Ruth Allen - Glass Art
location_on Coburg North, Melbourne
local_activity classes: Glassblowing and Mosaic
5.0 (287)
4k followers
Ruth has three strands to her professional practice, her Artwork, Community Cultural Development projects and a design range created from transforming manufactured bottles, all of which nurture her creative spirit.
Ruth Allen’s history stems from the Canberra School of Art, Australian National University where she studied under Klaus Moje, Elizabeth McClure and the late Stephen Procter. Ruth graduated in 1993 and embarked upon world travels including Japan, United States, Europe and New Zealand. Ruth attended and conducted workshops, exhibited, undertook residencies and worked consistently with ideas.
Between 1996 and 2000 Ruth co-directed a hot glass studio and glass art business in Auckland, New Zealand. The business, Gloria, produced a wide range of high quality and unique blown glass forms for private commissions and galleries. The business exhibited regularly and developed extensive contacts within the Australian, New Zealand and the international art community.
Alongside the pursuit of her own practice Ruth has nourished a passion for Community Cultural Development (CCD). During the management of her own business in New Zealand, Ruth realized the necessity to educate colleagues, gallery curators and the general public, about context, concepts and methodology of the Contemporary Glass Movement. Ruth realised that if your community and audience do not understand the work the power to effect and change a viewer’s perception of things is minimized. This realization prompted her to accept the nomination for President of the New Zealand Society of Artists in Glass (NZSAG) and develop the educational programme of workshops/conference/exhibitions titled Pacific Light (PL). PL was orchestrated in 1998 and involved seven workshops focusing on various disciplines of glass practice, a ten-day residency, three-day conference and a series of exhibitions showcasing the work of national and international glass artists.
Gloria dissolved in early 2000 enabling Ruth to return to Australia and resume a more artistic practice. Ruth moved to Melbourne to complete a Master of Fine Arts (research) degree, majoring in Glass and Sculpture at Monash University. Her graduating exhibition was extensive with more than 200 individual glass forms illuminated by projected light and accompanied by audio compositions. Ruth continues to work on a large scale and within a sculptural installation context, often collaborating with multi-media artists to develop and actualize her ideas.
In August 2010 Ruth and partner Josh purchased a 430m square warehouse in Coburg Nth, the relatively new studio has been renovated and is now catering for most creative endeavours. The pair worked toward the vision of creating a functional space where one can make almost anything. The studio is organised into working stations such as; metal, wood, ceramics, glass, welding, cutting, grinding and includes a lush front garden complete with pizza oven for entertaining the locals and guests. This environment has allowed both Ruth and Josh to develop their practices with the confidence of knowing a new direction of works will and can be supported by the space.
Classes
Reviews
(287)
Bruce Facey • Apr 2024
Received this class as a Christmas present from my partner.
Was super keen after watching Blown Away.
Our teacher Nick was brilliant - great safety and instruction prior to starting, immense knowledge, answered every question, super collaborative, patient, and helped us achieve amazing results.
The venue was just how I imagined a sweat shop should be with quality materials and equipment - and lots of heat - at the Ruth Allen Glass studio.
Small group of only 4 meant everything was very intimate and hands on.
Met some amazing people during my class and on the following day (when picking up my beautiful tumbler and paper weight) confirming what a beautifully friendly and collaborative community it is.
DEFINITELY recommend
Teacher's response
Hi Bruce, Thank you for your glowing review!
We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic glassblowing experience with us and enjoyed learning from Nick. We look forward to having you back for another class and continuing your glassblowing journey with us!
Cheers, Keely
Rafaela George • Apr 2024
Nick was absolutely amazing. He guided us through each step of the way, with such patience and a great sense of humour. It was the best art session I've ever done and so worth the money. I can't recommend this enough, it will not disappoint
Teacher's response
Hi Rafaela, Thank you so much for your review.
We are so glad that you enjoyed your glassblowing experience. We are so lucky to have the incredibly knowledgeable Nick as our teacher.
We hope to see you back in the studio soon, Cheers, Keely
Danielle Masters • Apr 2024
Absolutely magical experience - can’t wait to do more. All the women in my family bought me the class as a birthday gift knowing that glass blowing was on my bucket list. The teacher was fabulous and provided a fun and inspiring class.
