I went with some friends to Uptown Glassworks and got to participate in making some blown glass mugs and cups. The first photos show Chelsey helping out with hers since she had a handle, and I wanted to include that process in the photos.
Then it was my turn. Though I don’t have photos mixed in of that part, we did get hands on with turning the rod in the furnace and rolling it in the colors. We also got to blow the glass bubble that created the opening for the cup and then blow hard through the tube to burst the bubble and create the hole that was opened and shaped into the lip of the cup.
Take note of our artist’s dog on the floor behind her too. 
Be sure to CLICK HERE if you want to see more and/or read commentary on the process.
This is one of my favorite forms of art. I am a huge fan of Chiluly. When I used to go to Ashville, NC to visit my inlaws I would often get the opportunity to travel to Penland School and some of the local blown glass studios in the area. One of my favorite galleries in the world is a little place in downtown Ashville called The Twisted Laurel, the “father of blown glass” is from there and has some of his work in the gallery. I have one piece from there, it is my favorite piece. I am so jealous right now!
I was thinking I was jealous of your experience at The Twisted Laurel. That sounds awesome. I have a couple friends who blow glass, fuse glass and do mosaic and stained glass, but it was really fun to get to work with it at a studio with large furnaces and play with bigger pieces.
I bet it was. I really wanted to try my hand at blown glass, but once I saw the heavy and sustained lifitng involved, I thought better haha. I so appreciate it though! If you ever get the chance to visit Ashville and The Twisted Laurel, you must. It is a beautiful, peaceful little town that vehemently celebrates art. There is a park that runs along the stream and train track just below the square that is lined with murals of the town’s artists. It is amazing, I used to take my little Cairn Terrier for walks there every morning, just Heaven! It is truly one of my favorite places in the US, I would love to live there.
It sounds amazing. I would definitely put it on my list of places to visit!
It looks like you had a fabulous time! Thank you for sharing these.
Thanks for enjoying them!
This is such a great experience watching them make glass! Idid it a few years ago and throughly enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing…your newest follower.
Thanks so much. I’m glad you got to do this too…so much fun. And I’m pleased you decided to follow my blog…welcome!
That is one exciting, unique, creative party. Totally cool! Perhaps I can do something similar on my birthday this year. Fun post!
I would recommend it highly…what fun! I just got my glass back yesterday since it has to cool slowly in a kiln for several days. It turned out really nice and will be a wonderful reminder of the day.