Glass Blowing

Today I took a class to learn how to make a glass blown ornament at Glass Axis, a local non-profit glass art studio and gallery. This was the place that I actually took my first fused glass pendant class and was introduced to the world of fused glass. I've always been fascinated with glass blowing and found out about this class and decided to give it a go. I had so much fun. We learned the fundamentals on glassworking tools, how to gather molten glass from the furnace and the basic techniques necessary to create a simple blown ornament. I am always in awe walking into Glass Axis and seeing other glass artists' creations on display. Using molten glass techniques can take years of practice and it is NOT an inexpensive hobby to get into. The classes they offer here range from $25 to $450. Fortunately for me, I got to experience the $25 class, which is enough for me to get a taste of what these glass artists do in the "hot shop". It always gives me such an appreciation when I go to art shows and see artists selling blown glass items. The time and learned techniques that go into this craft are phenomenal.







The pictures above are of the instructor "feeding" glass into the furnace to become molten glass; the poker rods with the working ends sitting in the flame ready to be used to dip into the molten glass; the instructor showing the process of shaping the molten glass. Also, ME putting the glass molten into the furnace using different colors and finishing off the blown ornament.



And here are some of the fabulous pieces that other people and glass artists have made from the various classes that are offered! Make sure to click on the pictures for a larger view of the details.












.....Stay tuned for pictures of my 2 glass blown ornaments, which I get to pick up on Monday! How exciting!!!