A night of glass…

  A few co-workers and I recently attended a glass shop a few blocks from our offices, for a holiday party sponsored by a local company that we have the need to do business with through out the year. This marks the second year we have attended and we thoroughly enjoy it each year! The sponsors rent out the glass shop for the guest, and we make a one of a kind glass ornament as a memento of the evening.

I have been fascinated by the things that folks can make out of glass… While we lived in the Seattle area I was introduced to Dale Chihuly’s work and fell in love. I’ve seen several of his pieces in various settings and am amazed at what the man can make glass do!

The whole process is so cool and the artisans that are there to help you out are very knowledgeable  and extremely patient folks! First they encourage you to select your colors, they have samples on the wall of the various choices, or you can mix them to get your own unique combination.  After you have made your selection they take a hollow rod and get a glob of almost liquid glass on the end and dip it into the colored glass chips. then they take it to the furnace where you roll it to melt the colored glass chips into the glob on the end of the rod.  This all happens so fast!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next they use a wooden jig to shape the glob into a round globe, while you blow air into the rod to ‘inflate’ the globe… this also happens really fast!! they then take your ornament and a little of the molten glass and create the hanger for the top.  Then the globe is placed into a kiln to cool… the nice ladies at the sponsors office then delivers the ornaments in cute little bags over the next couple of days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you and your friends need a fun and fast paced event, you should consider Ignis Glass Studio. It’s sure to be a great time!!