Learn How To Blow Glass

Ranked #1,971 in Arts & Design, #26,614 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund

The Art Of Glass Blowing

Although glass blowing is not one of the more popular hobbies, you can learn how to blow glass reasonably quickly and once you know how it can bring a great sense of satisfaction, especially when you view your newly made glass masterpieces.

Just imagine showing your friends that lovely piece of glass artwork that you created yourself with your own hands. What an achievement! You can make the most beautiful vase or the finest beads, whatever your taste in glass wear you will be able to create it yourself.

Beginning Glassblowing

Learning How To Blow Glass

You don't need to attend expensive classes to learn how to blow glass, you can learn online with a course or an ebook that will give you step by step instructions and let you know everything you need to know about this amazing hobby.



A good ebook will give you the basics of glass blowing and clear instructions, as well as teaching you all the safety precautions you need to take. Once you learn the basics then it is up to you how much time and effort you put into your hobby. The other big advantage of learning through an ebook is that you will always have it there to refer back to whenever you need to refer to it for any reason. You will also be learning how to blow glass at your own speed and at your own time.

An ebook like the Glass Blowing Bible will teach you all about the different equipment and what you will need to make the most from your hobby. I'm sure when you are starting out you will have a number of questions that you will want answered and this ebook will have the answers and you will be able to check them at any time. Even when you are becoming more experienced with your glass blowing, you will still always be learning more and more and having a reference that is there all the time is without a doubt the best way to learn how to blow glass.

Remember, just with any new hobby, the more practise you get the better you will get at it. Your artwork will become more and more detailed and intricate over time and you will have such an amazing feeling of satisfaction. So don't wait any longer, start out on your journed to learn how to blow glass and soon your home will be full of your lovely creations.

A Glassblower's Companion: A Compilation of Studio Equipment Designs, Essays, & Glassblowing Ideas

Read This Before You Get Into Glassblowing

Glassblowing is an exciting occupation. You're reading this article right now because this is something that you're seriously considering doing. Well, you better be serious because glassblowing is serious business. While it is relatively safe when done under proper conditions and supervision, there are dangers involved. You're working with glass and extreme temperatures. So before you get into this, there are a few things you need to know. This article will get you started.

For one thing, this is a regulated industry because of the potential dangers. That means that you're going to have to have your place inspected by the state authorities. Each state's regulations are different, so you're going to have to check with your particular state for theirs. I can't help you specifically in this area without knowing where you live. So it's your responsibility to make sure that your work area meets their criteria.

The actual art of glassblowing essentially involves inflating molten glass into a bubble. Yes, as I said, there are extremes in temperature involved in this art. This inflating is done with the aid of a blowpipe or blow tube. One who does this is referred to as a glassblower, glassmith or gaffer.

There are basically two different types of glassblowing. One is called off hand glassblowing and the other is called lampworking. Both of these types of glassblowing involve working with hot molten glass and the use of a stainless steel or iron rod called a punty. Where they differ is the process by which the glass is heated and manipulated.

If you're going to use off hand glassblowing techniques, you're going to need three furnaces. The first one is used to hold the hot molten glass, the second is where the glass it heated and reheated and the third is where the glass cools. The lampworking method uses a flame that is created by an alcohol lamp and breath or bellows. This method is still used today to create such items as test tubes for laboratories.

If you're really interested in learning about glassblowing, in here is a great resource that will teach you everything you'll need to learn about this fine art. Click Here to learn how to blow glass

Do You Blow Glass?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Glass Blowing Books

Loading

Some Common Sense Glassblowing Tips

So, you want to get into glassblowing. Well, before you venture into this fascinating art, there are a few things that you'll want to know. Yes, there are some dangers involved but for the most part, these dangers are blown out of proportion and most accidents happen because of unskilled workers, poor working conditions or simple carelessness. If you go about your job methodically and carefully, you should have no problems. Okay, now some common sense tips that you should follow.

Tip number one is simple. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best. That means have a first aid kit handy. If you're careful, burns and cuts are not likely, but they do occur. You want to make sure that you have a first aid kit handy that is specifically put together to handle these burns and cuts. Again, if you're careful, you should be fine.

Tip number two may seem obvious, but you'll be surprised how many people don't do this. Make sure that you've planned out your project in advance. What kind of glass are you going to be working with? You're going to need specific tools depending on the glass used. You want these tools all laid out in advance.

Tip number three is to know your glass. Know how each one is going to react under certain conditions. No, not all glass is the same and each one WILL react differently. You better know how in advance or you're in for some shocking surprises once you get started.

Tip number four is to practice simple things first. For example, practice joining two pieces of glass together. This is a fairly simply process. However, if you can't get this much down right, there is no point in going onto something more complex. Get the basics down first.

Tip number five - do NOT ever saw glass. It will not break easily. You want to use a file or tungsten carbide knife for cutting your glass. These work much better.

Rate Our Lens Please

If you enjoy this lens please rate this lens by giving us a thumbs up!


Your rating will help to improve this lens so please help by clicking on the 'thumbs up' icon above or the Facebook 'like' icon. We would also love for you to leave us a comment on our guestbook!

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

Glass Art Pieces

Loading

Glass Blowing Supplies - What Do You Need?

If you are seriously considering taking up the art of glass blowing then you will need to invest in some supplies. The most important Glass Blowing Supplies that you will need will be safety equipment. For safety you will need:

* safety glasses
* protective clothing
* protective gloves
* pretective footwear

These are the most vital supplies that you need for your glass blowing future.

Once you have these you will need to see what other supplies you might need and this could vary depending on the type of glass you use and the type of art you plan to create.

Some of the supplies you might need would be:

* glass tubes or pipes
* colors
* molds
* glass blowing machine
* jeweler's equipment or tools if you plan to create glass jewelery
* good instruction book - vital to have with you to refer back to when you need it.

The initial outlay can be expensive but there are some good used glass blowing machines and other supplies that you can pick up for a good price on Ebay.

eBay

Loading

My Other Lenses

Loading

Do You Blow Glass?

If you are a glass blower or would like to try glass blowing, I would love to have your comments on our lens.

  • glassdabber May 15, 2012 @ 1:29 am | delete
    Yes i do. I love glass blowing. Great lenses.
  • agent009 Nov 29, 2011 @ 9:18 am | delete
    I've always wanted to try this! The designs look really bright and colorful.
  • cffutah Nov 10, 2011 @ 8:51 am | delete
    enjoyed my reading here this morning, thank you very much for the article, photos, and education you provided.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Jul 5, 2011 @ 6:00 pm | delete
    Nicely done; I love blown glass but am not personally interested in doing so .
  • MarkFashionista Apr 3, 2011 @ 9:01 pm | delete
    Nice, this is something I would love to do! Very interesting.
  • Load More

Ben's Lenses

Loading

by

SherylP

For more information about glass blowing visit How To Blow Glass

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!