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Glassblowing is a non-competitive creative and artistic pastime that involves the process of forming glass into useful and decorative shapes, while the glass is in a semi-liquid molten state.
Popularity
Although an activity pursued around the world, the number of individuals involved is relatively small. due largely to the skill level that has to be achieved before satisfactory results are consistently obtained.
Location
Glass blowing can be pursued from the home work shop, or by attending local classes.
Age
Glass blowing is not an activity for children, unless under the strictest of supervision, due to the dangers from handling molten glass.
Ability
Glass blowing is an activity that takes a lifetime of experiance gaining and experimentation. This is an activity that demands tuition before undertaking, there are many excellent classes and short courses available throughout the country.
Description
The transformation of the raw ingredients of sand, limestone, soda ash, potash and other compounds, into glass, takes place in a furnace. The tip of a preheated blowpipe is dipped in the molten glass in the furnace. The molten glass is 'gathered' on to the blowpipe in much the same way that honey is picked up on a spoon., this glass is rolled a flat slab, shaping and forming a skin on the exterior of the molten glass, air is then blown into the pipe, creating a bubble, that can be enlarged.
Dedication
There are many ways to apply patterns and color to blown glass, including rolling molten glass in powdered color or larger pieces of colored glass. Complex patterns with great detail can be created through the use of cane (rods of colored glass) These pieces of color can be arranged in a pattern and 'picked up' by rolling a bubble of molten glass over them.
Potential
The potential to be gained from glass blowing as a hobby is two fold; Firstly it is a very creative and visually satisfying activity to be involved in. And secondly glass blowers are in constand demand from craft show organisers.
Closely
Related Activities
Glass engraving 288, stain glass work 579,
Cost
The purchase of proprietary equipment can be very expensive. This can be much cheapened by using olden day techniques or simpler methods of heating such as a blow torch.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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