How to blow Glass
- Thread starter johnnyjae
- Start date
CrumpleZone
Member
I know some good soft glass books, but I'm guessing you're talking about flamework.
Flameworkers are the ones who make pipes.
Flameworkers are the ones who make pipes.
CrumpleZone
Member
Actually, the best way to learn to blow glass is thru instruction. If you're anywhere near a major population center, chances r good that you are near a public access glass studio.
Just google your location and glass blowing instruction. I'm guessing you will come up with something. Most public access studios offer something they will call a "discover glass" session, which is well worth investigating. If you call them, and ask nicely, they will invite you to come and observe a class in session, and some glassblowers working.
If you're interested definitely check it out. It could change ur life!
Just google your location and glass blowing instruction. I'm guessing you will come up with something. Most public access studios offer something they will call a "discover glass" session, which is well worth investigating. If you call them, and ask nicely, they will invite you to come and observe a class in session, and some glassblowers working.
If you're interested definitely check it out. It could change ur life!
tonsoffuns419
Member
yea i was looking into it myself but you would want to go to a class to see if you like it and could handle it day to day buut all the classes in my area cost about as much as a beginner set up would cost you
CrumpleZone
Member
PS: bring cash.
CrumpleZone
Member
Don't even think about starting without getting some instruction. Intorductory glassblowing classes are cheap. They bet on you getting bitten by the glass bug, and coming back for more.
tonsoffuns419
Member
there are plenty of youtube videos that show you how to make simple stuff but i definitely agree on getting some instructions and all that so you have a better idea of where to start and get some good fundamentals and how to progress into maybe a full time blowing career
Hi Johnny Jae, I blow glass for a living and have been at it since 99. I think someone on a budget could learn simple techniques from books to start. Their is a lot of information out there when you start looking for it. Once you have the equipment and a shop set up you will learn what you need to know. I think it is more critical to have a place to practice than taking a lesson right off the bat. Buy a book to learn what safety protocols you need to follow(besides just safety breaks). Find a local lamp working store to help you set up your studio. These stores usually are willing to share tons of information, go talk to them. See if you can find any used equipment. You can do this on the cheap, and its a great hobby! What a fun thing to do after work, go chill at the glass studio. Thats how I started way back when.
This book was in my studio when I was first learning how to blow glass. Great information and I think you should buy it first.
Glassblowing: An Introduction to Solid and Blown Glass Sculpturing
http://www.amazon.com/Glassblowing-Introduction-Solid-Blown-Sculpturing/dp/096244040X
This book is in my studio right now and I love it!
Advanced Flameworking by Milon Townsend
http://sundanceglass.com/bookWEB/book-mt-advanced.htm
These are a set of books I want.
Contemporary Lampworking: A Practical Guide to Shaping Glass in the Flame (Volume 1 and 2)
http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Lampworking-Practical-Guide-Shaping/dp/0965897214
Here are some Lampworking stores on the west coast that can help you out.
http://www.frantzartglass.com/
http://glasscraftinc.com/
http://sundanceglass.com/index.htm
This store is in North Carolina for some East Coast love.
http://www.generationsglass.com/
A Piece me and Adam threw down on.
This book was in my studio when I was first learning how to blow glass. Great information and I think you should buy it first.
Glassblowing: An Introduction to Solid and Blown Glass Sculpturing
http://www.amazon.com/Glassblowing-Introduction-Solid-Blown-Sculpturing/dp/096244040X
This book is in my studio right now and I love it!
Advanced Flameworking by Milon Townsend
http://sundanceglass.com/bookWEB/book-mt-advanced.htm
These are a set of books I want.
Contemporary Lampworking: A Practical Guide to Shaping Glass in the Flame (Volume 1 and 2)
http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Lampworking-Practical-Guide-Shaping/dp/0965897214
Here are some Lampworking stores on the west coast that can help you out.
http://www.frantzartglass.com/
http://glasscraftinc.com/
http://sundanceglass.com/index.htm
This store is in North Carolina for some East Coast love.
http://www.generationsglass.com/
A Piece me and Adam threw down on.
Wheres my Bubbler lol get the checkout system working my brother lol
Last edited:
tonsoffuns419
Member
great info tako, that is really really helpful
Glass blowing is good shit, I love melting glass with my CC and turning it into anything my imagination wants it to be.
If you live anywhere near NJ check out Salem community college, probably the best glass school in USA.
If you live anywhere near NJ check out Salem community college, probably the best glass school in USA.
SupaDupaDupa
Member
Lampworking may not be expensive, but glass blowing is very expensive. Your furnace is on 7/24 whether electric or gas. Then there is the kiln to reheat or flash and another kiln to anneal your work. blow pipes, punties and blocks, molds and all the other hand tools.
As the person above me said the proper term is lampworking, short answer to your question is no you cant start with out a kiln, you can do very small things such as beads, and tiny marbles using vermiculite as an insulator ( you bury your finished, very hot, piece and the vermiculite helps it cool down at a slower rate.
id say bettween 1-2 k will set you up nice
