Blowing glass has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. A few weeks ago, I finally got to try it at Gather Glass Blowing Studio in Providence, RI. Using Groupon, I got a discounted ticket for $60. It was so much fun that I will definitely be coming back for more.
The studio is a small but adorable space decorated with inspiring glass creations. Gather Glass Blowing Studio offers classes where you create ornaments, paper weights, drinking glasses, pumpkins, pint glasses and bowls. They also have special classes where you can create a memorial for a loved one using just a spoonful of ashes. Finally, they have a four week course that introduces you to all the ins and outs of glass blowing.
My husband and I decided to pick the drinking glass course. We wanted to toast to our engagiversary with hand made glasses (yes, we’re cheesy). From my past experience with art classes, I expected to be one of many participants. It was a pleasant surprise that it would be just us! Since there are so many tools to use that need expert supervision, all Gather Glass Blowing Studio classes are on the intimate side.
The Glass Blowing Class:
The class started with us signing waivers and getting a tour of the studio to ensure our safety. Our two mentors were super friendly and entertaining throughout the entire thing. I was a little nervous about handling hot materials but they made it fun, safe and a lot less terrifying.
Next came picking our colors! And my only complaint of the class – there were too many options! I’m a child at heart who loves purple so I expected it to be easy. Nope. There were five mixes of different shades of purple. Seriously though, I’m going to have to return just to try the other mixes. They also did have an option that was literally all the colors combined!
Once the colors were picked, it was time for the hard part! We had to go one by one and the teachers guided us throughout the process. Before we began they outlined what we would do at each station. Then, the actual work began. We were monitored and assisted throughout the entire process which saved us from broken glass and burnt fingers (Isaac almost touched the hot part of the metal rod.)
The class took a total of about an hour and if I haven’t already emphasized this, it was awesome! I took lots of photos and videos that you can watch below. We had to wait a day before bringing our glasses home because they had to cool. They came bubble-wrapped in a paper bag with two Polaroid shots of us working on them! We were so focused during the process that we didn’t even notice them taking pictures. It was an awesome surprise!
Oh, and in case you were wondering. The glasses turned out AWESOME! Check out the video of the class below!
Such a great experience at Gather Glass in Providence!
Didn’t know that there was a class in Rhode Island. Thanks for the info.