Make your own fused glass ornament at Volcano Art Center

‘Tis the season to create your own Christmas tree glass ornament!

Glass artist Claudia McCall will teach the “Fused Glass Basics: Ornaments” workshop from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus. This one-day kilnforming workshop will introduce participants to basic techniques of glass fusing.

McCall will share her expertise and knowledge, teaching students the skills involved in working safely with fused glass and creating a beautiful, sturdy piece of art.

Kilnforming is the process of shaping glass in a kiln with heat and gravity. When the glass is heated in a kiln, its consistency takes a liquid form. Once gravity takes hold, the molten glass fills the space in which it is contained and fuses with other pieces of compatible glass.

Workshop participants will create their own Christmas tree-shaped ornament using pre-cut molds. As the kiln will need to cool for a couple of hours after running the project, there will be a lunch break. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch for a picnic at Niaulani or break elsewhere.

The cost to attend is $30, or $25 for VAC members, plus a $20 fee, inclusive of supplies. All levels are welcome to enroll.

Advance registration is required; this workshop will be limited to six adults. To register, call Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

McCall started working with stained glass in 2006 when a friend gifted her with a piece. She loved the way the sunlight played through the different types of glass and wanted to explore the possibilities of interpreting the natural world, an interest spurred by her mother’s love of art and her grandmother’s love of birding.

Her goal is to interpret Hawaii’s unique environment through the stylized lens of stained glass.

The Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village.