Teacher's response
Hi Danielle, We are thrilled that the powerful women in your life made it possible that you could tick this off your bucket list! You can do anything and we can’t wait to see what you do next, Cheers, Keely
Mietta de Fazio • Apr 2024
A really enjoyable experience. Did this with my family. We all loved it. Highly recommend! Teacher was great in guiding us to make a paperweight and tumbler. I love my finished pieces.
Teacher's response
Hi Mietta, We are thrilled that you enjoyed your fiery experience gathering molten glass from the furnace. We would love to have you back in the studio.
Cheers, Keely
Lynne Lucas • Mar 2024
‘Blown away’ by the class and Nick our teacher … learned so much about the principles of glass blowing as well as the practice. Fabulous experience and one I intend to repeat!
Teacher's response
Hi Lynne, We are thrilled that you couldn’t get enough of our glassblowing workshop! We would love yo have you back in the studio for our Intermediate Glassblowing Class.
Cheers.
Keely
Rebecca Wong • Mar 2024
I've been wanting to do this class since watching Blown Away on Netflix. Our teacher Nick was amazing. Really knowledgeable, great with safety and giving instructions. We got to make a paperweight and a tumbler. Working with glass was challenging but such an amazing process to experience. I like that there were only a few people per class so we had a good amount of time to do some hands-on each and we had the most amazing teacher.
Teacher's response
Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your fantastic experience! We're thrilled to hear that you found our class with Nick amazing. We're delighted that you enjoyed creating your paperweight and tumbler and that Nick was such a great instructor. We can't wait to have you back for another class!
Anthony G Dzioba • Mar 2024
Celebrating our anniversary with some glass blowing. The teacher was very knowledgeable and passionate about what he does. The venue was great, a purpose set up workshop with all different crafting available. The materials were good, had a selection of glass colours to choose from. Learned the process involved with making glass pieces along with how the blowing glass works.
Teacher's response
Hi Anthony, So glad that you enjoyed choosing your colours and creating you own pieces! We would love to have you both back in the studio for another class!
Cheers, Keely
Simon Ramsden • Mar 2024
Had a fantastic experience. Was bought as present for mum during her visit to Australia. Ruth and her team were very accommodating to work around the schedule.
Our instructor was great, patient and full of knowledge, we both came away with some lovely pieces.
Teacher's response
Hi Simon and family, We are so glad that you enjoyed your experience and got to take some pieces back to England.
Cheers, Keely
Kristy Dossor • Mar 2024
Nick was an excellent teacher, and honestly has eyes in the back of his head to watch newbies about to do dumb stuff. Very happy with the end result and interested in intermediate next!
Krisztina Babik • Mar 2024
Nick did a great a job to introduce me to glassblowing. He has an extensive knowledge of glass arts and kind manners to answer all questions and guide through the class. I had a great time on this Introductory Glassblowing workshop!
Shirley Cecchetto • Feb 2024
Class was gifted and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Instructor was informative and stepped in when we needed it.
Our class of four got to experience every activity. We made a paper weight and tumbler.
Off-street parking and there is the option to collect or have your pieces delivered.
Matthew Menzel • Feb 2024
I got this class as a birthday gift after really enjoying watching a glass blowing competition on netflix. It was such a great experience and I have some really cool keepsakes! Nick was such a great teacher. He was very supportive and stepped in to give extra help when it was required whilst allowing us to do a much as we were capable of. It was very much worth the expense!
Jessie Whamond • Feb 2024
I got this voucher for my birthday from my siblings. Nick our teacher was very knowledgeable and helpful while also trusting us to take control of the process. All materials were provided and we get to keep the 2 items we made. Very good value, I highly recommend it. I love the process and will definitely be going back. Thank you Nick.
Becky Payne • Feb 2024
A great activity to do, small class and the instructor was great! Would definitely recommend!
Mujeeb Afzal • Dec 2023
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews
Loved the introduction to working with hot glass and learned something new.
Made a superb fairy-wren in the workshop :)
Ruth Allen has a great facility + Nick & Juniper were amazing teachers!
