The Fusing Shop — Local services in Highland Park

My wife arranged this experience for me for my birthday. I am already thinking about planning more time in the studio with Sim. I have done glass work in a couple of hot shops before, from the more commercial and less hands on, to the educational with a bit more liberty in using the tools - but still with assistance to ensure the piece turned out well (and on the first try)!

This exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Sim was great with a demo and instructions, but then it was essentially up to me to make the piece and to be creative (except after a few fails when I did ask for some hands to help bring the project home!). Being allowed to fail with glass is the only way to really start to understand how it all works, and I am so grateful to have been able to have this opportunity. It’s almost like there was beauty in the “frustration” of failure because of how much learning comes from it.

I also loved that this is something that does not require the full hot shop setup. It’s a completely different style of glass art. Completely fascinating and so much fun!

I look forward to picking up my piece - with all of its flaws, fully proud that it’s something I made. I am even more looking forward to booking more time with Sim to play around with some more glass in a very safe, clean, professional environment. I truly could not recommend this...

I just finished taking a flameworking lesson at The Fusing Shop and it was so much fun! Sim is a great instructor and was very knowledgeable and helpful. He demonstrated the process and then I was free to try it on my own (and he was readily available to answer questions and assist me). I really enjoyed working with the glass and I can’t wait to go back! He has so many projects to choose from and I’m looking forward to making some more things. I would highly recommend The Fusing Shop to anyone looking to try a new hobby or improve their glass...

Great experience! We wanted to try glass blowing (in this case lamp working, which is working with smaller more detailed pieces) after seeing a demonstration at a Ren Faire. The proprietor Sim was a very good teacher, he demonstrated numerous different techniques and then patiently guided us in our own projects. We came out with several pedants we are proud to display and will come back to learn more. Get ready for an intense and absorbing experience, the time just flew by. Sim clearly loves what he does...