Explore Glassmaking in Tacoma

Glassblowing Downtown & Glass Fusing on Proctor Street, Saturdays & Sundays

Glassmaking is perfect for...

● Complete beginners and returning participants
● Kids ages 8+ and their grown-ups to experience glassmaking together
● Out-of-town guests, family gatherings, date nights, birthdays, bucket lists, and celebrations
● Large group events–corporate gatherings, holiday parties, team building, and more

‘Experiences’ make great gifts!

Give the gift of glassblowing or glass fusing with an e-gift card–let them book their own appointment. Want to watch? You’re welcome to observe! Just book appointments for the number of participants.

The Glassblowing Experience

Discover the magic of hot glass with a one-on-one, hands-on experience. No prior experience is needed! You’ll work with a skilled glassblower to design and create your own unique art glass piece.

What to Expect

✨Pick Your Shape – Choose from 15 shapes, priced $95-$150 per person.
🎨Customize Your Colors – Apply, twist, and manipulate them to create your design.
🔥Shape & Blow Your Glass – With expert guidance, bring your vision to life.
⌛Plan Ahead – Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and finalize your design.
💥Studio Time – About 30 minutes per person
📦Pick Up or Ship – Your piece will be ready the following Tuesday (shipping available).
💳Payment – Due at the time of service (no deposit required).

What You Can Make

✨TIER 1 | $95 | Solid Glass | ~up to 15 min in Hotshop

No air inside–colors are encased in clear glass for a magnified effect. e.

● Round Paperweight
● Egg Paperweight
● Heart Paperweight
● Little Pumpkin

✨TIER 2 | $125 | Blown Glass | ~30 min in Hotshop

After applying colors, you’ll help shape and blow air into your piece-using a hand pump.

● Low Bowl
● Open Bowl
● Wavy Bowl
● Medium Pumpkin
● Wavy Vase
● 2 Small Floats/Ornaments (Discounts available on Groupon; also available for purchase through Virgin Experience Gifts)

✨TIER 3 | $150 | Blown Glass | ~30 min in Hotshop

This technique is also blown, but includes extra materials for display.

● Garden Art (Wavy Bowl or Flame) – a copper fitting will be placed at the base while it is hot and includes a copper pipe and rebar
● Large Pumpkin – includes a light box
● Lighted Float (Sitting or Hanging) – Comes with stand & string lights Previously offered on Groupon–vouchers are valued at the current Tier 3 rate.

Your Day at Tacoma Glassblowing Studio

Check-in (30 min before your appointment)

● Arrive 30 minutes early to check in, complete safety waivers, and choose your shape, pattern, and colors.
● Our gallery has plenty of samples and staff to help with design choices.

Glassblowing Experience (~30 minutes per person)

● Safety rules will be covered before entering the hotshop.
● Your instructor will guide you as you heat, apply colors, shape, and blow your glass piece.
● Your item goes into the annealer overnight for controlled cooling. (Colors won’t appear true until fully cooled!)

Check-out & Pickup

● Pay after your session (tips appreciated!)
● Pickup available Tuesday or later. Shipping starts at $20-$25 (plus $5 per extra item).

Book Online now!

Glass Fusing Workshop

Experience the art of glass fusing–a process where layers of glass are melted together in a kiln to create stunning designs. Unlike glassblowing, fusing is not hot!
At Tacoma Glass Gallery & Fusing Studio, you’ll design and assemble your own fused glass piece in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Work at your own pace with up to 2 hours of studio time. All supplies, tools, and instruction are included, with optional add-ons available.
Your finished piece will be ready for pickup in one week (shipping available). Payment is required at booking when reserving online.

What You Can Make

All projects start with a clear, flat tile. A 6” x 6” tile is available year-round, while other project options rotate seasonally. Our workshops are open design, with seasonal and themed examples for inspiration.

Project Options (subject to availability and season):

One 6” x 6” tile
Two 4” x 4” tiles

You’ll have access to a vibrant selection of glass, including granulated frit, stringers, flat glass, and pre-fused dots. Our inventory is always evolving to offer fresh and creative possibilities.

Add-On Options (+$5 each)

● Dish – Your fused tile will go through a second kiln cycle in a mold to create a dish shape.
● Dichroic *bling – Enhance your piece with a selection of colorful, textured dichroic glass.
● Hanging Hooks – Copper hooks can be added to the back before fusing for easy hanging

Your Day in the Fusing Studio

✏️Design Your Tile – Start with a clear, flat tile and plan your creation. Choose a recognizable image, a geometric pattern, or an abstract design. Browse “fused glass tile” for inspiration—our staff is here to help bring your vision to life!
🐾Select & Shape Your Glass – Choose from a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Break, snap, or cut pieces to layer onto your tile.
🔥Fire & Fuse – Your tile will spend 15+ hours in the kiln for a contour fuse, adding depth and texture. Keep it flat or choose an add-on for hooks or a dish shape.
📦Pick Up – Your finished piece will be ready for pickup in one week.

