Kiln Forming and Mold Making with Jen Blazina in Black Mountain — 5-Day Kiln Casting Workshop

Kiln Forming and Mold Making with Jen Blazina at NC Glass Center sits in Black Mountain, North Carolina, a small town tucked against the lower slopes of the Blue Ridge foothills. Over five intensive days (August 31–September 4, 2026; 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily), this hands-on workshop walks students through kiln casting—from material selection and one-part mold construction to experimenting with textures, casting, and finishing solid glass forms. The studio at 112 E State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA, hosts just six participants to keep instruction focused. Tuition is $1,150 with a non-refundable $100 deposit; cancellations allowed up to 14 days before the start date.

Daily sessions run like a studio practicum: demonstrations introduce how to form a one-part mold, how to arrange objects for texture, and how to lay up glass for kiln casting. Students cast a discrete artwork and learn finishing methods, annealing schedules, and safe kiln practices. Handouts cover each step plus guidance on building a home kiln-casting shop. If you’re unsure about fit, contact [email protected] for guidance.

Physically, the week is studio-based and wheelchair accessible, but expect long periods of standing and close-work at bench stations. This is kiln forming, not glassblowing: heat cycles and slow anneals shape the material, producing dense, cast forms that capture texture in ways different from blown glass. That technical specificity is what makes the course compelling for sculptors, jewellers, and makers wanting repeatable results.

Black Mountain’s compact downtown and approachable arts community create a practical backdrop for concentrated work. The nearby Blue Ridge foothills offer morning walks and quiet views if you need space to think between firing cycles. Small class size, direct instruction, and clear take-home outcomes mean you leave both with a finished piece and a concrete plan to continue. Ages 16 and up are welcome, and the center will advise on skill level via email.

Practical notes: bring closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes that tolerate heat, and an eagerness to experiment. The format blends technique with creative problem-solving, and instructors emphasize safety, documentation, and repeatable workflows. For artists who want to produce work for galleries or craft markets, kiln casting opens pathways to jewelry-scale objects, heavy sculptural forms, and textured panels. The NC Glass Center’s syllabus stresses both conceptual development and shop practice, making the week both instructive and generative. Registration requires the non-refundable deposit, and seating is limited, so early booking is recommended. Whether you’re expanding studio skills or starting a focused craft practice, this kiln-forming week delivers focused technique, a finished object, and the planning notes you need to keep working. To register or request accessibility information, email [email protected] or consult the NC Glass Center website for specifics on materials and prep before arrival please.