How to Create a Starter Bubble in Glass Blowing

Blowing glass is a unique art that is also very practical. You can make many useful things by blowing glass such as glassware, vases and ornaments. When learning to blow glass, one of the first things learned is getting a starter bubble. Once you have mastered gathering glass onto the end of the pipe, it is time for a starter bubble.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Furnace
• Pipe
• Glass
• Safety goggles

1. Begin by gathering hot glass carefully onto the end of the pipe from the furnace by rotating it. If the glass was rotated at the right angle, it should be in the shape of a bullet at the end of the pipe.

2. Take the hot gather of glass to the marver, and roll it around back and forth to even out the shape and smooth the surface.

3. Hold the pipe with both hands, one near the top toward the mouthpiece and one toward the bottom with the hot glass.

4. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth with your thumb placed right next to the hole in the mouthpiece. The entire mouthpiece and your thumb should be in your mouth.

5. Blow quickly but firmly into the mouthpiece before capping it with your thumb.

6. Wait just a few seconds, and the heat at the end of the pipe pressurizes the small puff of air from your mouth and pushes into the glass on the end, expanding it with a bubble.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't attempt glass blowing at home. It should be taught by a professional.
• Always wear safety goggles when working with hot glass.