Glass blowing adventure

To celebrate Jeff's birthday, we scheduled an outing to the Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio, where we got to make our own glass projects (with some expert assistance).  

Selecting our projects.  There were paperweights, wall plates, vases, and bowls to choose from.

Picking and layering the "frit" (glass chips) to customize the color and design of the projects

Caroline mixing her frit

Ready with the necessary safety equipment...

Margaret & Jaiden horsing around

Once everyone was ready, we moved into the studio and took turns making our masterpieces with our guide Bill.

Step 1: Get your blob of fiery hot glass out of the oven.

Step 2: Cool the rod that holds the glass by rinsing in water

Step 3: Roll the glass in the "frit"

Step 4: Use tweezers to create desired swirls or feathered effects

Step 5: Roll the extra layer of clear glass onto base layer

Step 6: Shape the glass by rolling it in wooden molds

Step 7: blow air into piece to expand it into vase or bowl

Step 8: Re-heat and blow to pop hole in end

Step 9: Re-heat and "peel" edges out into desired shape

Step 10: Add base and stamp initials into the masterpiece!

Once done, the pieces are put in a 900 degree oven for several hours, and then slowly brought down to room temperature for several more hours, where the true colors become visible.  Takes a couple of days... We are excited to see the final products later this week.