Specialty Experiences & Workshops
techniques, unique equipment and more than one professional Glassblower.
Looking for Glassblowing Experience or Glass Fusing Workshops Instead?
Join us every Saturday & Sunday for our hands-on Glassblowing Experience or Glass Fusing Workshop—perfect for beginners! Click here to explore Glassmaking in Tacoma
Specialty Glassblowing Experience
- Downtown Location: 114 S 23rd Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 | 253-383-3499 x1
- $195 + tax per person
- Limited availability | Book now, or add yourself to the waitlist!
- Ages 12+
Unlike our regular Glassblowing Experience, these specialty workshops require two skilled glassblowers to assist you in creating unique, intricate designs. Offered on select dates, these one-on-one sessions allow you to craft something truly special.
Workshop Details
● Appointments are 1 hour (30 min design, 30 min in the hotshop).
● Additional participants add 30 min per person to the session.
● Book for the number of participants in your group.
Choose from Three Shapes:
🐝 Bee – Customize your bee’s colors, stripe, stinger, and expression (smile, frown, or no mouth). Choose a hanging or sitting bee with a clear glass hook or base. Wings will be clear, and eyes black.
☃️ Snowman – Pick a top hat or Santa hat, customize the hat and scarf colors, and decide between a short (2-bump) or tall (3-bump) snowman. The eyes will be black, the carrot nose orange, and you can choose a lined or dotted smile.
🌵 Cactus – Design your cactus with 1 or 2 arms, select body and flower colors, and choose a clear or brown base.
Sip & Create
- Downtown Location: 114 S 23rd Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 | 253-383-3499 x1
- $165 + tax per person
- Limited availability | Book now, or add yourself to the waitlist!
- Ages 21+
Enjoy an evening of glassblowing, drinks, and good company! Work one-on-one with our skilled glassblowers to create your very own pint glass or stemless wine glass. Then, stay to relax and sip with fellow participants.
Event Details
● 5:30 PM – 8:30 pm, with staggered start times.
● 1-hour session (30 min design, 30 min glassblowing).
● Additional participants add 30 min per person.
● Includes 4, 4-ounce beverages per person.
What’s Included
● 1 person – $165 + tax (4, 4-ounce beverages + Drinking Glass Glassblowing Experience)
● 2 people – $330 + tax (4, 4-ounce beverages each + Drinking Glass Glassblowing Experience each)
Create Now, Sip Later
- Downtown Location: 114 S 23rd Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 | 253-383-3499 x1
- $150 + tax per person
- Limited availability | Book now, or add yourself to the waitlist!
- Ages 21+
Like Sip & Create, but without the on-site beverages! Craft your own pint glass or stemless wine glass, then pick it up the following Tuesday (or opt for shipping).
2-Hour Pumpkin Workshop
- Downtown Location: 114 S 23rd Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 | 253-383-3499 x1
- $350 + tax for 1 person | $600 + tax for 2 people
- Limited availability | Specific dates only | Sign-ups begin July 1, 2025
- Ages 14+
Every fall, we host the NW Glass Pumpkin Patches, showcasing over 3,000 handblown pumpkins at each one. Many of our 2-Hour Pumpkin Workshop participants are collectors, returning year after year to add to their displays. This workshop is your chance to go beyond collecting—to create your own pumpkins from molten glass!
This experience is about hands-on creativity, not factory perfection. Unlike mass-produced glass, each pumpkin is uniquely shaped by your hands and the movement of the glass. No two will be the same—even if you and a friend pick the same style, design & colors!
What to Expect from Handblown Glass
✨ Sizes & shapes will vary – your pumpkin may not match your vision exactly, but it will be yours.
✨ Each one is different – the movement of hot glass, gravity, and your unique touch make every pumpkin one-of-a-kind.
✨ Natural variations – expect bubbles, variations in thickness, and a slightly heavier feel than factory-made glass.
✨ Edges & finishing – some pumpkins may require sharp edges to be smoothed after cooling.
Workshop Details
● Sign-ups begin July 1, 2025.
● Dates announced in late Spring 2025.
● Book online under CLASSES at our Downtown location.
● Limited spots available—waitlist recommended.
● Each session is a one-on-one experience in a hotshop accommodating up to three participants at a time.
● If booking for two people, you’ll work side-by-side at separate stations with two different glassblowers.
