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Milkweed Arts

Ready to Go Beyond?

Four days. Bigger questions. Braver glass.

There comes a point when the basics begin to feel familiar—and your curiosity starts asking harder, more interesting questions. Level 3: Going Beyond is for glass artists who are ready to follow those questions somewhere new.
October 22–25, we’ll spend four full days stretching familiar skills into more adventurous territory. You’ll explore new ways to build imagery, pattern, texture, and depth while learning how to make thoughtful technical choices along the way.
  • Write and draw with glass
  • Create pattern bars
  • Work with enamel bubble paints
  • Explore thicker, more dimensional glass

10/22-10/25 LEVEL 3: Kiln-formed Glass - Going Beyond

The Shelves Have Their Own Invitation

And while you’re at the studio, take a little wander through the studio: 1 lb frit jars are 50% off and slumping molds are 40% off through October 31.
The sale is available in store only at 1850 West Mulberry Drive.
Sale prices are valid in store through closing on October 31, 2026, and apply only to items currently in stock. No rain checks. Discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases.
Whether you’re ready to push your glass work further or simply ready to give your supply shelf a little more possibility, we’d love to see you.
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Make a Day of Glass on October 17

Some of the best studio days have a little making, a little problem-solving, and plenty of glass in between. On Saturday, October 17, you can spend the morning building bold plaid patterns, the afternoon learning how to take a fired piece from almost-there to truly finished—or choose the half-day that fits you best.

10am–1pm: Tartan Glass

Cut, layer, and compose colored strips into a tartan-inspired design that shifts and blends in the kiln. Choose the palette that makes you happiest and build a piece with crisp pattern and plenty of personality. Glass is sold separately so the color choices are completely yours.

10/17 Tartan Glass: Crafting Modern Plaids in Fused Glass

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2pm–5pm: From Fired to Finished

The kiln may be finished, but sometimes your glass isn’t. This hands-on introduction takes the mystery out of coldworking as you learn safe ways to cut, grind, shape, smooth, and finish glass using the studio’s tools and equipment.

10/17 From Fired to Finished: An Introduction to Coldworking

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Both classes are open to all levels, ages 16 and up. Come for one or settle in for the whole creative day.

A Little In-Store Treat Through October 31

While you’re visiting the studio, take a look around: 1 lb frit jars are 50% off and slumping molds are 40% off through October 31.
In store only at 1850 West Mulberry Drive. Sale prices are valid in store through closing on October 31, 2026, and apply only to items currently in stock. No rain checks. Discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases.
Come curious. Leave with new patterns, smoother edges, and maybe a few irresistible studio supplies.
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Pattern is where patience becomes magic.

Cut a strip. Repeat a color. Shift a line. Then watch a simple rhythm turn into something that seems to move, shimmer, or fold right in front of you.
October gives us three wonderfully different ways to explore pattern in glass: woven optical bowls, modern tartans, and glass that borrows its structure from textiles.

10/14-10/21 Optic Weave: Making Optical Bowls in Glass

10/17 Tartan Glass: Crafting Modern Plaids in Fused Glass

10/21-10/28 Weaving Wonders: Fused Glass Textile Techniques

These workshops welcome all levels. Each one offers a different path into color, repetition, and the quiet satisfaction of watching a pattern come together.
Which kind of pattern makes your brain light up?
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A Very Good Reason to Visit the Studio in October!

We’re making a little room on the shelves, and giving your next few projects some extra possibilities...
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50% OFF 1 lb Frit Jars

Restock the colors you reach for constantly, or bring home one you’ve been curious about. Half-price is a lovely invitation to wander a little outside your usual palette.
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40% OFF Slumping Molds

That shape you keep imagining? This may be its moment. Explore the slumping molds in the studio and give your next piece somewhere interesting to land.

Through October 31

This sale is available in store only through October 31. The discounts are not available online.
Stop by Milkweed Arts at 1850 West Mulberry Drive in Phoenix. Bring your project list, or simply come see which color or shape starts whispering your name.
No tricks. Just a very good excuse to stock the studio!
(Sale prices are valid in store only through closing on October 31, 2026, and apply only to items currently in stock. No rain checks. Discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases..)
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Wednesday Nights Could Use a Little Ocean

When the week feels flat, a wave is just the thing.

Wednesday, September 23, from 6–9 p.m., we’re turning layers of glass into small cresting waves—and giving the middle of the week a much better view.
Oceanic Splendor is a welcoming three-hour workshop for all skill levels, ages 16 and older. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance as you create a six-inch fused-glass sculpture, and all glass materials are included. (Optional display stand sold separately.)

09/23 Oceanic Splendor: Crafting a Glass Wave

Come make some waves with us.
Not an ocean person? That's okay. We have another workshop just right for you! See all the offerings below:
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Your Glass Project Called.

It would like more table space.

If your latest idea has taken over the dining room table (or is patiently waiting for the right tool) bring it to Open Studio at Milkweed Arts.
Open Studio is relaxed, independent making time for glass artists who want room to work, access to professional equipment, and the freedom to follow a project wherever it leads. It isn’t a class, but our friendly staff is nearby for quick questions and help with the equipment.

