Turn shards of colored glass into a weatherproof garden statement at BusyBeaverArts in Beavercreek. This two-hour fused-glass totem class is beginner-friendly and yields a durable 36-inch display ready for your yard.
Turn shards of colored glass into a weatherproof garden statement at BusyBeaverArts in Beavercreek. This two-hour fused-glass totem class is beginner-friendly and yields a durable 36-inch display ready for your yard.
Book with Busy Beaver Arts & Crafts
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Busy Beaver Arts & Crafts · Beavercreek, Ohio
At BusyBeaverArts in Beavercreek, Ohio, the Patriotic Totem class turns sheets of colored glass into a vertical garden statement: a 3-by-24-inch fused glass piece that slides into a 48-by-3-inch black steel frame and stands about 36 inches above the soil when installed. Located at 3445 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432, United States, this two-hour studio workshop welcomes beginners (ages 9+) to learn glass cutting, creative placement of color, and kiln-fusing techniques that transform fragile shards into weather-ready garden art. The scene inside the classroom is practical and visible: tables with glass cutters, safety gear, and patterns laid out under steady light, and a kiln humming in the back where finished work will be fused and annealed. The final totem - designed with red, white, and blue accents for a patriotic motif - slides into a steel post; posts should be planted at least 8 inches into the ground so the display sits about 36 inches tall. All tools and the stand are provided, and your piece will be ready for pickup roughly a week after class, giving the kiln time to cool and complete the fuse. What makes this offering special for the Dayton-Greene County region is its blend of hands-on craft and outdoor-minded finish. The glasswork is created indoors in a fully equipped studio but becomes a permanent part of your yard or community garden, adding durable color to the local suburban landscape. The material - fused soda-lime glass - catches sunlight differently through Ohio's seasonal skies, creating shifting reflections against native plantings like bee balm, coneflower, and switchgrass. This class is practical for visitors and locals alike: it's short enough to fit between weekend errands and meaningful enough to carry home. The two-plus-hour session costs $125 per person, and the accessible studio has two steps to enter with limited wheelchair access; minimum age is nine. No previous experience is required - students learn to break and place glass safely, under instructor guidance. Beyond the object itself, BusyBeaverArts offers a tangible connection to place: a handmade marker that resists rain and Ohio winters, catching light through early spring showers and late-summer storms. If you're visiting the Dayton area and want a creative, low-impact hands-on experience that results in a lasting outdoor piece, this fused-glass totem class is a vivid way to take home a piece of local color. Plan to wear closed-toe shoes and bring an apron or shirt you don't mind getting glass dust on; instructors provide safety glasses and cutters. Pickup schedules are flexible but call ahead if you need a mail option - local shops sometimes offer shipping for an extra fee. Groups can reserve multiple seats for events like small parties or maker-date afternoons, and the finished totem makes a durable, weatherproof gift for gardeners, veterans.
No experience is required; instructors teach safe cutting, breaking, and placement techniques during the session.
The glass panel measures roughly 3 x 24 inches and fits a 48 x 3 inch steel frame; final installed height will be about 36 inches above ground with 8 inches planted.
Finished pieces are fused in a kiln and are typically ready for pickup about one week after class to allow proper cooling and annealing.
The studio has two steps into the classroom and limited step access; contact BusyBeaverArts directly to discuss accommodations.
Yes, groups can reserve multiple seats—reach out to the studio to arrange space and scheduling for small parties or workshops.
Studios commonly recycle or reuse glass offcuts for future projects; ask the instructor about their specific recycling practices.
Busy Beaver Arts & Crafts offers hands-on fused glass classes and workshops suitable for beginners and experienced makers. The studio focuses on small-group sessions where participants learn glass cutting, placement, and kiln-fusing techniques to create finished artworks ready for pickup. Classes include short-format projects such as fused glass ornaments and nightlights, multi-piece sessions like Garden Art and Wind Chimes, and themed projects including Creative Circle, Winter Birch Trees, and Glass Wave. Each class provides tools, glass materials, and kiln firing; finished pieces are typically fused in the studio and available for pickup after the firing schedule. Sessions generally run as two-hour workshops or multi-session projects when noted, and instructors guide students through safe handling, color selection, and composition. Busy Beaver emphasizes a creative, welcoming environment that supports personal expression and gift-making. The studio’s projects are designed to produce durable, display-ready pieces including jewelry, totems, ornaments, garden accents, and home décor. Group bookings, drop-in classes, and reservations for scheduled public workshops accommodate different schedules and experience levels. Participants leave with a tangible keepsake and practical glassworking skills. For visitors researching fused glass experiences, Busy Beaver Arts & Crafts presents a dependable option that explicitly includes materials and kiln-fusing as part of class offerings. The studio’s catalog of themed workshops provides clear choices for seasonal projects, personalized gifts, and decorative art, making it an accessible creative experience for individuals and small groups. Safety protocols and instructor guidance ensure a comfortable, educational studio visit for all ages and skill levels, and beginners alike.
Book with Busy Beaver Arts & Crafts