Working in partnership with a skilled glassblower, the student will select from several options shown above the specific glass object they will learn to make completely on their own by the end of the class.

After the instructor demonstrates the process to make the selected object, the student will learn and practice each specific step of its fabrication: 1) Gather molten glass from the furnace on a blow pipe; 2) shape the molten glass with hand molds; 3) re-heat the glass; 4) initiate inflation; 5) manipulate the shape using hand tools; 6) continue inflation to the desired size and shape; 7) prepare the glass for "breakoff"; 8) transfer the piece to a "punty" and open the other end (depending on the object); 9) apply finishing touches; and 10) final breakoff, fire polish and put-away in the annealer.

In the process, the student will acquire a sense of how molten glass behaves at conditions specific to fabricating the specific object and the student will learn how to shield themselves from the intense heat of hot glass.

Prior glassblowing experience not required.

Eye protection will be provided as needed . Also, students should not wear loose-fitting clothes nor clothes made of synthetic fabric (these melt easily).

Age Limit- 14 years old, minimum.

Required Minimum Class Size - 2 students

To practice what you learn, you can join "Open Studio" sessions Liberty Arts conducts on weekends and you can rent the glass studio on an hourly basis. You can also schedule private instruction with one of Liberty Arts’ instructors. See website for details

Introduction to Glassblowing