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Turn molten glass into a glowing pumpkin in Lake Superior Art Glass's hot-shop workshop. Small groups, clear instruction, and kiln-cooled keepsakes make this a memorable indoor adventure in Duluth.
Turn molten glass into a glowing pumpkin in Lake Superior Art Glass's hot-shop workshop. Small groups, clear instruction, and kiln-cooled keepsakes make this a memorable indoor adventure in Duluth.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Lake Superior Art Glass · Duluth, Minnesota
Pumpkin Paperweight Class at Lake Superior Art Glass is a hands-on hot-shop experience in Duluth, Minnesota, where the heat of molten glass meets approachable instruction. Set in a working studio a short drive from Lake Superior's rocky shore, this 60- to 120-minute session guides makers age 10 and up through gathering, shaping, and decorating a glowing glass pumpkin that finishes about 3 inches wide and 3.5-4 inches tall. Small groups of 1-6 keep the pace personal: choose the one-hour option for groups of one to three, or the two-hour option for four to six people. The shop's centerpiece is a bright, roaring furnace and an annealer kiln where finished pieces cool slowly overnight. Students learn basic hot glass techniques - gathering, marvering, twisting color, and finishing the pontil - under instructor supervision in an environment that balances heat and control. Add a lighted base for $18 to turn your paperweight into a glowing tabletop accent. Prices are transparent and tiered: $105 for one person, $173 for two, $241 for three, $346 for four, $414 for five, and $482 for six (all before taxes). What makes this class special in the Duluth scene is the meeting of industrial craft and Great Lakes character. The studio draws on regional palettes and the city's working-port heritage, producing pieces that feel rooted to place. Finished pumpkins are kiln-cooled overnight and available for pickup after 3:30pm the next day, or organizers can ship pieces within about 21 days. Wheelchair accessibility and clear safety briefings make the experience welcoming for many participants; plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. This workshop is ideal for travelers looking for a memorable, weather-proof activity in town: it's creative, social, and perfectly suited to gift-making or solo experimentation. Families with kids ages ten and older, art-minded couples, and small groups of friends will find the format efficient and rewarding. Safety-wise, closed-toe shoes and cotton clothing are recommended around the hot shop; instructors provide tools and step-by-step direction. Expect a startling transformation as clear gather becomes ribbed orange or marbled green under the tool-work; every pumpkin records the maker's hand in ridges, color trails, and the tiny pontil scar on the base. Because glass anneals slowly, the finished pieces arrive cooled, stable, and ready for display - or to be wrapped and gifted. For travelers, this studio visit doubles as an indoor adventure that connects craft skill to place: a compact, tactile souvenir you can carry home or send to friends.
Minimum age is 10; participants under 18 should be accompanied by an adult when required.
One-hour sessions are for groups of 1–3 people; two-hour sessions are scheduled for groups of 4–6 people.
Finished glass cools overnight in the annealer and is available for pickup the next day after 3:30pm.
Yes — the studio can ship finished pieces; shipping may take up to 21 days to arrive.
The location is wheelchair accessible; notify the studio if you need specific accommodations.
No prior experience is necessary; instructors provide step-by-step guidance for beginners.
Lake Superior Art Glass in Duluth, Minnesota offers hands-on glassworking classes and designer experiences led by expert artisans. The studio provides a broad range of sessions including Wine Goblet Class (ages 14+), Nightlight Class (ages 10+), Glass Flower Class, Pendant Necklace Class, Paperweight Class, Glass Icicle Class, and seasonal Designer Experiences such as November and December Snowman events. Group and private options include Group Flamework Class, Group Hot Shop Class, Couples Unity Glass Class, Private Class with Instructor, and corporate or social team-building sessions. For participants seeking deeper skill development, Advanced Hot Shop sessions are available to those who have completed required beginner and intermediate classes. Memorial services are supported through dedicated experiences: Memorial Paperweight Class and Memorial Nightlight Class allow mixing ashes into glass to create lasting tributes under guided instruction. Many classes involve shaping molten glass under instructor guidance and require cooling time; completed pieces are often taken home after they cool overnight. The studio collaborates with local partners for special events, including a November Designer Experience offered in connection with the North Shore Scenic Railway that bundles a snowman glass project with tickets to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Lake Superior Art Glass welcomes creators of different ages with age-specific classes and hosts seasonal events like March, September, October, July and August designer experiences. Booking information, class availability, and reservations are managed by the studio; Advanced Hot Shop sessions and some private bookings require phone reservation. Gift certificates and studio merchandise are available for purchase onsite year-round.
Book with Lake Superior Art Glass