Glass Blowing
Glass blowing began in the years B.C in the land of Mesopotamia. Glass blowing was discovered when an artisan learned that by blowing through a long tube molten glass could be shaped into a balloon type figure. After the discovery glass blowing was used by rich and poor in the Roman society and glass become a popular material.
Wonderful glass blown objects where made by skilled glass makers with Venice being one of the most known countries to perfect glass blowing.
Back then, glass blowing was all handmade but by the 1900’s new technology allowed glass to become commercialized and eventually being able to form glass with machines, such as bottles we use today.
In those times if an artisan wanted to try glass blowing they would have to work at factories that provided large heat to melt the glass. But by 1962 a man names Harvery Littleton discovered that glass could melt at lower temperate and this allowing artisans to take the glass blowing art to their home by using small furnaces. Thanks Littleton glass blowing become a popular art and many glass blowing studios have been created since then, as well as glass making classes.
The ancient art of glass blowing is still practiced today by skilled glass makers. And in reality all that is needed to start glass blowing is some sand, soda, lime and lots of strong heat to mold the glass. Precision to design the glass helps as well.
Nowadays you can purchase glass blowing kits to start on your own or if you enjoy groups you can find a glass blowing class and there are many glass making schools so you too can master the art of glass blowing.
How to Color Glass
An indroduction to glass coloring for beginners.
Glass Making History
Glass making has been practiced for over 1,000 years.