Looking for a unique experience this summer? We recently had the chance to check out two of Local Glass Studio’s new camps and had such a great time getting creative. Katie and her girls did a Glass Playdate, while my daughter and I tried a project from the All Day Glass Camp to explore different glass techniques. If you love trying new things and making one-of-a-kind art, this place is definitely for you!
Glass Playdates
Glass Playdates are a kid-friendly introduction to glass work. For $80, four children ages 8 – 14 years old can select from various projects that take about 2 hours each. Options include resin keychains, necklaces, mosaics, and more. If you have more than four participants, additional guests can be added for $15 each. Appointments for Glass Playdate can be made on their website. It’s perfect for a family or group of friends!
When we entered the studio, we were greeted by friendly staff who walked us through various options for our projects, as well as safety guidelines. I would recommend looking online in advance for design inspiration, as the possibilities are endless! You can pick from pieces that are pre-shaped, such as butterflies, birds and hearts, or choose a square or circle.
During our visit, we each opted to create using a variety of materials. My older daughter used frit, which is ground up glass that looks similar to course sand, and stringers, or long, skinny rods of glass. My younger daughter created a layered beach scene using larger glass pieces and beads, while I made a mosaic. All three of us were able to experiment with cutting and shaping glass.
While we worked, staff members checked in to see how we were progressing, gave us tips, and offered additional supplies as needed. At the end of our time, we were able to peek into the room with the kilns, where our projects will be fired for pickup on a later date. Based on the projects and shapes we selected, all three of us had a ring added to the top of our glass so that we can hang it like a suncatcher once it’s fired. We all had a great time and are looking forward to seeing the results.
Click here to register for Glass Playdates.
All Day Glass Camp
For ages 12-18, this glass camp is unique and built around teen schedules. My daughter loved the idea of a 10:30am start and was excited about asking a group of her friends to do glass projects together for their next hangout!
Projects for Glass Camp include glass mosaic, fused glass, stained glass, and flameworking. Some recent participants used flameworking to create pendants for necklaces and cute little animals, including a penguin, bee and fish. We’ve never tried anything like that and it was so fascinating.
There are so many nuances to glass that we never thought about before too. For example, some colors of glass react with each other and create forms and patterns you wouldn’t expect. My daughter mixed course vanilla frit with fine coral frit, which creates gray, pebble-looking patterns within the glass. We can’t wait to see how her bowl turns out!
The instructors guide you through each project and answer any questions you may have. It’s the perfect balance of creative freedom while learning new techniques and possibilities.
All Day Glass Camp runs Monday through Friday from 10:30am – 4:30pm with new glass projects daily and weekly. So you can sign up for as many days as you would like without repeating projects or getting bored. Click here to reserve your spot.
Glassworks
Want to do a glass project, but don’t have time for a camp? Try Glassworks! It’s is a fun, easy, and affordable way to create glass art in as little as an hour. Prices range from $20-45 per project. They also just introduced a mini mosaic project for $12. It’s a great way for all ages to give it a try. You can find more information about Glassworks on their website as well as register to create a project.
About Local Glass Studio
Not only does Local Glass Studio offer fantastic camp options, it’s also a nice place to spend time. Their work tables are large, the lighting is great, and everything is well organized.
Brenda, the owner, trained at the famous Corning Museum of Glass in New York to up her glass game and they even helped her set up her kiln room, which is impressive.
Besides camps, open studio time, and classes, Local Glass Studio also hosts birthday parties. If you and/or your kids are into being creative, you should definitely check them out.
Local Glass Studio
800 W Roosevelt Rd #D10
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 547-2329
Please note that although the address for Local Glass Studio is on Roosevelt Road, you can’t see the studio from the street. It’s located on the lower level of Building D, which is behind buildings A and B when you first turn in. After driving down a short ramp, you’ll find plenty of parking and a Local Glass Studio sign on the door.