Design Your Pumpkins
🎃 Shape – Round or sideways
✨ Ridges – Smooth or luster “sugar” finish
🎨 Colors – Customize body and stem colors
🌟 Design Options – Two-tone, mixed, solid color, or add glow-in-the-dark effects
📏 Size Options – 5 medium pumpkins or 4 medium + 2 little solid pumpkins
Care Instructions
🧹 Dusting handblown glass pumpkins is a chore! With so many crevices and nooks—especially on ‘sugar’ ridges—dust can settle easily. Use a soft makeup brush (designated just for pumpkin dusting!) to gently remove dust and debris.
❄️ Protect from freezing temperatures – Always bring your pumpkins indoors during cold weather to prevent cracking.
Your Guide to Booking & Attending
How do I book for large groups?
✨Glassblowing Experience, Specialty Glassblowing Experience, or Sip & Create
- Downtown Location
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
- Proctor Location
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
- Downtown Location
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?
- ✨Glassblowing Experience, Fusing Workshop, Specialty Glassblowing Experience, Sip & Create
● 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
- ✨2-Hour Pumpkin Workshop
● 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?
- 🚫You will not take your piece home the same day.
- ✨Glassblowing Experience, Specialty Glassblowing Experience, Sip & Create
📍Pick-up: The following Tuesday or later.
📦Shipping: Starts at $20-$25 for one item (+$5 per additional item to the same address)
- ✨2-Hour Pumpkin Workshop
📍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).
- ✨Fusing Workshop
📍Pick-up: One week later or any time after.
📦Shipping: Starts at $15 for one item (+$5 per additional item to the same address).
About Handblown Glass
While glass is beautiful – it is not without flaws. Each pumpkin is unique–no two are alike! Expect bubbles and heavier weight than you might anticipate. Some pumpkins will require sharp edges to be deburred
- ⚠️Care Instructions:
● Use a soft makeup brush (designated just for pumpkin dusting!) to gently remove dust and debris.
● Bring pumpkins inside during freezing temperatures.
*Specialty Glassblowing Experience $195+TAX*
(Bee, Cactus or Snowman)
*Available on specific dates only with limited availability *
Up to 30 minutes per person. Up to one hour total. Age 12+
Shapes are limited to those listed.
The Seasonal Glassblowing Experiences are unique from the Regular Experience, as creating a bee, cactus or a snowman requires the help of two skilled glassblowers instead of one.
For that reason, we offer these sessions on specific days.
BEE GLASSBLOWING EXPERIENCE
Your choice of color(s) for the body, stripe and stinger as well as your choice for the expression (smile, frown or none). Your Bee can either hang or sit with your choice of a clear glass hook or clear glass foot. The wings will be clear and the eyes will be black.
SNOWMAN GLASSBLOWING EXPERIENCE
You have many different options for the design of your Snowman! Choose from a top hat or Santa hat with your choice of color(s) for both the hat and the scarf. You can choose to make a short (2 bump) or tall (3 bump) Snowman. The eyes and buttons will be black, carrot nose- orange and you can choose from the lined smile or dotted smile.
CACTUS GLASSBLOWING EXPERIENCE
Cactus are fun and so is this glassblowing experience. Choose from color of cactus, color of flower and if you want a clear or brown colored patty for it to sit on.
*2024 Specialty EXPERIENCE DATES*
Limited availability – Subject to change – Waitlists available when sessions are full
Saturday, July 20th
Sunday, November 17th
Saturday, December 7th
Sunday, December 8th
Appointments start at 1 hour in length (30 minutes to design and 30 minutes to create your piece), each additional person will add 30 minutes to your appointment time (two people- 1 ½ hours, three people- 2 hours) depending on availability. This is a one-on-one session with a skilled glassblower, but others may watch. Please book for the number of participants.
Thank you to all of you who have supported our small art-based business for the last 16 years! We feel so grateful and honored to be sharing our passion with others.
*2-Hour Pumpkin Workshop $350+tax*
Up to 2 hours per person. Age 12+
~Available Seasonally. Shapes are limited.
*Seasonal Workshops are offered in the fall and have limited availability*
Sign-ups begin on July 1st online.
These workshops are limited and will fill up quickly.
Ages 14+
In this 2-hour workshop you will make 4-5 pumpkins with the help of a skilled glassblower.
Pumpkin Workshops will be 1:1 with your instructor for the full 2 hours. Student will make 4-5 pumpkins in the 2-Hour Workshop
*There are some limits to what types of pumpkins can be created*
We want you to have a fun workshop and experience the magic of hot glass. Getting you perfect pumpkins is not the ultimate goal. Your pumpkins will be uniquely yours.
