Borro Glass Studio (BGS)

Beginner Solid Glass Fundamentals

Course Syllabus

Course Length: 150 Minutes (2.5 Hours)
Instructor: Odo C.
Location: Borro Glass Studio
920 N. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL

Course Description

This beginner-friendly course introduces students to the fundamentals of working with solid borosilicate glass using a bench torch. Students will learn proper safety procedures, torch control, heat management, and foundational techniques for manipulating solid rod while creating several small practice projects.

No prior experience is necessary.

Learning Objectives

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

• Understand safe operation of a lampworking torch
• Identify essential lampworking tools and their uses
• Properly heat and rotate solid borosilicate rod
• Control heat placement and flame chemistry
• Pull points and stringers
• Create gathers and shape solid glass
• Fire polish finished work
• Understand proper annealing procedures
• Build confidence working with solid borosilicate glass

Materials Included

Each student receives:

• Borosilicate solid glass rods
• Assorted color rods
• Fuel usage
• Studio tools
• Safety glasses (if needed)
• Kiln annealing of finished projects

Students should wear:

• Closed-toe shoes
• Cotton or natural fiber clothing
• Hair tied back
• No loose jewelry

Class Schedule

Part 1 – Welcome & Studio Safety

20 Minutes

Topics Covered

• Studio orientation
• Torch safety
• Ventilation
• Eye protection
• Hot glass awareness
• Safe handling of tools
• Proper workstation setup
• Emergency procedures

Hands-on:

• Lighting the torch
• Understanding flame zones
• Proper hand position
• Rotation practice

Part 2 – Understanding Borosilicate Glass

20 Minutes

Topics Covered

• Characteristics of borosilicate glass
• Heat and cooling cycles
• Neutral, oxidizing, and reducing flames
• Avoiding thermal shock
• Reading glass temperature by color and viscosity

Practice Exercises

• Even heating
• Straight rotation
• Basic heat control

Part 3 – Fundamental Solid Glass Techniques

35 Minutes

Students practice:

• Making gathers
• Pulling points
• Pulling stringers
• Shaping cones
• Forming balls
• Fire polishing
• Controlling symmetry
• Proper cooling between steps

Instructor demonstrations followed by guided practice.

Part 4 – Beginner Projects

45 Minutes

Students complete several small projects designed to reinforce the techniques learned.

Projects may include:

• Decorative glass marble
• Glass mushroom
• Simple glass heart
• Glass pendant
• Decorative paperweight
• Color application exercises

Emphasis is placed on:

• Consistent rotation
• Heat control
• Symmetry
• Surface finish

Part 5 – Finishing & Annealing

15 Minutes

Topics Covered

• Fire polishing techniques
• Removing tool marks
• Stress awareness
• Proper kiln loading
• Annealing process
• Cooling procedures

Finished projects are placed into the kiln for annealing.

Part 6 – Review & Q&A

15 Minutes

Discussion includes:

• Review of techniques learned
• Common beginner mistakes
• Practice recommendations
• Equipment overview
• Next steps for continued learning
• Student questions

Student Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have:

• Completed several small solid-glass projects
• A basic understanding of torch operation
• Confidence handling solid borosilicate rod
• Familiarity with heat control and shaping techniques
• Knowledge of safe studio practices
• An understanding of proper annealing procedures

Safety Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Wear eye protection at all times.
• Keep their workspace clean and organized.
• Never touch hot glass unless instructed.
• Follow all instructor directions while operating the torch.
• Report broken glass or injuries immediately.
• Never leave an active torch unattended.

Recommended Next Course

After completing Beginner Solid Glass Fundamentals, students are encouraged to continue with Solid Glass Level II, where they will explore:

• Advanced gathers and sculpting
• Precision shaping
• Color layering
• Encased color techniques
• Decorative implosions
• Small sculptural forms
• Texture and surface decoration
• Intermediate solid borosilicate techniques

Contact Information

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

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

This curriculum focuses exclusively on solid borosilicate lampworking, giving beginners a strong technical foundation through a progression of practice exercises and small finished projects before advancing to more complex glassworking techniques.

Order confidently from Borro Glass Studio and keep your bench stocked with material made for real shop work.