FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT HARD TO DO?
Flameworking, or lampworking, entails melting the glass rod over a gas burner, then wrapping the glass around a steel rod until the basic bead is created. Then using other colors one can add dots, lines, initials – whatever one wants. Similarly one can freely design small animals, flowers, etc. Flameworking does require an ability to hold one's arms out, at about chest level, for an extended period of time. Our students from age 10 up are able to enjoy flameworking.
Fused glass or mosiacs require cutting glass using specialized tools. For our youngest students (GlassRoots Jr. programs) we use pre-cut, rounded edge glass. Cutting doesn't require a good deal of strength.
Glassblowing requires more advanced skills; however, our skilled teaching artists can help even the most novice glassblower create a work of art. Accommodations can be made for those unable to hold a punte (blow pipe) or provide a deep continued breathe (to blow.)
Fused glass or mosiacs require cutting glass using specialized tools. For our youngest students (GlassRoots Jr. programs) we use pre-cut, rounded edge glass. Cutting doesn't require a good deal of strength.
Glassblowing requires more advanced skills; however, our skilled teaching artists can help even the most novice glassblower create a work of art. Accommodations can be made for those unable to hold a punte (blow pipe) or provide a deep continued breathe (to blow.)
IS IT DANGEROUS?
Although there is some inherent danger of the heat, we teach safety first, then glassmaking. It is fun, creative and can be done alone or with a group of friends in the GlassRoots hotshop.
WHAT IF I WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING FOR MY HOME – LIKE A VASE, A BOWL OR A PLATE?
These items can be made either as kilnformed or blown glass objects. Kilnformed objects are made with pre-cut glass sheets place in a kiln for a given amount of time either flat or slumped over a metal or ceramic mold to create three dimensional forms – vases, soapdishes, glasses, etc. These objects can be made from plain colored or clear glass, or from sheets of glass that you’ve already enhanced with other colors and shapes that have been pre-applied. If you are interested in glassblowing, this may be your forte! You can learn the very basics of glassblowing in our hotshop, either as a single lesson or in a series (see our STUDIO CLASSES), and given your interest create all manner of vessels, sculpture or simple items such as plates and glasses. See BUY GLASS ART to see items made in our shops! Be inspired!
HOW OLD DO YOU NEED TO BE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE?
In most of our classses, 12 years old for glassblowing. 10 years old for flameworking and kilnforming.