The Seattle Glassblowing Studio & Gallery is a wonderful way to get creative with glass while working with professional artists who will teach you the basics. They’ve been in business for 35 years at the same Belltown location.
Lesson times range from 30 minutes (all private; max two persons) to three hours, (USD $160 to $525). They can also accommodate groups of up to 40. A half hour slot offers a taste of glass blowing. Start by selecting one of the project options on the class shelf.
Seasoned glass-blower Yoshi brings me over to a trolley with metal boxes containing frit — ground up pieces of solid or multi-coloured glass that are applied to clear heated glass. I learn that not all colours work together due to individual chemistry.
[Frit solids and multi-colours ready for your projects]
I’ve decided on a pumpkin, and will get to use both solid and multicoloured glass that doesn’t ordinarily mix well when heated into the same shape.
Safety is key! There are other glass blowers in the room wielding tubes of hot glass, so I quickly learn to stay close to my bench and tools. Yoshi heats up some clear class and then explains how I’ll add colour to the main part of the pumpkin. The glass must remain hot, otherwise it will begin to harden within 30 seconds.
I turn and dip the long rod into a pretty range of blue glass until coated, then it’s back to the fire to permanently add the colour. Shaping the pumpkin is next, and the process is quick and easy as I’ve got a helper doing all the heavy lifting during my session.
It’s hard to take photos during these quick moments of heating and working the glass. These were all I could get during my class time.
Once the vine is heated and colour added, it’s time to attach it to the pumpkin and curl it, then eventually cut it from the rod and prep it for cooling (approximately 48 hours).
[Watch this space as I will update with a photo over the holidays]
Once your piece/s have completely cooled, you’re invited to come by to collect them or have the studio ship to your home (the fee depends on your region).
As a newbie, I walked away with a new-found appreciation for the amount of time and coordination required to create a simple piece, let alone something as stunning as a Chihuly creation. Their retail shop is filled with amazing glass art in all shapes and sizes created by dozens of local artists.
My glassblowing lesson was hosted by Seattle Glassblowing Studio & Gallery, and provided by Visit Seattle for the purpose of experiencing the world of glass blowing for this feature.
