How to Create Waves in Glass Blowing

Glass blowing is a very unique art that creates unique and beautiful pieces that are practical as well. Once you have mastered the basic glass blowing techniques, you may be ready to try a more advanced technique. Spinning glass to create waves sounds simple but may take several tries to get it right.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glass
• Pipe
• Furnace

1. Begin with a piece of glass on the end of the pipe that is well rounded and open at the end.

2. Place the gather in the furnace, and have an assistant close the door to keep in most of the heat. Keep only the top two-thirds of the glass directly in the heat.

3. Fire the glass while spinning the pipe. Spin only as quickly as needed to keep the round shape of the glass. Keep the glass in the furnace until it expands almost too big for the furnace, or only as large as you want it to be.

4. Remove the glass from the furnace after an assistant has opened the furnace door. Hold the glass end of the pipe down, with the pipe completely perpendicular to the floor.

5. Spin the pipe very quickly as soon as it comes out of the furnace. The hot glass flares out much like a full skirt. Once the glass has completely flared out, stop the spinning and waves are instantly created.

6. Continue to spin the glass slowly, and swing it like a pendulum to keep the shape while the glass cools.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't attempt to blow glass at home.
• Always wear safety goggles when working with hot glass.