How to Blow Glass Flowers

Making flowers by blowing glass is one example of the magnificent talent of artisans. Sand or silica is heated to temperatures in excess of 3600 degrees F to create glass. The evolution of glass art has produced stunning creations that mimic nature. The art of glass blowing originated in Mesopotamia where pieces of glass found during an archaeological dig dated back to the third millennium BC.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Select a flower to recreate in glass. Choose your favorite bloom or have a general idea in mind as inspiration for your creative direction. Consult a master artist to guide you through the glass blowing process.

2. Decide on the size of the glass flower. Consider the colors, location of the finished glass art work, overall artistic impression and level of detail.

3. Go to the glass art studio. Wear heat-tempered safety glasses, heat resistant gloves, a close fitting, long sleeved shirt, heavy pants and work boots. Opt for flame resistant clothing, if possible.

4. Heat canes or glass beads in a furnace or special kiln until it's pliable. Use a blowpipe or metal rod to create a bubble using the softened glass. The bubble expands by blowing air through the pipe as you turn the rod. Mold the molten glass into the base of the flower.

5. Experiment with various techniques to develop the petals, the stamen, leaves and stem. Artists employ specific types of equipment and knowledge to generate these parts of the flower. Talk with other glass blowers in the hot shop for ideas and help developing the needed techniques.

6. Color the flower by slowly adding the hue of glass indicative of your creative selection. Manipulate the core of the piece until you're satisfied with its shape and color. If you don't like it, there's always the option of melting the glass and starting over.

7. Bring the glass gradually back to room temperature. Prepare to wait for the flower to cure. The glass flower is fragile at this stage and is prone to crack if the process is rushed.

8. Add any final embellishments to the flower. Be creative. Mix mediums by gluing bead work, fabric or dried foliage to the glass flower.

9. Take a class. Local glass studios offer classes and workshops to those who are curious about the glass blowing process.

Tips & Warnings

• Blowing glass is dangerous due to the extreme temperatures needed to melt glass, the shards of glass in the hot shop and because you are handling molten glass.
• Check out the glass art of other artists. View glass work by contemporary artists like Dale Chihuly, Mark Bennion, Jim Campbell, Joyce J. Scott and Karen LaMonte as means to explore the field.
• Don't attempt to blow glass flowers at home. This type of art takes years to develop techniques and requires specialized equipment.

Resources

• Excellent resources for anyone interested in the art of glass blowing.
• Features contemporary and traditional glass work and artists.