The art of the glassblower

To reach the highest standard of glass blowing takes years. After all, it is an age-old skill and it requires a very special touch.

It’s thanks to the special characteristics of glass that we have so many beautiful objects; glass has no set melting point but gradually changes as temperature rises.

It wasn’t until the late 19th century that any form of technology was utilized to form glass. Until then, glass was formed only by the hands of master craftspersons, using just the air from their own lungs.

It is these skilled hands that pass on the age-old practice of glass blowing. It is not an activity that you can start on your own, or from the comfort of your home. And there are some safety elements that must be recognized – after all, the molten glass is heated to 1000C!

Buying a gift certificate for one of the glass blowing classes run across the US is the best way to introduce this artisan skill to friends or family.

During lessons, they will get to see the historic process, and try for themselves the art of the glassblower.

Once practiced, they will be able to create their own gifts and keepsakes, safe in the knowledge that what they leave with will be completely unique.