[johnnyjae]

Any good books or tutorials on how to blow glass? Its seems like an awesome hobby to have.

[CrumpleZone]

I know some good soft glass books, but I'm guessing you're talking about flamework.
Flameworkers are the ones who make pipes.

[JHerbz]

A fun and expensive hobby.

[CrumpleZone]

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!

[tonsoffuns419]

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]

Originally Posted by JHerbz

A fun and expensive hobby.

PS: bring cash.

[CrumpleZone]

Originally Posted by tonsoffuns419

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

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]

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

[Tako]

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

https://www.amazon.com/Glassblowing-I.../dp/096244040X

This book is in my studio right now and I love it!
Advanced Flameworking by Milon Townsend

https://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)

https://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-L.../dp/0965897214

Here are some Lampworking stores on the west coast that can help you out.

https://www.frantzartglass.com/
https://glasscraftinc.com/
https://sundanceglass.com/index.htm

This store is in North Carolina for some East Coast love.
https://www.generationsglass.com/

A Piece me and Adam threw down on.

[Hammerhead]

Wheres my Bubbler lol get the checkout system working my brother lol