Much like a lead balloon, blowing glass rarely leads to any flightworthy results—unless, of course, you blow a blimp in the shape of dreams. Burst your thirst for exhaling exquisite works of glassy art with today's deal at Bay Area Glass Institute. Choose from two options:

• $79 for a two-hour glass blowing class (a $180 value)
• $79 for a two-hour “Party of Four” glass fusing class for four people (a $180 value)

During your two-hour Glass Experience class, crystal-coercers will teach you to breathe life into the clear, molten medium as it swelters at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Through ample amounts of hands-on learning, you'll make two separate pieces by the end of class—a handy glass paperweight to keep your future glassblowing awards from blowing away and a delicate glass flower to blow away a lover after blowing them off for glassblowing class. You can also opt for the two-hour “Party of Four” glass fusing class where four people share glassmaking without the heat. Participants use flat colored glass to make either a plate, a suncatcher or four coasters.

Founded by four students from San Jose State University in 1996, Bay Area Glass Institute continues to influence the community through both classes and public events. These introductory classes provide a rare sneak peek into the practical world of glassblowing. Bay Area Glass Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to the glass-oriented arts, provides all equipment though students are asked to dress appropriately. Sign-up and download the required waivers here.

Reviews

The Wave magazine documented a trip to Bay Area Glass Institute. Yelpers give the institute an average of 4.5 stars.

• BAGI is a great little place to get your feet wet with glass work. The atmosphere is very relaxed. – Stacy K., Yelp
• Where else can you play with dripping hot molten glass, decorate it with any color you like, and then play with it--all under the supervision of some very gentle and guiding instructors? – eurecurry S., Yelp