abilities, this class focuses on refining technique while exploring more complex forms and designs.

Instruction is tailored to the individual, allowing each student to grow at their own pace while building confidence and control in the flame. Topics may include creating and using stringers and cane, florals, hollow forms, marbles, and advanced dot pattern work.

This is the perfect class for those looking to push their skills further, develop their personal style, and explore new creative possibilities in glass.

Intro to Beadmaking Workshop

Saturday, July 25th

12:00pm - 3:00pm 

Step into the world of glass art with this beginner-friendly workshop! Students will learn how to wind molten glass onto a mandrel, shape it into a bead, and apply simple color and decorative elements.

This hands-on experience is a wonderful way to try flameworking for the first time and is the perfect introduction before committing to a full 6-week course.

Beginning / Intermediate Beadmaking

6 Sundays: July 26th, August 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd & 30th

9:00am – 12:00pm 

This class is a perfect introduction to the art of flameworking, as well as a supportive space for continuing students to refine their skills. We will focus on building a strong foundation—learning how to control molten glass while creating clean, well-shaped beads.

Students will explore different methods of forming beads on the mandrel, along with shaping techniques, dot application, and simple pattern design. Emphasis is placed on consistency, control, and understanding how glass behaves in the flame.

Whether you are brand new or looking to strengthen your fundamentals, this class offers a relaxed and creative environment to grow your skills in glass.

Marbles 2 Workshop

Sunday, July 26th

12:00pm - 3:00pm

Ready to take your marble skills further? This workshop builds on foundational techniques while introducing more dynamic and intricate designs.

Students will explore patterns such as deep twists, folded cane, and layered effects to create visually stunning marbles. A perfect next step for those who have taken Marbles 1 or have prior experience.

Terra Cotta Inlayed Mugs with Laura VanCamp

Sunday, July 26th * 2:00pm - 4:30pm

In this class we will guide you through the basics of creating 2 hand-built mugs. For surface decoration we will be using terra cotta clay inlaid into a white clay body. Make the design your own!

The ACA metalsmith studio is a state of the art facility with natural gas & oxygen torches, rolling mill & numerous texture plates, buffers, large overhead shears, pickle pots, flex shafts & lathe with abundant attachments, hydraulic press with a full complement of bending & cutting accessories, and a full assortment of hand equipment. 

The fee for Open Hours is 5 dollars per hour. 

In addition to signing up on the website, please text Annemarie at 708-287-9085 for the dates you are attending before 24 hours of the allotted hours (This facilitates communication for weather closures, staffing, availability communication). 

Open hours expire at the end each month so come on in.  There is a monitor in attendance but no actual scheduled teaching.  Participants can use tools with which they are competent and comfortable.  All safety precautions are to be followed and are posted.  Looking forward to great times together making wearable art.  Want more details, want to schedule a tour:  text or email.

Monday  9 am - 1 pm

Wednesday 12-4 pm

Thursday 6-9 pm

Saturday  9 am - 1 pm