Jim Braun Dazzles Art Glass Lovers with an Array of Sparkling Classes Now Available at Ed Hoy's International in Warrenville, IL with Instructors from Around the World!

Retail Manager, art glass creator, and educator, Jim Braun, poses with one of his incredible "folded" glass vases -- a special technique where he excels. Scroll down to view more art glass class projects available at Ed Hoy's...

Jim Braun, retail store manager at Ed Hoy’s International selling art glass, supplies, and classes, 27625 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL, has been collecting art glass since he was a boy of 12. His antique dealer grandmother got him hooked early on and now the art glass pieces he creates and the classes he designs at this full-service location are amazing!

Ed Hoy’s International consists of a 2,000 square foot retail area where kits and smaller supplies can be purchased, a well-lit classroom, and a 75,000 square foot art glass warehouse that ships product around the world. Family owned and operated, it was founded in 1971.

The cavernous warehouse is an art glass lover's dream come true with oceans of crates filled with art glass that have been either shipped in or ready for shipping out.

A wall of windows illuminates the classroom abuzz with activity.

The attractive retail area highlights the many class projects students can make – a few are available for sale – but most are examples.

The retail area brims with art glass class examples everywhere you look!

A teaching staff of eight rotate through the well-lit classroom which can serve up to 12 students at a time -- or a few more. A variety of kilns, sandblasters, and other necessary equipment are onsite for completing projects.

Behind the classroom lies an enormous art glass warehouse that ships product around the world – every type of beautifully crafted art glass imaginable. Their wide variety of art glass inventory hale from U.S. sources in Oregon, West Virginia or Pennsylvania to as far away as China, Mexico and Poland.  

When Jim first entered his position five years ago, the company only offered four classes a month. Under his astute direction, there is now a line-up of more than 30 classes that even include visiting teaching artists from all over the world. They come from as far as Bali and Italy to Indiana offering one-day or multi-day classes according to their specialties.

Classes include instruction in stained glass, fused glass, bead making, and glass mosaic for beginners to experienced. Their most popular class is “Fusing FUNdamentals”. They also offer classes (kids’ camp) for children ages 9 and up.

For the past 36 years, Jim has been dabbling in art glass ever since taking a class in the 1990s where he became instantly hooked by its many possibilities. Today, his design expertise and fascination with color are the hallmarks of his work.

Most recently, he has perfected a glass hurricane candle holder that actually resembles melted wax! Constructed of 135 glass strips, the project is so complex and time-consuming that it requires “four hands” to "build", along with three days of heating, cooling and finishing -- photo immediately below...

Over the years, Jim has honed his knowledge to the point of being almost a glass scientist. By heart he can recite all the necessary numbers for successfully firing pieces that include specific temps and timing -- in-and-out of the kiln -- and so much more that can prevent beautiful projects from turning into shards.

If you love art glass and have been toying with learning more about it, Ed Hoy's International is definitely your new best friend. You’ll soon be captivated by all the exciting possibilities this extraordinary art medium offers, just like Jim was so many years ago!  

Learn more here: Ed Hoy's - Art Glass Supplies | Wholesale | Retail | Education

One of Jim's tabletop creations illustrating how sandblasting creates a striking, contemporary matte finish.

An advanced class project.

In the "Fusing FUNdamentals" class, students make three small glass trays like this one.

Another of Jim's "folded glass" specialty vases -- this one is adorned with metallic glass -- absolutely riveting!

One of Jim's most recent glass dishes now on display for inspiration in the retail area.

The Intermediate Fusing class introduces interesting new striping techniques to students.

And why not glass jewelry?!

This class teaches fused aspen panels -- wow!

Entrance to Ed Hoy's International -- HA!! Enter at your own risk because you will be instantly charmed by the quality of its classes and sensational selection of materials!!!! Have fun. :)