Glass Pendants and Figures
Saturday, May 6th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Come to the University of Massachusetts Glassblowing Lab and learn how to create glass pendants and small figures out of glass. In this class, we will be shaping borosilicate clear and color rod into a colorful pendants and small figures. No prior experience necessary.
https://www.umass.edu/uww/class/spring-2023/70209/glass-pendants-and-fig...
NATSCI 520 - Science and the Art of Glassblowing
Interested in learning more about glassblowing? Join our one-credit course and learn about the different compositions, safety and uses of glass and glass components for scientific endeavors and other applications. Using a small flame, glass tubing and rod, you will learn how to design and create your own pieces.
Two offerings in Fall 2023:
- Thursday: 9:30 a.m. -10:20 a.m.
- Friday: 10:10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
About the Lab
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Glassblowing Laboratory is an indispensable part of any modern research team and a core facility within College of Natural Sciences operations.
The mission of the glassblowing laboratory is to provide high quality, affordably priced standard and non–standard items, glassware modifications, repairs and custom designs for instructional and research needs. The lab works closely with individuals in the design, fabrication and repair of specialty scientific glass instruments.
The lab has the capacity to work with all types of glass, including borosilicate, quartz, aluminosilicate, and soft glass. The shop is fully equipped with annealing ovens, lathes, diamond saw, lapping wheel, and a variety of torches. Some glass parts and tubing are kept in stock to keep turnaround time to a minimum.
The glassblowing laboratory is run by Sally Prasch, a veteran laboratory glassblower with more than 40 years of experience. Please come by and see what the glassblowing laboratory can do for you. The shop is now open on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with basic services available on a walk-in basis. Service requests can be made at any time via email to Sally Prasch. You may also use the order form: 
Glassblowing order form
Check out this photo essay of the Glassblowing Lab. And don't miss "Formed With Silica" — an exhibition curated by Sally Prasch, showcasing a variety of glassblowing projects — at the Hampden Gallery through the end of December! You can also take this virtual tour with Prasch to learn a little about how and why glass is used in scientific research and watch a short demonstration.
Lab location
Lederle Graduate Research Center (Lowrise) Room A19
740 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9306
Phone: 413-545-2185
Directions to the Glassblowing Lab
For questions related to the operation of the facility, please contact Patti Cromack (pcromack@umass.edu).
Photo credits: Top image: Laura Figueroa & Emily Hunerwadel. Bottom image: Melanie Ayer.
College of Natural Sciences