Beginner's Glassblowing Class for Two: Private Half-Day

Learn how to shape and blow molten glass in Tasmania for two people



4 hours Location Poatina Class size 2 guests   $385 (Afterpay available)

Ever wondered what it would be like to shape and blow molten glass? Well, here's your chance! This half-day glass blowing class in Tasmania is perfect for beginners as you learn in a one-on-one purpose-built environment.
During this exciting introductory hands-on workshop, you'll gather molten glass from the furnace on a steel blow-pipe and learn to control and shape the glass using traditional techniques and tools to create solid and blown forms such as a paperweight and a simple drinking vessel.
You can bring your own creative flair to the design of your glass by incorporating colours and patterns of your own choice, working on simple yet effective designs with the help of a skilled glassmaker with over 20 years of teaching experience.
Unlike smaller-scale forms of glass blowing which involve working with glass tubes and rods over a gas flame (known as flame-working or lamp-working), this form of glassmaking involves working with the material in its molten form, gathered like honey from a large crucible inside an 1150 degree furnace.
The first part of each class is spent orientating to the studio and its equipment before starting to work with the molten glass to create an awesome glass caterpillar and coloured paperweight.
After having got a handle on gathering and basic tooling the glass you’ll soon move on to learning how to blow a bubble into the glass and discover how to form your glass bubble into a small tumbler or whisky glass.
Once again you'll be able to add colour to your pieces and, while your creations may be a little funky to start with, you'll be amazed at the progress you'll make over the period of the workshop.
You'll be guided each step of the way by an experienced glass artist in a one-on-one capacity, who can also step in to help you with some of the more difficult parts of the process as your skills develop.
In this slightly longer two-person version of the workshop, you'll take it in turns with your partner to make your pieces one-on-one with the instructor.
When it's not your turn you'll have the benefit of learning by watching someone else and be involved by practically assisting each other which is an important part of the teamwork of glassmaking.
You'll make three glass pieces each, including a caterpillar, paperweight and a blown drinking glass.
All the glass you make will be yours to take home and show off to your friends and family - fascinating mementoes that will no doubt spark off some great story-telling!
This half-day workshop for two people is also available for just one person which allows a second paperweight and blown drinking vessel to be made for a total of five pieces. This is a great option for those who wish to have a second go at things and consolidate their new skills through repetition, perhaps exploring other colours or shapes.
This workshop is also available in a full-day version for two people, on request, which then allows each participant to repeat two items for a total of five pieces each (dependent on availability).
Please note:
  • Deposits/fees will be fully refunded if classes are cancelled by the studio for any reason.
  • All the glass pieces you make will need to cool down in a kiln overnight. These will be available for pick-up the following afternoon, however, postage can be arranged if necessary (at extra cost).
  • A range of discounted overnight accommodation options are available to workshop participants by contacting the Poatina Chalet.
  • Poatina Arts also offer an introductory Paperweight Making Workshop that can be a good alternative starting point for those who wish to have a smaller taste of working with hot glass. Our paperweight workshops are more adaptable to groups and families, including younger age groups.
What you'll get
  • All necessary materials and tools will be provided including safety glasses.
  • Tea and coffee will be provided.
  • Your own glass creations to take home (these will need to cool down in a kiln overnight).
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Knowledge required
Perfect for complete beginners or those looking for a refresher or a chance to practice the basics.
What to bring
  • Wear enclosed shoes and comfortable non-synthetic clothing. Further details of appropriate clothing to wear and what to bring will be advised upon registration via email.
  • You can bring your lunch with you or purchase a light lunch at the Tiers Tea Lounge in Poatina which is generally open Friday through to Sunday each week.
Suitable for
This is a fun indoor activity, suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 12 years old). An adult must accompany any attending kids. The adult may observe at the class for free.
This would also be a unique gift for him or her, gift for mum or dad, or annive
Location

Poatina Glass Studio - Gordon Street, Poatina TAS

Beginner's Glassblowing Class for Two: Private Half-Day location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Beginner's Glassblowing Class for Two: Private Half-Day

