How to Stretch Glass: Clear Coat

Clear glass rods are used to make handles for jars and vases. Glassblowing is as much an art as the final glass product the glassblower makes. A glassblower takes raw glass from a semiliquid glob, much like melted honey, and forms it into a sphere that can be made into a vase or jar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Work quickly. Every process in glassblowing has to be done with precision in order not to ruin the piece. Leave the glass rod in the furnace a little longer to get the rod nice and hot to make this step go fast in smooth motions.

2. Hold the heated end with a tweezers or tongs and start pulling, stretching the rod into the shape you want to attach to your glass jar or vase. You can twist it into decorative spirals or keep it simple. The key is to do it quickly and don't pull it too thin since the handle will support the weight of the vase.

3. Attach the handle to the jar or vase while it is hot. The jar should also still be a little bit hot as well. Mold the handle onto the piece in the manner you desire. It's that simple.

4. Stretch the clear rod when you need to apply a clear coat all around the outside of the piece. This technique is used when the glass is too thick. Just stretch it out with this process first.