Teacher's response
So glad that you had an amazing time Mujeeb! If you are keen to have another hot glass experience, our Introductory Glassblowing Class is the next step where you learn to gather from the furnace and control the pipe yourself. And you get to make a tumbler and a paperweight!
Pauline Douglas • Dec 2023
I highly recommend this class. I was very nervous when it came to making my piece but the teacher Nick was brilliant; very patient and happy to explain and go over steps. Everyone was very friendly, there was a great fun atmosphere in the class. I chose to make this cute little bird. I'm thrilled with the way it turned out and will attend the next level class (introductory) when I can soon. Thanks
Teacher's response
Hey Pauline, glad you loved our class and our amazing team! We can’t wait to have you in our Introductory Glassblowing Class In the next step you learn to gather from the furnace and control the pipe yourself. Congratulations on making your gorgeous little bird,
Happy Holidays,
Keely
Karen • Dec 2023
The studio was looking fantastic, filled with wonderful inspiration and gorgeous gifts. I made a little bird today and love it! The tuition was spot on, I was confident I could achieve a good outcome with the support of the tutors, and was able to do a lot (though not all, because after all it's molten glass!) of the making myself. I was not disappointed :)
Give this class a go - you'll emerge with a quality product you made yourself and the desire to return and make more.
I can't wait for my next class. Thanks team Ruth
Teacher's response
So glad that you had an amazing time Karen! We can’t wait to have you back in our Introductory Glassblowing Class! This is the next step where you learn to gather from the furnace and control the pipe yourself. And you get to make a tumbler and a paperweight!
Happy Holidays from the RUTH Team,
Keely
Beau Penny • Dec 2023
What a fantastic session, Nick was a great teacher, very clear in safety details, all materials and tools were excellent, we had such a fantastic time.
Teacher's response
Thank you Beau for your kind words, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another class in the future.
Cheers, Keely
Carrie Downey • Dec 2023
Nick was is an excellent instructor. He guided us through the whole process and was incredibly skilled and patient. Ruth who owns the venue and also instructs was a delight to meet. The venue is fantastic!
Glass blowing takes so much coordination but that's to Nick and team work from the other participants, we all came away with unique glass pieces. The class was fun and engaging. I'd definitely recommend doing it.
Catherine Fouche • Nov 2023
The glassblowing class was an exhilarating experience that gave me a newfound appreciation for shaping molten glass. Nick’s hands-on teaching style, commitment to safety, and guidance made it a memorable and educational experience. However, the shared mouthpiece was a minor inconvenience. Despite this, I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to explore the captivating world of glassblowing.
Would love to
Megan Foo • Nov 2023
Such a fun and enjoyable class - surprised we were able to do so much in so little time. Very quick intro to glass blowing with some information on the process of glass blowing in general
Haemin Jung • Nov 2023
Had an amazing experience making drinking cups and paperweight at this workshop! It was really interesting to see how glassblowing works and how much skill and work goes into each piece. Nick our teacher was attentive and helpful and guided us each step with care to create these amazing pieces! Our whole family had an amazing bonding time and would absolutely recommend it to everyone! Thank you for this amazing experience we all loved it so much
Ashlea Shaune • Nov 2023
Teacher was brilliant. Very patient and supportive. Can tell he had a lot of experience and made us feel very comfortable doing something so different. We had the best time. Thank you.
Fotini Malivindi • Nov 2023
Incredible class learning all about the intricacies of glass blowing! So excited to learn more!
Chris Fox • Oct 2023
Experienced and helpful teacher that helps appreciate the challenges and rewards of glass blowing - definitely recommend you try it out
Charmaine Searle • Sep 2023
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
I highly recommend this workshop if you're curious about the art of glass blowing! It's fun and exciting and our teacher explained everything so well. It's a real team effort so book with your friends if you can. The workshop is extremely well equipped and roomy with lots to inspire you too. If I could give them 6 stars I would!
Andy Holmes • Sep 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the class. Nick was very helpful, informative & appropriately safety conscious. He has a kind respectful way of interacting with us and gave each of us positive and reassuring feedback about our efforts and results. It was wonderful to see everyone's creative pieces come to life! Thank you so much for sharing your skills and passions and providing this wonderful opportunity. Andy.
