GLASSBLOWING EXPERIENCE
Welcome to Boulder Bend Glassworks, where creativity meets craftsmanship. Our glassblowing workshops offer an immersive experience, perfect for anyone looking to explore this unique art form. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our expert instructors will guide you through each step. From understanding the tools to creating your own masterpieces, our experiences provide hands-on learning in a supportive environment. This is designed to give you, well, the experience of blowing glass without having to invest the time and money to fully learn how to do it.
This hands-on session allows you to pick and apply colors, twist and turn them if you want, then blow or shape them into a unique and NOT perfect piece of art glass.
Available year-round most Saturdays. Advance reservations are highly recommended, but limited walk-ins are welcome on a space availability basis. Sessions take approximately 60-90 minutes for 1-2 participants with your art being available three days after your session.
Choose from many different shapes, colors and patterns. Available projects will change with the holidays and seasons.
Age and Other Restrictions
Glass Blowers must be age 14 and older for a full hands-on participation. Glass Blowing is not recommended for expectant mothers. We welcome anyone to try glass blowing regardless of experience or physical abilities.
What to Expect
During your experience, you will work with hot molten glass with the assistance of a trained glassblower to create your chosen project. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
INTERACTIVE GLASS PROJECTS
Each session is 60-90 minutes for 1-2 people. Decide what project(s) to make, select colors to work with and design your pattern. Then apply glass color to your project and have a front row seat as your custom glass art comes to life! You will have the hotshop with your instructor for approximately 50-60 minutes. Each session is $300 plus sales tax. A full payment deposit is required to secure your reservation. For a group more than 2 people, please reserve consecutive 60 minute time slots (1 time slot = 1-2 participants). Spectators are welcome, no seating is available. Participants can choose between current project list offerings. Please note the options of items available to make will change with the seasons.
Current Project Offerings:
Four Christmas ornaments or mini floats, examples below
Float and Ornament (above)
Ornament (above)
Float (above)
Two stemless drinking glasses, example below
Two snowmen or one snowman ornament and one snowman, examples below
Two spherical paperweights, this item provides you with the most hands-on time, example below
APPOINTMENT:
Please arrive ontime to your reserved appointment time in order to fill out the necessary paperwork and to choose what you want to make and the colors. If you arrive late, we may not be able to accommodate you for your full session; however you will be charged in full with no refund. Traffic around Leavenworth can be heavy, so please plan ahead for extra travel time.
A credit/debit card payment in full is required at time of reservation.
Walk-ins Welcome as Space allows
Reschedules/cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the session. In the case of a cancellation, please notify us as soon as possible. Refunds are only available to those who notify us 48 hours in advance.
Book a session
Available start times are most Saturdays 9am to 4 pm. Choose your date, time and the items you wish to create with the artist.
All participants will be required to read and sign the following: Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk, Studio Guidelines, and Studio Rules & Safety. All minors will require a parent or legal guardian to read and sign these three documents and be onsite with the minor.
GROUPS:
Groups of 3-4: Please book at least two consecutive sessions. Groups of 5-6: Please book at least three consecutive sessions. Groups of 7 or more: Please contact us via phone, email.
PICKUP:
When can I take my blown glass art home?
After you blow your glass, it will be incredibly hot (over 1,000º!) and so we need to let it cool down slowly to avoid cracking or exploding. Please allow 2 studio days before picking up your glass art.
Items will be available to pick-up the following Tuesday. Shipping is available for an additional cost.
Please be aware that due to the nature of glass, there is a possibility that a piece may break during the cooling process. In the event of a breakage, a glass artist will create a replacement.
FAQ
Is Glassblowing difficult?
In short- YOU BETCHA! Learning to blow glass well can take a lifetime. Some pick it up quicker than others but it still takes a lot of practice, patience and dedication. However, you do not need to know how to blow glass to take a class at BBG. Our skilled artists will assist and guide you through the whole process. Very often holding their hands over yours or your tools while you shape and heat the glass. Our "Create Your Own" class are designed to be an experience. For those that want to really hone their skills and learn a variety of techniques and skills, we recommend courses at the Studio at Corning Museum of Glass or Pilchuck Glass School.
What happens if you Inhale while Glassblowing?
A common fear among new glassblowers is that they will accidentally inhale hot air or even molten glass into their mouth and lungs when using a blowpipe. We use this technique while making certain pieces. Inhaling through the blowpipe while the glass is hot will contract or crinkle the glass. Inhaling instead of exhaling when glassblowing really poses no danger to glassblowers.
How long will it take for my piece to cool?
When your piece is complete, it is taken over to a knock-off table. It is removed from the pipe and a hand-torch is used to melt any punty marks. Last, the glass is placed in the annealing oven to cool for at least 48 hours.
Your piece will be ready to pick up on Tuesday following the Saturday when it was made.
What should I wear to my class?
Closed-toe shoes are required. If you wear sandals, heels or open-toe shoes, you will NOT be allowed to participate. You will be standing most of the time, so wear comfortable shoes. All participants are required to wear closed toed shoes; no exceptions will be made and refunds will not be given.
