I've posted this thread in the Art forum, but I thought I'd put it here also just to get a wider range of responses. I am soon going to begin learning how to blow glass, although I know basically nothing about it. I love the way glass looks and I have several ideas for things I would like to make. I've been in touch with several studios and am comparing my options. Here's my question(s): Are there any glassblowers here that can offer me an overview or have any starting out tips? Can anyone point me in the direction of good resources such as websites or books that are informative? Also, how hard of a craft is it to learn? Is it a matter of just physically learning to control the hot glass? How long should it take me to become proficient? I'm also not sure if I should join a group class or take private lessons. I feel I would learn faster 1 on 1, but group classes are more economical. Any info you all could provide would be greatly appreciated!
depends on where youre going with it....are you interested in off hand blowing or lampwork (sitting in front of a torch)? What kind of things are you interested in making?
Check out www.wetcanvas.com Awesome folks willing to help any way they can. You do need to elaborate more, though on what you are looking to do. Beads or pipes? Lampworking or glass blowing?
Oh I'm looking to do glass blowing. I don't want to do lamp work or beads - I want to make glass sculptures, made in the technique as pipes, but I'm really not feeling that I want to make pipes.
"Glassblowing: An Introduction To Solid And Blown Glass Sculpturing" by Homer L Hoyt is a pretty good place to start. The book shows a lot of basic steps in working with tubing.....you may learn faster by taking some lessons from someone, but figuring some of this stuff out on your own may lead you to have a more unique style....
