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

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.

• 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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