Josie Martino • Sep 2023
What a great experience. Nick our teacher was informative and patient. Thanks for a great day. I will be back
Steven Bird • Sep 2023
Fantastic venue, course and instructor. I was a little concerned that it would be too hard. But as soon as I got there and the course started, everything was fine. The instructing during the class was really good. I would recommend this for everyone interested in glass art
Amanda Chiswell • Sep 2023
The best experience Nick was friendly and professional. The workshop was lots of fun, very hands on, with the perfect amount of explanation, demonstration and ‘have a go’ balance. I learnt lots! I love the creations and memories I made.
Cherie Geyer • Aug 2023
I liked the small group size of the classes, it became interesting to get to know them as much as it was interesting to learn about glass blowing.
The workshop itself was perfect, there was so much information shared but not so much that it overwhemed us all. I highly rate the experience, I loved the artwork that we created and definitly want to come back and try it again!
Mike Stanway • Aug 2023
Was a wonderful morning - Nick was great and ensured we all made some very unique pieces
Cant fault it at all !
Roz Dalton • Aug 2023
Nick was an excellent instructor. He took his time outlining each phase of the glassblowing class. It was amazing to see the blob of glass turn into a beautiful paperweight and useful tumbler. The choice of colours made each project individualised.
Amna Haque • Aug 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
I absolutely loved this workshop, Nick was an amazing teacher, and the format of the class was great because we all got to do everything and each walked away with awesome glasswork. The hot shop was setup well, it was safe and easy to get around. I would definitely go back, what an experience, we’ll worth every cent IMO!
Corina Palmer • Jul 2023
Had an amazing time! Learnt a lot and had fun. Nick was really chill and informative. Felt safe and supported :)
Sally • Jul 2023
I loved it. A small class of four people, and we were all taken through making our own paperweight and glass. The instructor was patient and good humoured, and we all learnt so much.
I’m looking forward to the intermediate class!
Teacher's response
Thank you, Sally! We're delighted to hear you loved your glassblowing experience. We can't wait to see you in our intermediate class to continue your glassmaking journey!
Tania Jacobs • Jul 2023
The class was fantastic! I had such a great time, from learning my way around all the equipment to making colour choices to actually creating a couple of pieces that I was proud of. Nick was very clear, patient and helpful. Working with the hot glass was such a great experience. It was everything I could have hoped for and more.
Elizabeth Blackburn • Jul 2023
Nick was a very relaxed & easy goinginformative, encouraging and safety conscious! A fantastic session
Rebecca Haydon • Jul 2023
This experience was fantastic and I highly recommend you give it a try. The studio is amazing, warm and welcoming. Nick is extremely knowledgeable, and was supportive and engaging throughout the entire session. I am delighted with my paper weight and tumbler and will be returning for another class.
Teacher's response
Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your fantastic experience! We're thrilled to hear that you found our studio amazing, warm, and welcoming. Nick is an incredibly knowledgeable and engaging instructor. We're delighted that you're happy with your paper weight and tumbler, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another class!
Ondina Muling • Jul 2023
Great to do something creative and new. Guided beautifully by teacher Nick who was clear with instructions and encouraging with all our endeavours. Many thanks!
Sharon O'Rourke • Jul 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
My daughter and I just had a great afternoon learning glass blowing and made a paper weight and tumbler. Nick, our instructor was great and talked us through everything step by step to make sure we were safe and our completed items great. Anyone who has thought about this should have a go. Thoroughly recommend the class and venue
Priya Dinkar • Jun 2023
It was a fantastic 2.5 hours spent. The teacher - Nick was fun and very engaging. The glassblowing class is a technical and fairly complex process but the support and guidance provided by the teacher made it easier to follow and the actual process was closely supervised.
Carol Wilson • Jun 2023
Class was awesome. We felt guided and supported through each stage. In a high risk environment safety was reinforced throughout the day. Encourgaed & Empowered to try all tasks. Answered questions and joined discussions. Highly recommend this to anyone thinking of giving glass blowing a go.
