Are you thinking of equipping your glass blowing studio with better supplies? Are you unsure as to where to begin? Here are a few suggestions regarding what to stock your new studio with. By taking care to research your products before purchasing them, you will not only make working much easier, but it will help enormously in boosting your skills as well.
One of the three most prominent objects in any glass blowing studio would have to be the furnace, the glory hole, and the annealer. While some glass artists use one furnace that suits the purpose of all three of these, others believe having them separate allows for more dexterity and experimentation. The furnace is essentially where the melting takes place, while the glory hole keeps the molten glass hot as you shape it. The glory hole is also where you return when working on previous projects. The annealer is used as the last step—it cools the glass slowly, preventing it from cracking or shattering due to a sudden temperature change. Fortunately, as these are rather small, it’s easy to position them where you like.
Other tools to consider for your glass blowing studio include rods, blow pipes, and shaping tools such as torches, shears, tweezers, molds, and more. As you can imagine, these come in many different designs and materials. Learning the advantages and disadvantages of these is a process that takes quite awhile indeed, but the more work you do in your glass blowing studio, the more acquainted you will become with which types of tools you prefer and dislike.
Purchasing work materials for your glass blowing studio is another important part of the restocking process. Some artists prefer powdered mixes while others melt down nuggets of glass. Colors for different bowls, mugs, vases, paperweights, and more are also different. These include color canes, powdered color, and a ceramic substance called frit. The type of glass you choose and the type of color you choose will do wonders for improving the texture and color of your glass as well as resulting in entirely new decorations.
These are only a few things to consider when filling your studio with quality tools. Learn more about how restocking your glass blowing studio can do wonders for improving your work. Given that working with glass is such a delicate and time sensitive endeavor, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. You’ll be surprised at just how much you can create. Furthermore, you’ll be able to experience the unique pleasure of a job well done with no accidents.
