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When you hear the word “hobby,” “glassblowing” probably isn’t the first entertaining activity that comes into mind. Before you blow this idea to the side, though, you should learn more about this elegant art form and why every man and woman should add it to their bucket list.
By its simplest definition, glassblowing is creating glassware by blowing air through a tube of semi molten glass. It may seem intimidating since it’s not your average skill, but with a little money and the right instruction, anyone can master this growing trend.
To start off, find a glassblowing workshop near you so that you can take a few classes to get the hang of it, just like you would if you wanted to create pottery. (If you decide that you love the process, eventually you can work your way up to designing your own glassmaking workshop, whether you’re renting out a space in a welding studio or building your own studio at home. A business woman who’s also a glassblower – could you really get any cooler?)
The classroom setting isn’t right for everyone, however. If you want to learn on your own, there are resources available. You can find glassblowing kits and tutorials with a quick Google search, but even if you favor time over money, it might be worth coughing up the extra dough to buy a prepared kit. If you’re looking to save some cash, however, you can select your tools by hand with a little prior research.
Glassmaking has three essential components: fuel, tools and, of course, glass. Remember baking cookies with your mom on Sunday afternoons? Well, if the warm cookie-scented air from the oven felt like Sahara Desert winds, you’re in for a walk through Death Valley when you get your kiln set up.
A kiln is like an oven, but bigger, hotter and heavier. Since the heat of a kiln is so intense, you’re going to need to buy some super glam didymium eyeglasses to protect your eyes. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about the extra heat and sweat, but look at it this way: your skin will have a dewy shine that you can’t get from Sephora.
Just like you need a canvas to paint, you’re going to need a surface on which to mold your glass. The sleek surfaces of both stainless steel and granite work well, though they can be a little on the pricey side.
Don’t try and cut corners with your studio, though, because you’ll end up saving money in the long run. You can’t skimp on most of the tools either as they are necessary components of the process. In particular, you’ll need shaping instruments and a blow hose in order to expand, cut and bend your glass into whatever design you like, whether it be a wine glass or an elegant chandelier.
The glass itself is easy to obtain from manufacturers, and you can purchase colorants to give your glass vibrant colors and hues. Just keep in mind that struggling your first glass projects shouldn’t keep you from pursuing glassmaking as a hobby. Not everyone starts out making masterpieces, but with some time and effort, you’ll soon be whipping out glasses, vases and centerpieces with plenty of charm and character!
So if you’re ready to take on a new and rewarding challenge, give glassblowing a try!
