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How Do I Choose the Best Glass Blowing Courses?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

Learning glass blowing can be a fun and interesting hobby. There are glass blowing courses for beginning, intermediate, and advanced glass blowers, so it is important to choose one based on your personal skill level. It is also helpful to know how long the courses last and what the class size is. Knowing what type of projects you might make during your training can also help you decide. Some glass blowing classes are more expensive than others, so you may want to find out how much each one costs and whether you will need to purchase other tools or equipment.

Glass blowing courses are generally geared toward people with specific skills. As a result, you will want to receive glass blowing certification based upon your level of expertise. If you have never participated in this craft before or if it has been some time since you have done so, you may want to enroll in a class for beginners. In the event you have mastered basic glass blowing skills, an intermediate or advanced course might be better.

Glass blower heating glass in a kiln.
Glass blower heating glass in a kiln.

Try to find out how long the course lasts and the number of students in each class. By knowing how long the course is, you can ensure you are able to attend every session, because missing one could throw you behind in your learning. Smaller class sizes can be helpful when learning glass blowing, as you will able to receive more personalized instruction. Ideally there should be no more than five students per instructor, especially if you are at the beginner level.

Looking at work done by previous students can help determine the best glass blowing courses.
Looking at work done by previous students can help determine the best glass blowing courses.

If possible, talk to the instructor in order to find out what type of pieces you might create. You may want to ask to view samples of previous students' work in order to get a feel for what you will learn from these glass blowing courses. It can also be nice to know if you are allowed to keep some of your work, particularly if you would like to give some of your handmade pieces as gifts.

Glass blowers use blowpipes to inflate and shape molten glass into items such as vases, bottles or cups.
Glass blowers use blowpipes to inflate and shape molten glass into items such as vases, bottles or cups.

The cost of glass blowing courses vary based on the skill level and length of training. You would be smart to compare the price of various classes to see if the school you are considering is competitive with others. Although most schools provide you with the tools and equipment you need, some may require you to purchase materials in addition to paying tuition. You should know whether this is the case so you can make sure to choose glass blowing classes that are within your budget.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

Sometimes artist that blow glass offer instruction about how to do this type of artwork. Visiting an art fair is a good idea if you are looking for this type of hands-on glass blowing instruction.

Raynbow

If you live in an area that has a glass factory or an art gallery that features blown glass pieces, these are also good places to check out for glass blowing courses.

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    • Glass blower heating glass in a kiln.
      By: Alexey Stiop
      Glass blower heating glass in a kiln.
    • Looking at work done by previous students can help determine the best glass blowing courses.
      By: jurra8
      Looking at work done by previous students can help determine the best glass blowing courses.
    • Glass blowers use blowpipes to inflate and shape molten glass into items such as vases, bottles or cups.
      By: Alexei Novikov
      Glass blowers use blowpipes to inflate and shape molten glass into items such as vases, bottles or cups.
    • A glass blower may shape molten glass into colorful dishes.
      By: dlameko
      A glass blower may shape molten glass into colorful dishes.