Borro Glass Studio (BGS)

Solid Glass Level II

Intermediate Borosilicate Lampworking

Course Length: 150 Minutes (2.5 Hours)
Prerequisite: Solid Glass Fundamentals (Level I) or instructor approval
Instructor: Odo C.
Location: Borro Glass Studio
920 N. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL

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Course Description

Solid Glass Level II builds on the foundational skills learned in Level I by introducing intermediate shaping techniques, color application, sculptural construction, and precision finishing. Students will develop greater control of heat, symmetry, and form while creating multiple artistic solid-glass projects.

This class emphasizes technique over speed and encourages students to develop consistency and confidence with borosilicate glass.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate consistent heat control
• Apply multiple colors without contamination
• Create smooth, symmetrical gathers
• Shape more complex sculptural forms
• Pull consistent stringers and points
• Attach decorative elements cleanly
• Control depth and dimension
• Properly finish and anneal intermediate projects
• Troubleshoot common shaping and heat-control issues

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Materials Included

Students receive:

• Premium borosilicate color rods
• Clear borosilicate rod
• Studio tool use
• Fuel
• Safety equipment (if needed)
• Kiln annealing of completed work

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Student Projects

Students will complete several projects such as:

• Galaxy Marble
• Decorative Mushroom Pendant
• Glass Heart with Color Accents
• Small Glass Cactus
• Decorative Orb
• Stylized Flower
• Color Practice Samples

Projects may vary based on class pace and skill level.

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Course Schedule

Part 1 – Review & Warm-Up

20 Minutes

Students review Level I techniques while practicing:

• Flame adjustment
• Even rotation
• Heat placement
• Symmetrical gathers
• Fire polishing
• Controlled cooling

Warm-up exercises:

• Ball shaping
• Point pulling
• Cone shaping

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Part 2 – Intermediate Color Techniques

30 Minutes

Topics include:

• Working with opaque vs. transparent colors
• Color compatibility
• Layering colors
• Encasing techniques
• Dot placement
• Surface decoration
• Preventing scumming and boiling

Practice:

• Decorative dot patterns
• Color gathers
• Simple layered effects

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Part 3 – Sculptural Construction

40 Minutes

Students learn:

• Multiple attachment points
• Building balanced sculptures
• Maintaining heat throughout larger forms
• Sculpting with gravity
• Using tweezers and graphite shaping tools
• Surface refinement

Instructor demonstrates each step before guided practice.

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Part 4 – Intermediate Project

45 Minutes

Students complete one larger feature project.

Possible projects include:

Option A

Decorative Mushroom Pendant

Skills:

• Layered cap
• Stem construction
• Clean attachment
• Loop formation

Option B

Galaxy Marble

Skills:

• Multi-color gathers
• Depth creation
• Encased color
• Optical effects

Option C

Decorative Glass Cactus

Skills:

• Multiple gathers
• Sequential attachments
• Sculptural shaping
• Surface detailing

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Part 5 – Finishing & Annealing

15 Minutes

Topics:

• Surface inspection
• Removing tool marks
• Fire polishing
• Stress reduction
• Proper kiln loading
• Annealing schedule

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Student Outcomes

Students completing Level II should be able to:

✓ Create clean, symmetrical solid-glass sculptures

✓ Apply multiple colors with confidence

✓ Produce more refined decorative work

✓ Understand proper attachment techniques

✓ Control heat placement for larger pieces

✓ Finish projects with professional-looking surfaces

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Skills Mastered

By the completion of this class students will have practiced:

• Precision flame control
• Intermediate shaping
• Color application
• Decorative attachments
• Sculptural construction
• Fire polishing
• Heat management
• Annealing preparation

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Safety Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Follow all studio safety rules.
• Wear eye protection at all times.
• Maintain an organized workstation.
• Handle hot glass responsibly.
• Use proper torch techniques.
• Follow instructor guidance during demonstrations.

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Recommended Next Course

Solid Glass Level III – Advanced Sculpture & Color

Topics include:

• Encased implosions
• Advanced color layering
• Ribbon cane
• Decorative stringers
• Hollow-to-solid transitions
• Botanical sculpture
• Animal sculptures
• Precision marbles
• Advanced sculptural techniques

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Contact Information

Borro Glass Studio
920 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL

Phone: (217) 487-2290
Email: classes@borroglass.com

Course Goal: Students leave Level II with the confidence to create polished, colorful, intermediate-level solid borosilicate artwork while building the technical foundation needed for advanced sculptural lampworking.