👥Enjoy the Experience! In our Fusing Workshop, you’ll sit alongside friends—new or old—at a shared table, enjoying a creative and welcoming atmosphere.
📍Fusing Workshops take place at our new second location: Tacoma Glass Gallery & Fusing Studio in the Proctor District.

Book Online now!

Specialty Glassblowing
Experiences & Workshops

These are one-time events offered on specific dates involving specialized techniques, unique equipment and more than one professional Glassblower.

Your Guide to Booking & Attending

How do I book for large groups?

✨Glassblowing Experience, Specialty Glassblowing Experience, or Sip & Create

1-5 people: Book online
6-11 people: Call to book
12+ people: Email tgsglassgroups@gmail.com

● Select the Downtown location, service and number of participants.
● Your appointment time is when you start in the hotshop. Arrive 30 minutes prior.
● A credit card is required at booking but will not be charged.
● Groups of 6+ people receive a discount – call to book.

✨Fusing Workshop

1-6 people: Book online
7-11 people: Call to book
12+ people: Email tgsglass@gmail.com

● Select the Proctor location, date, and number of participants.
● Payment is due at booking online, but you can call to book and pay at the time of service.
● Groups of 7+ people receive a discount–call to book.

✨2-Hour Pumpkin Workshop

1-2 people: Book online
3+ people: Call to book

● Select the Downtown location, date, and number of participants.
● Payment is due at booking online.
● To bypass full payment, call to book and pay a 50% deposit (balance due at time of service).
● Discounts are available for two-person bookings.

What are the accepted payment methods?

● In-person: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, Cash, Gift Cards, Groupon, Virgin Experience Gifts.
● Gifting: Buy an e-gift card if booking for someone else.
● Tipping: If you have a great experience, tips can be given via cash or card.

What do I wear to the studio?

In the Hotshop

✅Required: Closed-toe shoes (no sandals, open-toed shoes or Crocs).
✅Best Clothing: Fitted, natural fabrics like cotton or cotton blends. Avoid synthetic materials (e.g., fleece, raincoats), as they must be removed while blowing glass.
✅Recommended: Layer up–some areas will be hot, others cold. Jeans and a t-shirt work well. Long sleeves/pants are optional for extra protection.
❌Avoid: Flowy dresses, skirts, scarves (safety hazard).

In the Fusing Studio

✅Required: Closed-toe shoes (no sandals, open-toed shoes or Crocs).
✅Best Clothing: Fitted clothing. Glass cutting can create small shards–avoid low-cut shirts and flowy scarves.
🔸Safety equipment is provided at both locations.

Can I buy a gift card?

Looking to give the gift of glassblowing or fusing?

● Gift cards are available in pre-set amounts that cover the full cost for 1 person (including tax) for:

1️⃣ Fusing Workshop
2️⃣ Tier 1 Glassblowing Experience
3️⃣ Tier 2 Glassblowing Experience
4️⃣ Tier 3 Glassblowing Experience
5️⃣ Custom Amount – Choose your own denomination.

💡 Important: The gift card system only displays dollar amounts, not experience names. Please select the amount that corresponds to the experience you’d like to give.

What is your cancellation policy?

● 48-hour notice required for cancellations, rescheduling, or changes in group size.
● Late cancellations, no-shows, or fewer attendees than booked will result in a charge of 50% of the missed appointment(s).
● If sick or in an emergency, call to cancel to avoid fees.
● Reminder call the week before your appointment

● 1-week notice required for cancellations, rescheduling, or changes in group size.
● Late cancellations, no-shows, or fewer attendees than booked will result in a charge of 50% of the missed appointment(s), unless we are able to fill your spot from the waitlist.
● If sick or in an emergency, call to cancel to avoid fees.
● Reminder call 2 weeks before + email with workshop details 1 week before.

How does pick-up and shipping work?

📍Pick-up: The following Tuesday or later.
📦Shipping: Starts at $20-$25 for one item (+$5 per additional item to the same address)

📍Pick-up: The following Tuesday after 11 AM or later (pumpkins will be bubble-wrapped and bagged).
📦Shipping: Starts at $20-$25 for one item (+$5 per additional item to the same address).

📍Pick-up: One week later or any time after.
📦Shipping: Starts at $15 for one item (+$5 per additional item to the same address).

Book Online now!

E-Gift Card

About Handblown Glass

Each glass piece is unique–no two are alike! Expect bubbles and heavier weight than you might anticipate

● Hand wash only (glass is not tempered and can’t handle extreme temperature changes).
● Bring outdoor garden art inside during freezing temperatures.
● Use a soft makeup brush (designated just for pumpkin dusting!) to gently remove dust and debris from your pumpkins.