i want to learn how to blow glass and im 14?

Question

well i want to learn how to blow glass and im wondering if anyone knows how i can get started, like what equipment would be good to start off with.

Answer 1

you can't do real glass blowing at home, the setup would be extremely expensive to run and need a lot of fireproof space. You could do lamp working (making only small things), most people make beads with a lamp working setup.

Regardless on what you choose you definitely should take a class first. First that will show you if you really like it and the reality is like you imagine it to be or completely different.

Secondly they will teach you everything about safety and correct handling of the material which will save you a lot of grief. You have to look if some glass studio near to you offers classes. There are also places which will teach short courses which you could go to during some vacation.

Answer 2

You SHOULD take a class for lampworking! Since you will be using a flame, the only real way to learn is if someone can see you doing it. You need to know everything about safety first. Then how to use the torch, also the right kind of glass to purchase, and how to properly anneal the glass. One or two workshops to learn all of this will be easier then re-inventing the wheel, which is what will happen if you do it on your own. Plus you would meet other people with whom you could discuss glass when you get in a bind.

Answer 3

Congratulations on looking into something you want to do so young. That is rare, and gives you a big head start.

The cities that have glass blowing schools, or classes, will also have a place to buy the supplies. Look in your yellow pages to see if you can find anything like that, or even similar. They can tell you if they hold classes themselves, or know of places that do.

Some community colleges teach glass blowing, or similar glass arts. Universities may teach it, and sometimes, as was in my case, the university didn't teach it, but the "Craft Center" on campus taught it after school hours. Do a search for the local colleges around your area, and call them to see if they have it on campus. Some colleges also allow "early attendance," which means they will let students who have not graduated from high school take classes. Ask the academic counselors to help you. Have fun.

Answer 4

Definitely look into doing a class first. Maybe you can convince your teacher to do a field trip to a local glass blower. You might also be able to get a part-time job with a glass-blower, and in return for helping keep the workshop running smoothly, you could get lessons.

I went to my second glass workshop just a few weeks ago, and it was an amazing experience! (-: I want a workshop at home! I wish the glass blower lived closer so I could apprentice . . . . I know how you feel.

Answer 5

Start by educating yourself. Do a google search for glass arts, and such. Then study the history of glass blowing. In Corning, NY there is a glass museum and the main street has several artists blowing glass on a regular basis. Good luck and don't ever let anyone steal your dream.

Answer 6

Pilkingtons run courses on glass they are up north Manchester or Mersey side. they are one of the biggest in the country if not the biggest. you will learn everything there is to know about glass for example is regarded as a liquid rather than a solid

Answer 7

do a one day class- i thought i wanted to do this and after a one day class i was not impressed- ( i went a different route with glass, something more hands on)

but if east coast try:
- wheaton village, nj
- urban glass, brooklyn, ny
or corning as suggested by someone else

theres places like:
pittsburgh glass center (pgc)
glass axis in ohio
bullseye glass center on west coast

also try: www.artseek.com

all the best

Answer 8

Corning Museum Of Glass has workshops and classes in Corning, New York. If you contact them they may be able to direct you to something closer to where you are. www.cmog.com Good luck and have fun!