Help Shape a Glass Ornament at a Beacon Furnace

This is not solo glassblowing. A professional glassblower runs the furnace, gathers the glass and does the blowing, and you stand at the bench with them, choosing from a wide variety of colors and patterns and helping shape the ornament. Each appointment gives one person about fifteen minutes in front of the furnace, and friends or family can watch and take photos from the front of the viewing area.

Check in at 162 Main Street, the restored firehouse the studio opened in 2003, fifteen minutes before your slot. Wear closed-toe shoes, covered legs and layers for the heat at the furnace, and bring a water bottle. One booking can cover up to ten ornaments back to back, so a group goes one at a time without splitting up, and the studio asks you to call ahead for eleven or more.

From November 1 through January only ornaments are booked. Each is 48 dollars, materials included, for ages six and up, paid in full when you reserve and refundable up to 24 hours ahead. The piece cools overnight and is ready to collect after noon the next day, or you can arrange shipping on the day of your appointment. Slots shift week to week. Check the live booking calendar before you pick a date. Dia Beacon is an optional extra, a twenty-minute walk away. Winter hours from November 1 are Friday to Monday, 10 am to 4 pm, with last entry at 3:30 pm.