Do not wear flowing clothing, such as long skirts or shirts with bell sleeves, as these can catch on tools and equipment.
Wear natural fibers – cotton or wool. Natural fibers hold sweat, while nylon and other synthetics can melt with heat and stick/burn to the skin. Long sleeves and blue jeans are recommended to protect your skin from the heat. Do not wear bulky, loose, or heavy clothing.
Our hot shop and gallery are in a warehouse, so keep in mind that the temperature outside is reflected inside—cold in the winter, warm in the summer—dress accordingly. We suggest wearing layers, including a sweater or light jacket, to classes during the winter months. In summer, shorts are ok.
How many students will be in my class?
We design all of our experiences specifically with the participant(s) in mind. Each session booked by you is limited to you and up to one other participant.
Document required to participate in a glassblowing experience?
All participants will be required to read and sign the following: Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk, Studio Guidelines, and Studio Rules & Safety. All minors will require a parent or legal guardian to read and sign these three documents.
What are your cancellation policies?
If necessary, workshop reschedules/cancellations must be requested at least 48 hours prior to the glassblowing session via email or text. In the case of a cancellation, please notify us as soon as possible. Refunds are only available to those who notify us 48 hours in advance, minus a $10 cancellation fee per order.
If, after receiving "Workshop Reminder Email", you are unable to attend the workshop, we suggest giving the experience to a friend as a gift or, if it was someone in your group who could not attend, making their item for them.
Arriving more than 30 minutes late will result in missing the safety demo and forfeiting your glassblowing experience. No refunds will be given.
In the case of equipment failure, power outage, or other natural disaster, we reserve the right to cancel any experience. Customers will be rescheduled at no additional cost. Please call or text the studio for the most current updates. There will be a voicemail message on our phone if an experience has been canceled or we are closed.
Alcohol or substance use?
Anyone suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be dismissed immediately and without refund. Using alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs before making glass may impair your participation. Anyone who appears impaired by substance or alcohol will be asked to leave the hot shop. Anyone who acts out in any way will be asked to leave. If asked to leave, you will forfeit your class. No refunds. We offer a safe and nurturing environment for all participants and instructors. Studios are smoke-free.
Is your studio accessible?
Yes! We are on the ground floor. It is 100% feasible to learn how to blow glass in a wheelchair with the assistance of our instructors. BBG strives to make all workshops accessible for people with all types of physical restrictions and limitations. BBG reserves the right to deny access to BBG’s hotshop at our discretion based on our assessment of an individual’s potential risk of injury.
What is minimum age for a student?
Glass Blowers must be age 14 and older for a full hands-on participation.
Just like every participant, a parent or legal guardian of students under 18 will need to fill out a Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk for Minors, Studio Guidelines, and Studio Rules & Safety.
Will the availability of glassblowing projects change?
Yes. The available projects to make will change with the holidays and seasons. Please refer to photos and project listing on the website for current selection.
Is glass experience required?
Absolutely not. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Can family or friends come to watch?
Yes. Spectators are welcome in the viewing area; however no seating is available. Only active participants can be in the hotshop area.
Are Walk-ins Welcome?
Yes, as space allows. But experiences generally require a reservation.
Available times for reservations?
Available start times are most Saturdays 9am to 4 pm. Please make your reservations through our website link to Square to choose your date and time.
When can I take my blown glass art home?
After you blow your glass, it will be incredibly hot (over 1,000º!) and so we need to let it cool down slowly to avoid cracking or exploding (annealing). Please allow 3 studio days before picking up your glass art.
Items will be available to pick-up the following Tuesday after a Saturday glassblowing session.
If you are unable to pick up your item(s), shipping is available for an additional cost and will be charged through a separate transaction.
These pieces will be kept for a maximum of 90 days, after the 90 day period they will be donated to a good cause.
What happens if my piece of glass breaks in the annealer?
Due to the nature of glass, there is a possibility that a piece may break during the cooling process. In the event of a breakage, a glass artist will create a replacement.
Cardinal rule of the hotshop?
Assume everything in the studio is very hot and sharp. Be careful where you lean or place your hands. If you don’t know, don’t touch! If you prefer not to participate in a particular step or activity, let us know.
Hydration?
We work with high temperatures, and you must hydrate before, during, and after your participation. If you feel dizzy, weak, or need a break, notify staff and move away from the equipment to rehydrate. Bringing your reuseable bottle of water or sports drink works best.
Is chewing gum allowed in the hotshop?
Gum chewing is not allowed in the studio. If you blow with gum in your mouth, it can clog our pipes!
Eye protection required?
Protect your eyes – Wear glasses instead of contacts. Sunglasses are great if you are sensitive to bright light. If you have safety glasses, bring them.
What to do if I have long hair?
Long hair should be pulled back securely. Burned hair smells really bad!
Should I remove my jewelry?
Do not wear heavy metal jewelry that hangs away from your body as it conducts heat or may get caught in equipment, especially watches or bracelets on your wrists.
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.