Mesmerizing Marbles Borosilicate Lampwork with Deenie

About this class:Enter the hypnotic world of molten color and depth in this 2½-hour Mesmerizing Marbles class. Perfect for ambitious beginners or returning students, this session focuses on the fundamentals of shaping, design, and creating optical effects in borosilicate glass.

You’ll learn how to form perfectly round marbles using color rods, clear glass, and a marble mold. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, you’ll create your own small marble. Receive expert guidance in surface decoration and color design, with the option of using the vortex technique, where swirling color and clear glass create a captivating illusion of depth and motion.

All tools, materials, and safety equipment are provided. You’ll work on a professional torch station with step-by-step instructions to practice shaping, balancing, and finishing your work to a smooth polish.

Topics covered:Introduction to Borosilicate Glass

Understanding hard glass and color propertiesFlame chemistry and heat management for round formsTools and Materials

Torches, marble molds, shaping pads, and color rodsProper use of oxygen, propane, and ventilation systemsSafety and Studio Etiquette

Best practices for safe torch use and handling molten glassTips for comfort, focus, and maintaining clean workspace habitsTechniques and Demonstrations

Gathering and forming glass for spherical shapingExternal color decoration and surface designCreating the optical vortex effect using depth and reflectionBalancing symmetry and controlling heat for a flawless finishHands-On Creation

 Create one small marble with an external color design Vortex marble technique with optical depth (optional)Finishing and Annealing

Kiln-annealing for durability and clarityPolishing and display presentation tipsBy the end of class, you’ll leave with your own handmade marble that mesmerizes with color and depth, plus the skills to keep exploring the meditative and delightful art of borosilicate marble making.

About the Instructor

Deenie Wallace began working with borosilicate glass in 2003. Over the years, she has sold her lampwork designs to enthusiastic collectors worldwide. Known for her distinctive styles and advanced use of color techniques, her work is sought after for its advanced level of craftsmanship and beauty. Deenie holds a BFA in Intermedia from Pacific Northwest College of Art. She is also a local filmmaker, creative technologist, and plant medicine enthusiast. 

View Deenie's Portfolio