Linda Geard • Jun 2023
The teacher Nick was fantastic and made the class easy and very enjoyable. I learnt the basics of glass blowing, got to make a glass tumbler and paper weight. The small class was also of great benefit as we got a more personalised approach to the learning. The other members of my class were very easy going and the class alot of fun. Thanks so much to all involved I will definitely be trying some of the other classes on offer.
Teacher's response
Thank you Linda for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed your glassblowing experience. We would be thrilled for you to continue your glass journey with us and have you in another class!
Mark Mascia • Jun 2023
I had a fun time with Nick, my classmates and everyone at Ruth Allen Glass Art.
Everything was well explained and all my questions (even the silly ones) were answered.
I ended up learning a bit about the process and got some rather lovely glassware out of the afternoon.
Recommended!
Alex Beath • May 2023
Great pace. Easy instructions. Great couples activity. Highly recommend for those wanting to dip their toes into the world of glass blowing.
Rhea Pereira • May 2023
An amazing experience especially for first timers. I had so much fun and really enjoyed the whole process. Can't wait to do this again!
Clare Steeper • May 2023
10 ClassBento workshops attended • 11 reviews
This class was great and something very different to try. Nick gave us clear, easy to follow instructions and made sure we were comfortable with what we were doing every step of the way. We got to make a paperweight and a tumbler. Everyone in the class works together to help support the person making the tumbler, so you get the try all of the assistance roles. Definitely worth a try
Philip Clift • May 2023
This was such a great class! Nick was a great teacher, made sure we were all involved. Learned so much and want to come back and do more. Also venue is an actual workshop so really practical to learn. Fantastic, thank you.
Addison Cristiano • May 2023
Had such an amazing time!
Felt very quick but managed to get so much done. Nick was informative, professional and kind.
I’d hyped doing a glassblowing course for years and it still managed to exceed my expectations.
Will be back for sure!
Rachel Lamb • May 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Very clear explanation of what to expect and steps/practice when handling glass. Fun banter and advice as we went. Excellent balance of guiding us and letting us go solo.
Peter Holding • May 2023
Fantastic class and instructor very knowledgeable and welcoming, class felt warm and inviting, instructions and support from instructor was detailed and easy to understand. My wife and I had a great time and look forward to doing another class in the future.
Angela Mayhew • May 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Nick explained things fully and was very patient. So much information to take in and quite nerve wracking to deal with such high temperatures. Was a great experience and you are amazed you can produce these unique pieces of glass art.
Janice McBride • Apr 2023
Nick was very knowledgeable and patient with instructing us. We had a great time and learnt heaps.
Really happy with the outcome of the paperweight and the glass we made.
Thanks for the great class today
Silvia Filej • Apr 2023
Great session. Nick is a very experienced glass artist with a wealth of knowledge. He explained and demonstrated the process throughly. The workshop was heaps of fun and was great to make a couple of pieces that I am very happy with. Would love to do another session. Received this gift from my husband for my birthday and just loved it
Suzie Hafey • Apr 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Awesome fun! Nick was great. He helped us through the process. He was fun and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to do more!
Ruth Friedman • Apr 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
What an interesting and mindful experience! Nick patiently guided us through the process of glass blowing and was there each step of the way as we took our first steps. The glass colours provided were lovely and enough variation for us all to make different pieces. There was plenty of time for everyone to have a go. The four participants got to work together as a team in the second part of the workshop. A thoroughly enjoyable class and very good value. I’m looking forward to using my beautiful vase and paperweight!
Miranda Robinson • Apr 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended
Glass blowing is almost like a high adrenaline sport!
I loved the rush but also the beauty of working with this material!
Nick was great as a solid reassuring presence whilst having a sense of humour and knowing when to step back.
Andrew Newcomb • Apr 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended
Introductory class with Nick was great. He took us through several different techniques to make a paperweight and a glass tumbler. Excellent experience.
Garry Galea • Apr 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Brilliant class, it was great to get hands on with so many aspects of working with glass.
Nick is an amazing teacher, he made it fun and gave great instruction and guidance.
Highly recommended this class.
Matthew Hawker • Apr 2023
Had a fabulous, fun & informative morning learning about glassblowing. Nick was patient, understanding & offered great guidance. Thank you.
