Deconstructing Devious Drinking Devices

28.7.–2.8.2026

What if a glass could play tricks on you?   

Trick glasses are designed to surprise, confuse, or amuse the drinker. Originating in the 16th to 18th centuries, these whimsical objects sparked laughter and connection. Now their playful spirit returns to the hotshop. 

In this course, glassmakers will explore the history and techniques of traditional trick glasses and develop their own contemporary interpretations. Working individually and in teams, they’ll invent and create functional or conceptual pieces that challenge perception and invite social interaction. The course encourages shared experimentation, storytelling, and material curiosity. 

Info

Opettaja:
MARC BARREDA

Taso:
Keskitaso

Kieli:
ENGLANTI

Kurssin hinta:
1 100€

Majoitus ja ruoka eivät sisälly kurssin hintaan. Muistathan lukea kurssin ehdot.

Tutustu opettajAAN

MARC BARREDA

began his career as a mixed-media sculptor and trained as a glassblower, and deepened his knowledge by working with diverse artists and assisting at glass schools across the United States and Europe. In 2005, he helped develop the Vrij Glas Foundation in Holland and moved to Amsterdam in 2009 to pursue a master’s degree at Sandberg Institute. 

 His work is exhibited internationally and held in collections such as The Creative Glass Center of America, Museo Nacional del Vidrio in Spain and the Nationaal Glasmuseum in the Netherlands. Marc collaborates with artists, designers, museums, historians and archaeologists to realise ideas and explore questions about glass. He teaches at Design Academy Eindhoven and serves as a glass advisor at Make Eindhoven. 

Common questions

Our intensive courses are primarily designed for those with some glassblowing experience. Some courses also welcome beginners eager to learn. For newcomers, prior hands-on experience—such as crafts or working with other materials—can be helpful.

Each course has an indicative skill level, explained below. If you’re unsure whether your skills match, email us at courses@nuutajarvenlasi.fi and we’ll figure it out together.

All levels
All welcome
Students with no experience, some experience or years of experience are welcome.

Beginner
No experience or little experience
A beginner is someone who has never worked with glass before or has had very little experience with it.

Intermediate
For example, about a year or more of experience and confidence in their skills. An intermediate has experience in the basics of glassblowing. They know how to gather hot glass from the furnace and shape it. They know the basics of working in the in hotshop.
The courses are intended for those who have worked intensively with glass and want to attend the course to improve their skills and knowledge.

Advanced
Solid experience; solid skills
An advanced student has solid glassmaking skills and extensive experience. The aim of the advanced courses is to provide instruction for artists and glassblowers who are honing their already established skills and learning challenging techniques.

Before registering and joining our courses, please read through the Terms & Conditions carefully.

Nuutajärvi Glass is building a brand-new hotshop, opening in June 2026. The studio will be equipped for a wide range of glassblowing courses: three glory holes, three benches, hand tools, gas torches, and enough annealers for all participants. For coldworking, we rent a local grinding facility.

The plan is indicative, and the exact schedule depends on the number of participants and course content. We will email the detailed schedule to participants before the course begins.

Monday: Arrival in Nuutajärvi in the afternoon. Group dinner at 19:00 at Pruuki Bistro. Participation is optional and self-paid.

Tuesday: 09:00–16:30 instruction, 17:00–21:45 open studio time. Lunch break 12:00–13:00, break 16:30–17:00.

Wednesday: 09:00–16:30 instruction, 17:00–21:45 open studio time. Lunch break 12:00–13:00, break 16:30–17:00.

Thursday: 09:00–16:30 instruction, 17:00–19:00 open studio time. Artist presentation by the instructor 19:00–20:00 in the meeting room. Lunch break 12:00–13:00, break 16:30–17:00. Evening free for exploring the area.

Friday: 09:00–16:30 instruction, 17:00–21:45 open studio time. Lunch break 12:00–13:00, break 16:30–17:00.

Saturday: 09:00–16:30 instruction, 17:00–21:45 open studio time / coldworking. Lunch break 12:00–13:00, break 16:30–17:00.

Sunday: 10:00–15:00 coldworking and packing, 13:00–15:00 studio cleanup. Lunch break 12:00–13:00.

We will inform you closer to the course about optional activities, such as guided museum/history tours or nature walks in the surrounding area.

We reserve the right to make changes to the schedule.

Bring a sketchbook and an open mind. Choose clothes made from natural fibers – they breathe in the heat. Closed-toe shoes are required in the hot shop. If your skin is sensitive to radiant heat, pack long-sleeved shirts for working.

Remember, Finnish summer can surprise you: evenings and nights may be cool.

Clear glass is included in the course price. You can purchase additional manufacturer’s colors from Nuutajärvi’s limited color selection, or bring your own glass colours if you prefer.

Nuutajärvi is located in southern Finland, surrounded by forests and lakes. The nearest public transport stops are in Humppila (by bus) and Toijala (by train). Unfortunately, there is no direct public transportation all the way to Nuutajärvi.

We can arrange a private transfer from Humppila, Toijala, or Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for an additional fee. Please email us if you would like a transfer from one of these locations.

The accommodation package includes 7 nights, which means you should plan to arrive in Nuutajärvi on Monday of the course week.

Participants stay at Kylähotelli 1973, located next to the glass center. Each room is shared with another participant and includes a shower, toilet, TV, desk, and two twin beds (90 cm wide).

Meals are not included in the course fee, but when you purchase the accommodation package, you also get a meal plan that includes breakfast and lunch for six days (dinner is not included). The price for the accommodation and meal package is €692. Our restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at least two (2) weeks before the course begins.

The hotel’s common areas have a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee and water kettles, but no cooking facilities.

Pruuki Bistro, located in the Glass Village, offers à la carte dishes as well as snacks like chocolate, chips, cookies, and soft drinks. In addition to Pruuki Bistro, Café Olderman and Pub Airanne also serve guests—please check their opening hours.

Meals are not included in the course fee, but when you purchase the accommodation package, you also get a meal plan that includes breakfast and lunch for six days (dinner is not included). The price for the accommodation and meal package is €692. Our restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at least two (2) weeks before the course begins.

The hotel’s common areas have a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee and water kettles, but no cooking facilities.

Pruuki Bistro, located in the Glass Village, offers à la carte dishes as well as snacks like chocolate, chips, cookies, and soft drinks. In addition to Pruuki Bistro, Café Olderman and Pub Airanne also serve guests—please check their opening hours.

Packing materials are available for purchase at Nuutajärvi Glass. You are responsible for packing and transporting or shipping your work. For an additional fee, we can pack and ship your pieces for you. Clear glass can be remelted, but we charge a small recycling fee for leftover colored glass.

Jos et löytänyt vastausta kysymykseesi, otathan yhteyttä – autamme mielellämme!

courses@nuutajarvenlasi.fi