25. Learn glassblowing

So anyone that knows me moderately well knows that I collect hobbies. I love learning new things and combining things I learned in one art form with new skills and crafts. Glassblowing is something I’ve always wanted to try, but since you need a very specific studio it has been hard to give it a shot. But Glen Echo is one of the few places in the area that has a glass blowing studio, so I signed up for a one day course and decided to make it happen!

The one day glassblowing workshop is taught by Paul Swartwood, who is an amazing glass artist. There were only six of us because we had to work one at a time, but we learned about the different tools and techniques then learned about making solid glass objects first (I got to make a flower!) and then after lunch we learned how to make vessels by using the blow pipes. I made a cup with Paul’s help and then he helped add a handle so I can hopefully wear it to Ren Faire and drink cider out of it!

We had a lot of fun and my classmates got some pictures while I was making my mug. The two pieces I made had to cool overnight, so I ended up picking them up the following weekend when I was back at Glen Echo for pottery.

I think they turned out great!