Winter Stagg • Apr 2023
32 ClassBento workshops attended • 28 reviews
what a fun class! 3 others and i (and our amazing instructor Nick) just had the time of our lives. when you first watch the demonstrations it can be pretty intimidating i mean, it's molten holt glass but don't panic! there is almost nothing you can do that the instructor won't catch and help you out with. each egg paper weight and tumbler is done one at a time in very spacious and incredibly safe conditions, at the end you feel so accomplished. the space is also great because it houses wonderful glass sculptures by the artists who teach there and honestly, i would go back at the drop of a hat. BRING A WATER BOTTLE! it gets HOT.
Barbara Delissen • Mar 2023
Nick was a great teacher, carefully guiding us through all the steps of creating a paper weight and a tumbler. There was a strong emphasis on safety around the incredibly high temperatures, without it affecting the fun of having a go at glass-blowing. Highly recommended!
Amber Pritchard • Mar 2023
Amazing! So much fun, such a unique experience. Nick was an excellent teacher, guiding us through each step.
Can’t wait to do the intermediate class.
Jonathan Anderson • Mar 2023
Nick was a great teacher, struck the right balance between letting people have a go themselves and helping when appropriate, both to make sure things were done safely and also that we would be happy with our products. It's an absolute whirlwind and is over before you know it, but a very fun and unique experience. And now we have new favourite drinking glasses!
Sarah Leffers • Mar 2023
The venue was very cool and the teacher was fantastic- he was patient, fun and very knowledgeable with a total focus on our safety - thanks for an amazing experience! Can’t wait to see the end result of my paper weight and glass- totally recommend this experience!
Courtney • Mar 2023
Wonderful class! Very informative, great instruction from a very knowledgeable and experienced teacher. Can’t wait to do the intermediate offering
Natalie Brown • Mar 2023
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
What an exciting thing to do Nick was an excellent teacher. Very encouraging with a good sense of humour.
The venue is great with everything you need to participate fully, to be inspired by the other work plus it's very easy to access. I'm looking forward to collecting my pieces!
Laura Heyning • Mar 2023
A really patient and informative teacher, with a good safety briefing and a good selection of materials. I loved the small class size and 1-1 instruction. I’d love to do another class!
Sue Barzda • Mar 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
So much fun! Nick was amazing and so knowledgeable- he really guided us through the process and explained the steps quite clearly. Everyone got a chance to participate in each aspect of the glass blowing process. Amazing morning and I have such a better appreciation for the art.
Louise Beasley • Feb 2023
6 ClassBento workshops attended • 7 reviews
A really interesting and enjoyable class. It was a bit intimidating working with molten glass, but the instructor really helped to put us at ease and help us through each step of the process. The intricacies of blown glass and the teamwork it takes to produce it was both fascinating and something that helped keep the small group engaged and interacting with each other, which really added to the experience and reinforced the learning process. Having your own handcrafted pieces to take home and admire will be a wonderful talking point and reminder of the experience.
Maria Alderruccio • Dec 2022
2 ClassBento workshops attended
Nick was a patient instructor. We enjoyed our session and came home with some pieces to be proud of. My only recommendation is to have a cushion on the floor to make blowing the pipe abit easier
Thanks Nick
Megan Collins • Nov 2022
25 ClassBento workshops attended • 21 reviews
This workshop blew my mind. Ruth was an AWESOME teacher and person in general. This is certainly a very skilled and intense art form. I had a great time learning a small bit of knowledge and coming home with a paperweight and a funky glass. This is a must on your bucket list.
Ashlee Burt • Oct 2022
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews
Nick was a fantastic teacher. We had a lot of fun making the paper weight and tumbler.
Mark Chapman • Oct 2022
The teacher was very welcoming and patient. The venue had all of the equipment we could possibly need. The class size was small, so everybody got lots of attention. We got to make a great paperweight and a tumbler. We loved it and are thinking about doing the follow-up course. Would happily recommend.
Steph Chris • Oct 2022
We had a brilliant time at Ruth’s workshop! Nick’s instruction was fun and easy to follow. We now have some pretty and functional souvenirs!