*2024 PUMPKIN WORKSHOP DATES coming in Spring of 2024*
Each workshop day will have 4 sessions;
Session 1: 09 am – 11 am (8:30 am arrival)
Session 2: 11 am – 01 pm (10:30 am arrival)
Session 3: 02 pm – 04 pm (1:30 pm arrival)
Session 4: 04 pm – 06 pm (3:30 pm arrival)
Limitations and Specifications:
Workshops cannot be shared with another person. If you are scheduling for yourself and a friend, you can book separately at the same time or back-to-back in different sessions.
Requirements
No open toe shoes/sandals, or synthetic materials. Cotton clothing is best. Best to bring a snack and hydrating drink.
Offered seasonally with limited availability
You will work 1:1 with a skilled glassblower to make 4-5 pumpkins for up to 2 hours
Shapes, styles and designs are limited to what we have found to be the most successful
Our hope is to provide you with a fun workshop and help you experience the magic of hot glass! Your pumpkins will not be perfect – but they will be uniquely yours!
Sign-ups begin JULY 1st and can book online under CLASSES at the downtown location
2024 DATES;
Saturday, September 7th
Sunday, September 8th
Saturday, September 28th
Sunday, September 29th
Saturday, October 12th
Sunday, October 13th
Saturday, October 19th
Sunday, October 20th
Each workshop day will have 4 sessions – each session has space for 1 person and 2 people;
Session 1: 9 am – 11 am (8:30 am arrival)
Session 2: 11 am – 1 pm (10:30 am arrival)
Session 3: 2 pm – 4 pm (1:30 pm arrival)
Session 4: 4 pm – 6 pm (3:30 pm arrival)
LIMITATIONS
Ages 14+
Workshops are 1:1 with a skilled glassblower
You can sign up for 1 person at $350 + tax or 2 people at $600 + tax
If booking for 2 people, you will work side-by-side in two separate stations with two different glassblowers. You will both have the same arrival and end time. Workshops are limited, utilize the waitlist.
REQUIREMENTS
Payment is required at time of booking
You will receive a full refund if cancelling 2-weeks in advance – any cancellations that occur less than 2-weeks before workshop will receive a refund of 1/2 the cost of the workshop total
No open toed shoes/sandals, or synthetic materials. Cotton clothing is best.
*Sip and Create Events $165+tax*
First Event- Wed Jan 24th 5pm-8pm With Locust Cider
TGS’s first Sip & Create Event! Sip 4 -Four-ounce ciders from Locust Cider in a variety of flavors (21+) and with the help of a skilled Glassblower create a blown glass pint glass. Your pint glass will not be perfect but will be perfectly yours. Pint glass will be available for pick up the following weekend at Locust Cidery in Tacoma.
2805 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 301-1498
~Upon booking online you will choose a time to create your glass but you will need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior and we suggest staying to enjoy the Cider and good company from 5pm-8pm
-One person, one pint glass, 4-4oz Ciders $165
-Two people, one pint glass, 2x 4-4oz Ciders $180
-Two people, two-pint glasses, 2x 4-4oz Ciders $330
*Blown glass pint classes must be hand washed. No Dishwashing, Microwave or Hot Drinks*
Please email tgsglass@gmail.com with any questions.
*Sip and Create $165+tax*
Limited dates
Ages 21+
Book online; arrive 30-minutes prior to your appointment time. Event is from 5-8 pm, after you make your glass you can stay to enjoy drinks and good company!
Sip 4, 4-ounce adult beverages of different flavors and create your very own handblownPINT GLASS or STEMLESS WINE GLASS withthe help of skilled glassblowers!
1 person: $165 + tax – 4, 4-ounce beverages + Drinking Glass Glassblowing Experience
2 people: $330 + tax – 4, 4-ounce beverages x2 + Drinking Glass Glassblowing Experience x2
We are also offering a CREATE NOW & SIP LATER $150 + tax
Limited dates
Book online
Similar to the Sip & Create except there will not be adult beverages served during these events
1 person: $150 + tax – Drinking Glass Glassblowing Experience (Pint or Stemless Wine glass)
2 people: $300 + tax – Drinking Glass Glassblowing Experience x2 ( Pint or Stemless Wine Glass x2)
About your handblown drinking glass
Hand Wash ONLY
Not dishwasher/microwave safe
No hot beverages
Your glass will not be perfect, but it will be uniquely yours!
Pick-up the following week
Ages 8+
Workshops take place in the Fusing Studio
Offered on most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Book Online at the Proctor location
$65 + tax to create your own 6×6″ fused glass tile
Pick-up 1 week later
Contact Group Coordinator for groups of 10-40 people (tgsglassgroups@gmail.com, 253-383-3499 x3)