
Photography courtesy of Third Degree Glass Factory
Holiday tiles are among the make-your-own options during this month's Third Friday.
Still haven't picked out a thoughtful holiday gift for that special someone? Tomorrow night, Third Degree Glass Factory has you covered—and with some entertainment on the side.
Besides the glass-forming demos that it hosts during every Third Friday open house, this week's event includes make-your-own crafts: fused bugs, paperweights, glass beads, glass tiles, pendants, earrings... But if you prefer to save the work for the pros, there are also wears from Third Degree's artists, including ornaments (the most popular glass item during this time of year).
For those unfamiliar with Third Friday, Third Degree Glass Factory has hosted similar open houses for more than a decade. "It teaches people about an art form that they generally don’t get exposed to," says Tunde Ogunfidodo, Third Degree's gallery and education director. "We are the only public-access studio in the St. Louis area; that's why it’s not something people get to see or learn about."
Can't attend Third Friday tomorrow night? The factory also hosts classes every weekend. "We’re actually having a jewelry class that is similar to what they would be doing at Third Friday the very next day," adds Ogunfidodo.
But for those who can make it, there are some special perks besides the crafts, including food, Poinsettia Gimlet cocktails, live music, Santa, elves, a sweater contest, and even fire performers—a surefire way to warm up on a frigid winter night.