Practice Time

Practice Time is for members and non-members who want to work in a fun, supervised environment (supervised means we keep you and others near you safe; there’s no teaching).

Also, it’s not just for newbies! Experienced members who want to work in a supportive group environment are welcome.

You must have some glassblowing experience. Eligible experience includes completion of one of the following:

1) 30 hours of instruction at the OGC. This can be achieved through one of the following:

GB1 & GB2
GB1 & two 2.5 hr Private Lessons
completion of GB3

2) Equivalent experience in another studio. Please contact us to discuss your experience and options.

Please be prepared to explain your experience to the Practice Time supervisor.

You must work in a team of two or more people and you must find your own partners. You can connect with other glassblowers using the OGC's group on Discord. Please email us to be connected.

Furnace glass, tools and safety glasses are provided. You must provide your own colour and/or frit.

The cold shop is available without charge for finishing your pieces. Please contact us to arrange.

Cost is $187.50 + HST and must be paid in advance. One person pays the full cost and is reimbursed by their partner(s). Blow slots are 2.5 hrs.

Please email us to arrange and pay for your Practice Time blow slot.

Practice Times available:

some FAQ:

I’ve just finished GB2/GB3 and I want to keep going! What are my options now?

That’s great to hear! Once you’ve completed 30 hr of instruction you’re welcome to book some Practice Time. This allows you to book time with your partner, supervised by a more experienced co-op member. You don’t need to be a co-op member to book and attend Practice Time, but you will need to be a member to rent the hot shop and cold shop. You can join the OGC anytime you want to, the co-op is open to anyone over the age of 16 with an interest in the art of glass. All experience levels are welcome. Once you become a member you’ll have your own key to the studio and can book your own rental time.

How much time does it take until I can become an Intermediate level renter?

The answer is different for every member, but we have come up with an estimate. Working towards getting to an independent level in the hotshop requires both training and practice. We advise that people take our Glassblowing classes to get the most out of our learning options. But we also have learning alternatives for those who are unable to take the listed classes. It is important to convey that practice is an integral part of successfully achieving goals in the hot shop and we will strive to facilitate practice time in response to interest and demand.

How many hours of experience are required?

Approximately 45 - 60, including classes and workshops, private lessons and supervised Practice Time.

What is Practice Time?

Practice Time blow slots are for students (members and non-members) who wish to practice outside of class time in a supervised environment. These sessions are not instructed classes. Participants are responsible for finding their own partner for the blow slot. If you need help finding a partner, please let us know.

What do I have to do/know to be able to rent without supervision?

Because people learn at different rates, an individual assessment is necessary even when you have 60 hrs under your belt. We must assess both skill and knowledge of the tools and equipment. During your skill assessment, you will be asked to demonstrate making a tumbler, a task you should be comfortable with after having approx 60 hrs of experience. For equipment and safety testing, renters will be asked to take a short competency test. This means you must still have a blow partner but there won’t be an Advanced Level Supervisor with you.