Glass blowing has been high on my bucket list for years. I was always fascinated by the colors and shapes that could be formed from dust to glass. When I got my first job working as a security guard for an art museum in my teens, I would admire the glass scuptures by the famed glass blower, Chihuly, that sat in our gift shop, and vowed to save up enough money to buy one. When looking for a college near by, there was one university that offered glass blowing glasses but it was not the best option financially so I had to pass it up. Now as an adult, I still admire Chihuly’s work and even got to see some of his famous installations in Las Vegas at the Bellagio hotel.
Fast foward to now and I’m still drawn to the art, and I was finally able take my first glass blowing class right her in Jacksonville, FL at Burnt Glassworks. This local studio offers a wide range of classes that focus on making one individual item for you to be able to take home with you. These could include glass orb ornament, hearts, flowers, starfish, or a wine glass. Most classes range from $40-67 per person and last anywhere from 10 min to 45 min in length depending on difficulty. In includes one-on-one instruction form a glass professional to ensure you go home with what you create in the studio. You can also take a couples class which makes for a fun date night. If you’re feeling especially inspired, Burntglass now offers glass blowing workshop to become a true master of the glass art!
When you sign up for your class, the first step when you walk in the studio is selecting your sand. These sands are made up of different minerals that offer a wide selection of colors in every hue you can think of. My buddy and I made stemless wine glasses to celebrate my birthday and my feminine side was drawn to a combination of pink and white sand that reminded me of Valentine’s Day while my friend chose a lovely purple hyacinth.
Our instructor was very fun and detailed in his instructions making it easy to follow without fear of burning ourselves in the process. We also got the option of making a traditional wine glass or using one of their molds to add “pineapple-like” texture to our creation. With repeated movements from in and out of the kiln to balancing the rods on bases to roll and blow our melted glass into full-blown wine glasses, it was a fun and exhilirating process to take part in. Our instructor provided individual instruction by reading the needs of the glass as is formed right in front of us. The process can be a delicate one requiring varying levels of force when blowing or pressure when when shaping for the correct results. I had a miscalculation when it came time to tap, and even when I messed up, my instructor was able to salvage my piece into something I love to look upon. In fact, I love to look for the mistake I made on my glass whenever I use it because it reminds me that even mistakes can lead to something beautiful.
Check out their website and facebook for upcoming events!
That Nerdy Mom 