Glassblowing

Glassblowing involves shaping molten glass with heat and tools, allowing artisans to craft intricate pieces from beads to sculptures.

What is glassblowing?

Glassblowing is the process of shaping molten glass using heat, air, and tools. Depending on the technique, glass is either free-blown using a blowpipe or worked with a torch for precision shaping. Soft glass and borosilicate glass are the most commonly used materials, each requiring different temperature ranges for proper manipulation. The process allows artisans to create anything from delicate beads to intricate sculptures and functional labware. 

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History of glassblowing

Glassblowing dates back to around 50 BCE, when Roman artisans revolutionized glassmaking by using blowpipes to shape molten glass. Over the centuries, the craft has evolved, with modern tools like propane torches enabling intricate, small-scale glasswork for art, jewelry, and laboratory equipment.

How does it work?

In torch-based glassblowing, also known as lampworking, a propane torch provides the high heat needed to soften the glass. The artist rotates and manipulates the glass in the flame until it reaches a molten, workable state. Once shaped, the piece is gradually cooled in a process called annealing, which removes internal stresses and prevents cracking. The use of different flame temperatures and oxygen mixtures allows for fine detail work and colour blending. 

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Frequently asked questions

Yes! A propane torch is a great entry-level tool for learning basic glass shaping, bead making, and small sculptures. 

Always make sure to read the instruction manuals before use. 

  • Soft glass (soda-lime) – Lower melting point, great for beads and small sculptures. 

  • Borosilicate glass – Higher melting point, used for more durable pieces and lab glassware. 

  • Soft glass melts at around 760°C (1,400°F). 

  • Borosilicate glass requires at least 1,093°C (2,000°F). 
    A propane torch alone is often sufficient for soft glass, while borosilicate glass may require an oxygen mix for higher heat. 

It depends on the type of glass: 

  • Soft glass can be worked with propane alone. 

  • Borosilicate glass typically requires a propane-oxygen mix for higher temperatures. 

Yes! A propane torch is a great entry-level tool for learning basic glass shaping, bead making, and small sculptures.

Make always sure to read the instruction manuals before use.

  • Furnace glassblowing uses a large, high-temperature furnace to shape molten glass.  

  • Torchwork (lampworking) uses a propane or propane torch for smaller, more detailed pieces.  

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