What Comes With Your Three Hours?

  • A spacious worktable with plenty of elbow room
  • Up to two firings for each piece completed during your session (fuse, slump, or one of each) with a total 14 × 28-inch kiln-space allowance per session
  • Cutting tools and systems, including hand tools, circle and lens cutters, Beetle Bits systems, and more
  • Power and finishing equipment, including wet tile and ring saws, grinders, flat laps, flex-shaft drills, wet belt sanders, sandblasters, etc
  • A pass that never expires, so you can use it when the creative stars (and your calendar) align
Whether you’re finishing a piece, testing a new technique, or simply craving a few uninterrupted hours with your glass, this is your space to settle in and make something.

Step 1: Purchase Your Studio Time

Fused Glass Studio Time

Step 2: Reserve Your Session

Already have a pass? Perfect. Choose an available Open Studio date on the calendar and reserve your seat.
Bring the project that has been nudging at you. We’ll have the table ready.
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Small glass. Big possibilities.

Sometimes a project doesn’t need more glass. It needs one small detail in exactly the right place.
Frit Balls are tiny, handmade spheres of genuine Bullseye glass. They add dimension and texture without asking you to make every dot, eye, bubble, flower center, or decorative accent from scratch.
  • Build cheerful flower centers and berries
  • Add eyes and personality to small creatures
  • Create bubbles, borders, dots, and raised accents
  • Scatter them into mosaics or larger fused-glass compositions
Each half-ounce package contains roughly 100–130 pieces, generally 3–6 mm across. Because they’re handmade, the small variations are part of their charm.
Consider this your permission to dot, sprinkle, and play.
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Where Kilncasting Meets the Digital Studio

Some workshops teach you a technique. This one asks what becomes possible when two very different ways of making meet.
From September 17–21, artist Norwood Viviano will join us for five days of Innovative Kilncasting—a hands-on exploration of traditional glass casting alongside 3D computer modeling, 3D printing, and rubber mold making.
You’ll move between digital tools and tactile processes, learning how each can open new doors in the other. The workshop brings together:
  • 3D computer modeling and 3D printing
  • Mold making and classic wax working
  • Plaster investment and kilncasting methods
Norwood’s own practice lives at this meeting point. His glass and sculptural work has been shown at the Venice Architecture Biennale, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, and is held in collections including the Corning Museum of Glass and the de Young Museum.

The Practical Details

  • September 17–21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
  • Open to beginning and intermediate students
  • Limited to eight students
  • Bring a laptop; the workshop software is free

09/17-09/21 Innovative Kilncasting: Merging Traditional Techniques with Digital Practices, with Norwood Viviano

If you’ve been curious about bringing digital processes into a hands-on glass practice, this is a thoughtful place to begin. Come ready to experiment—and leave with a larger toolbox and some new questions worth following.
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September is packed with opportunities to try something new, build your skills, and spend a little more time creating with glass. We have a great mix of workshops coming up, from fun projects you can simply come in and enjoy to classes that will introduce you to new techniques and give you ideas you'll keep using long after class is over.
Take a look at what's coming up and find something that inspires you. We'd love to have you at the studio!

09/04 Liquid Landscapes: Poured Glass Coasters

09/05 Illuminate Your Creativity: The Art of Glass Lanterns

09/05-09/12 Weaving Wonders: Fused Glass Textile Techniques

09/06 Sushi Set Spectacular

09/09-09/10 Layered Stories: Creating Themed Glass Plates & Bowls

09/09-09/23 Weaving Wonders: Fused Glass Textile Techniques

09/11 Iridescence ... Squared!

09/11 Circular Elegance: Fused Glass Plates & Bowls

09/13 Garden Glass: Create Fused Art for Outdoor Stakes

09/23 Oceanic Splendor: Crafting a Glass Wave

09/25-09/27 LEVEL 1: Introduction to Kiln-Formed Glass

And don't miss out ...
It's your last chance to check out our HOT Summer Sale!
🔥Hot Deals You Can't Resist!
Visit our website to see all the deals online and save 20-50%, or stop by in person for even MORE sale items!
(discounts will show in shopping cart during checkout) In person sale ends 08/30 at 6pm. Online sale ends 08/31 @ 11:59pm.
Why Shop with Us?
At Milkweed Arts, we are passionate about providing the highest quality materials and tools for all your glass art needs. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find precisely what you need, and let's be honest ...we offer the friendliest service in town!
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This post was published
An image added to the post.
Did you get a chance to check out our HOT Summer Sale? It's a big one, so we didn't want you to miss you!
🔥Hot Deals You Can't Resist!
Visit our website to see all the deals online and save 20-50%, or stop by in person for even MORE sale items!
(discounts will show in shopping cart during checkout)
Why Shop with Us?
At Milkweed Arts, we are passionate about providing the highest quality materials and tools for all your glass art needs. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find precisely what you need, and let's be honest ...we offer the friendliest service in town!
An image added to the post.
This post was published