Submitted Photo Participants are shown in the “Glaskolben” class – a Christmas ornament class – held at Margie’s Art Glass Studio in Minot this past Saturday.

Students                learn some easy basics of beginning glass blowing in the “Glaskolben” class – a Christmas ornament class – held at Margie’s Art Glass Studio in Minot.

Imported German glass tubing is used for the class.

“It’s one of our most popular classes that we do and one of the most fun,” said Margie Bolton, owner.

Four students are in each class to allow for personal attention.

Bolton teaches the students how to blow German-style glass ornaments during the afternoon sessions.

Each student receives 10 glass tubes and an assortment of colorful glass frits (a ceramic composition that has been fused in a special fusing oven, quenched to form a glass, and granulated), stringers and other       decorative bits to personalize their creations.

“It might take a little practice but after awhile, you will be making some lovely one-of-a-kind ornaments to keep or give as presents,” said Bolton. The studio supplies the students with the metal hanger inserts for their projects.

After a day of kiln annealing (heat glass or metal and allow it to cool slowly, in order to remove internal stresses and toughen it), the students’ handmade ornaments are ready to pick up and hang on the tree.

The current list of glass-blowing classes are as follows:

– Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m.

– Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m.

– Saturday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

– Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m.

For more information call 837-8555 or visit margiesartglass.com.