Emma Morris • Oct 2022
116 ClassBento workshops attended • 83 reviews
This is my second time attending this class, this time I brought along my dad and fiancé, and my brother came to watch. It was a great family activity
Serena Lynzaat • Aug 2022
I attended the beginner’s class in Coburg. Ruth was great, very communicative and talked us through every step. She was very encouraging and I felt comfortable trying my hand at making the glass paperweight and tumbler. You get to see others make their pieces and this helps with learning the process and it’s great to see other people’s colour choices. It is a long time to be on your feet, so take Ruth’s advice about clothing, footwear and drinking water.
Thanks Ruth for a great Experience! I love my two pieces.
Gina Gauci • Aug 2022
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews
The teacher (Nick) was excellent and very helpful with me and the other girls. The time of the class was used wisely. I hope I get to the advance class in the future
Halina Bluzer • Aug 2022
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
I have never done glass blowing before and had no idea what to expect. I must admit I was very excited and a little nervous. But it was an AMAZING experience. The teacher, Nick was very patient and put us all at ease. The class was small only 4 people and it was encouraging to watch the other people create their pieces. Also being able to see work from previous classes gave us an idea of what we could achieve. The whole session was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see how my pieces turn out . I plan to come back for more fun
Emma Morris • Aug 2022
116 ClassBento workshops attended • 83 reviews
I LOVED THIS CLASS So much that I booked into it again with my dad as a Father’s Day gift. Nick was a fantastic teacher and I’m so proud of my creations
Amie Allford • Aug 2022
2 ClassBento workshops attended
This was an amazing experience. Nick was a great teacher. He was excellent at explaining the steps and guiding you through the entire process. It was calm and so worthwhile and it was so satisfying picking up the finished product.
Rohan Williams • Aug 2022
This was a great session. Really well run. Teacher was really informative and made it simple to make a paper weight and a tumbler. Highly recommend this course to anyone interested in glass blowing. You’ll walk away with a real sense of what’s involved in glassworks.
Mark Dare • Aug 2022
we have never done glassblowing and we were in Murano, the mecca of glass blowing in June but they don’t actually do classes so all we could do was watch. So it was fantastic to be able to actually do a hands-on workshop and make a paperweight and a tumbler!
Our teacher Nick was very skilled patient and fun! he was very aware that none of us got burnt or did something stupid which I am prone to do. We couldn’t collect our treasure until the following day as they had to cool but we were both thrilled with what we had made albeit with a lot of assistance from Nick :)
Unfortunately my tumbler does have a hairline crack which I guess may have come from the cooling process. but I would highly recommend it!
Karolien • Aug 2022
2 ClassBento workshops attended
What a great morning with a great teacher! Lots of fun and interesting class. Loved every moment! Thank you for a great 2.5 hours.
Simone Pakin • Aug 2022
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
What a fabulous and very different experience. Our teacher was very good and kept us safe. It’s amazing what you can do in such a short time - thanks to the teacher. I will take home a glass paperweight and tumbler I made myself and feel very proud. Comes also highly recommended in the cold weather - you won’t stay cold.
Heath Clairman • Aug 2022
This class was fantastic! The teacher was super funny, went through all the safety stuff while still keeping us entertained, lots of hands on work in the glass and the end results look awesome. Don’t be alarmed by the location, it’s pretty legit inside the green fence. And they have a cute as dog!
Eleanor Manzoni • Aug 2022
My Glass blowing class with Nick at the Ruth Allen studio was mind blowing. Nick was a wonderful teacher, with a lot of knowledge and an extreme amount of patience. Everything was done safely and methodically. The glass work itself was truly amazing. I would come back to this class every day if I could.
Paul Esson • Aug 2022
We had a great time with teacher Nick and the 2,5h intro workshop went so fast. We were both keen to come back to further the experience.
The only thing I would be mindful of is to check twice with the studio if you are offering this as a special event. I had booked a private class to celebrate a special date and we were 4 ppl on the day. Other than date I recommend the experience to anyone interested to have a go with glass!
Graham Allen • Jul 2022
Fun and informative course. The teacher was knowledgeable and good humoured when we managed to stuff things up, but we all managed to make a paperweight and a glass tumbler with just a little bit of help. The glass blowing course really wet our lips for more!