  • 5/5 from Claire Jones, attended Feb 2026: Had an amazing time today!! I didn't know what we were getting ourselves into, but we were able to make 3 gorgeous pieces! We felt well supported the whole time, and Keith took the time to explain and go through each step! We feel much more confident going into glass work in the future!! Amazing environment, Thank you!!
  • 5/5 from Liam Horne, attended Jan 2026: A wonderful experience that I've always wanted to try out! Keith was a fabulous teacher and his confidence and gentle guidance allowed my partener and I to have a superb time and not at all feel uncomfortbale in the face of some very hot glass. We made some lovely pieces and had a blast doing so! Would highly recomend it, worth every penny!
  • 5/5 from William Sutton, attended Nov 2025: Awesome Class, lots of fun. The teacher Keith was very knowledgeable and was very helpful. Absolutely worth the money! Would highly recommend.
  • 5/5 from Karlinka Farmer, attended May 2025: We had a special day celebrating our 10yr wedding anniversary doing the half day beginners class. It was SO FUN. Keith our teacher was patient, informative, helpful and happy. We made 3 different items and were guided and assisted all the way through. Definitely something I would recommend to anyone wanting to share a memory and come away with beautiful individual keepsakes. Five stars! ️️️️️
  • 5/5 from Jess Mauger, attended Mar 2025: My husband and I did a glass blowing workshop and absolutely loved it! It was such a fascinating & unique experience. Keith is an amazing teacher who is very knowledgeable and was extremely patient with us throughout the whole process. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone and everyone!
  • 5/5 from Kipling Walker, attended Jan 2025: Keith is a patient, kind and confident teacher. I highly recommend his beginner's glassblowing class in Poatina, Tasmania.
  • 5/5 from Ruth Batge, attended Oct 2024: Keith was the most patient and supportive teacher. We really enjoyed the experience and would recommend to anyone.
  • 5/5 from Nicholas Casimaty, attended May 2024: We had a great time with Keith, who was able to patiently and easily guide two total novices through some relatively complex techniques!
  • 5/5 from Joo Young Leem, attended Jan 2024: This is such a must do experience if you are visiting Tasmania! Keith is an amazing teacher and was great at guiding us as much as we needed. The pieces you create are more than many other classes I had looked at previously and this was a really fun experience that we would recommend to anyone!
  • 5/5 from Tessa Popelier, attended Dec 2023: Keith was a fabulous teacher! The class was well put together and taught in such a way that each item we made was within our reach as beginners. Keith was at our side the whole time and provided individualised instruction as we created our glass. He made us feel comfortable while working with the molten glass and we couldn’t be happier with what we managed to create. We would highly recommend the class and we absolutely go back again!
  • 5/5 from Rebecca Evans, attended Jul 2023: Keith was a great teacher and very patient. We had a fantastic time! Thank you
  • 5/5 from Penny Wright, attended May 2023: Fabulous instructor, great afternoon learning a new set of skills. Learnt so much in a few hours. Highly recommend!
  • 5/5 from Emily Horwood, attended Mar 2023: My wife and I had a terrific experience learning how to work with solid glass and try glass blowing. Keith was very informative and relaxed, yet professional. He assisted us throughout the entire process and let us take the reins when our confidence grew. We value this unique experience and would highly recommend to others who appreciate the art of hot working glass. If you are wishing for a memorable one-on-one experience, this is the place to go!
  • 5/5 from Jamie Hinshelwood, attended Feb 2023: Really great experience. The teacher was great at explaining everything and guiding us through the whole process. He was there every step of the way ensuring that we ended up with a piece of glass that we could be proud of in our home. Great value for money, beautiful location. Was an awesome afternoon and we now have a greater appreciation of how hard glass working is. Highly recommend!
  • 5/5 from James Greig, attended Feb 2023: Such a fun experience, and Keith was fantastic. Very patient and full of knowledge. We made three items with his close support on each one. Highly recommended
  • 5/5 from Theia Connell, attended May 2022: We had an amazing time at the beginners glass blowing workshop in Poatina. Keith was a brilliant teacher - personable, patient and generous with his time. A true master! The venue was in a huge old hanger style building, located just outside of Poatina - a relic of Tassie’s hydro electric heyday. Fully equipped studio space and all of the materials were provided for. We made some fun objects to take home - including a colourful drinking vessel and paper weight. Great value for money and an all round super cool thing to do - whether you're a Tassie local or visiting from abroad. Honestly, I couldn't be happier with our experience! Ten out of ten.
Your teacher

Poatina Arts
Poatina Arts

5.0 (29)

Poatina Arts is an artist collective in the beautiful village of Poatina, Tasmania. We run workshops, a yearly arts summer school, an artist in residence program and The Poatina Tree art gallery. Our goal is to help you come alive through community and creativity.

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2026-10-30 15:00:00
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production launceston Launceston TAS AU launceston