Potekglass upcoming classes

Potekglass, 2505 Howard St. NE, Studio C. The “Try-It” events are for beginners or new glass workers and the “Softglass Class” is for people who are familiar with torch work. Classes are being offered from Malcom Potek at Potekglass. Sign up at potekglass.com/classes. Info: 612-281-7243

Kiln Try-It Beginner Class: Saturday, Dec. 5. In this course students will learn to cut patterns out of sheets of glass, make frit, and work with a variety of glass formats by combing them in the kiln to create a glass ring dish.

Basics form Boron Try-It Beginner Class: Saturday, Dec. 12. In this course students will learn torchwork basics and use these skills to gather molten glass to create a small paperweight, smash and twirl a gather into an icicle ornament and experiment with glass blowing to create a small figure.

Italian Soft Glass Try-It Beginner Class: Saturday, Dec. 19. In this course students will learn to gather molten glass and apply on a mandrel to make beads on the torch, as well as explore surface decoration techniques to enhance beads.

Softglass 101: 4 Week Bead Intermediate Class: Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 and Feb. 4. Students familiar with torch work will learn tricks and techniques for making precise patterns and surface designs. The first half of the course will be dedicated to shaping glass into rondels, spheres and cylinders. Students will also learn about precious metal glass as well as silver foil decoration. The second half of the course will be dedicated to transforming cylinder beads into bi-cones and tapers. In this half, students will learn decorative techniques including line, pattern and raised scroll work.