Karen Hofer • Jul 2022
7 ClassBento workshops attended • 6 reviews
What a unique, fun class!
We first made a paperweight, which was 1:1 with the teacher, Nick. He was very patient, knowledgeable; he explained things carefully and accurately, which was essential given we were working with red-hot molten glass.
We then went on to work as a team to create a tumbler each. One person blowing, one person working the glass, and another assisting by "blocking" etc.
It was lots of fun and we smiled and laughed, even as we felt nervous, managing new skills with dangerous (hot!) materials.
We have each made unique/quirky/hand made items and felt a sense of achievement.
I thoroughly recommend this class.
Veronique Derville • Jul 2022
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Nice and competed teacher. Lots of information about material and techniques. Enough time to enjoy the experience fully.
Mary Carlo • Jul 2022
2 ClassBento workshops attended
Nick our instructor was informative and made sure to explain and guide us through each step. I cant wait to collect my artwork. I think the clas could have been longer and allowed us to make more. Another tumbler/vase. Coming back for more.
Toni Sanders • Jul 2022
I've wanted to give glassblowing a go for a while. Though a bit anxious at the start (and naturally just not great at the art overall!), Nick helped me to feel like I wasn't a total failure as a human and soon enough I found I was really enjoying the experience. If you've ever thought about trying it for yourself, book in now. So much fun!
Melina Triulcio • Jul 2022
Our instructor Nick was awesome. He was very experienced in his field…ready to guide us though every step of the way.
I made a paper weight and tumbler, that I’m excited to pick up.
I would highly recommend this workshop, it was a lot of fun…
Cheers MelIna
Andrea Gibney • Jun 2022
Nick is an excellent teacher, he explained and demonstrated everything well and ensured our safety throughout. It was a great experience.
Sarah Stirrup • Jun 2022
Great experience Nick was friendly & informative loved the experience not over crowed deff worth it would love to come back in the future. Also got to grab a lil vase for sale on the way out. Sarah & Greg
Gilad Ritz • Jun 2022
A great afternoon making objects and learning new things. I went with family. I’d recommend anyone to try.
Gil
Merv McKibben • Jun 2022
4 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews
I had a total blast making my glass creation. Nick, our tutor for the session was excited to help me create something that he has never tried before. My project turned out really great and I am very proud of the days effort. Nick reckoned this was probably the hardest item he has helped to created.
I’d recommend everyone should have a go at glass blowing.
Leeanne Dowel • Jun 2022
6 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews
Experience teacher
Everything provided
Learnt a lot
Overall Great experience
People kind and patient
Thanks
Caroline Greenwood • Jun 2022
We had a great time and learnt lots from Nick. Nick was helpful fun and ensured we were understood what we were doing. Glassblowing is AMAZING
Yiz Zhao • Jun 2022
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
I've been looking forward to this workshop for months. Always wanted to try glassblowimg after visiting so many glass museums.
The workshop exceeded expectations. I was nervous because I have arthritis and chronic fatigue. I often drop things and can't grip things well. But Ruth was so patient and calm. She made me feel completely at ease.
It was the right balance of demonstration and hands-on learning. As a bonus, we each got two pieces of beautiful glass artwork to take home.
After this beginner workshop, I hope to do the intermediate one.
Karen Hofer • May 2022
7 ClassBento workshops attended • 6 reviews
I really enjoyed learning to make a glass paperweight.
Because we used a furnace and needed guidance to do it safely, there was a lot of teacher support. It might have been good to go on to make a second one straight away, to have a sense of having learnt some of the techniques involved.
I will be back to do some more!
Debra Round • May 2022
10 ClassBento workshops attended • 9 reviews
Great class, Nick did a great job in instructing all of us on the fine points of class blowing. Great atmosphere and loads of laughs.
Wrapped with the end product and will have to start saving up for the next class.
Kate Croucher • May 2022
6 ClassBento workshops attended • 6 reviews
This was a brilliant workshop. It provides an overview of the processes involved and you get a taste of the magic of working with glass and make something to treasure. Dan was really great at communicating his love for the medium and very calm and careful in his instruction.
