Item #16 – Take Another Glass Blowing Class

40 Things for 40 Years in 40 Weeks: Item #16 (Bucket List) – Take Another Glass Blowing Class

Handmade artwork is a huge part of my family history. Both of my parents are very artistic and possess talents that range from fine woodworking to hand weaving. My grandmother used to hand paint china and even owned her own kiln, and my aunt worked for the College of Arts in crafts in Oakland and has a vast artistic background. My two sisters and I all have several trades that we took up as kids that we still continue to pursue today as hobbies or even try to include in our careers – including sewing, knitting, quilting, paper crafts, needlework, etc.

Glass blowing is one of the many artistic things that my dad has tried and we still admire his pieces today. My dad actually met and blew glass with THE Dale Chihuly in the 70s. My husband and I have long admired Dale’s work as it is found all over Seattle. There are also two amazing museums here with his work in them which we’ve been able to tour several times and see demonstrations from his students creating new work.

Given that we live in Seattle and glass blowing is one of the many wonderful things that this city is known for - we have many local studios to be able to take classes at including some that are just minutes from our house. My husband indulged me last year by taking an introductory glass blowing class when I found a groupon online. It was not easy but I really enjoyed it and so for that reason I added “Take another glass blowing class” to my #40for40in40 list.

Every year in the fall, I admire the hand blown glass pumpkins that you see at the Pike Street Market and other local shops. When I checked the calendar for our local studio and saw they had pumpkin making workshops throughout the month of October – I immediately booked a sitter and signed us both up!

The instructors at the Redmond School of Glass were once again great, entertaining and knowledgeable. We were able to choose our pumpkin and stem color - so of course we had to choose carefully since these will likely be incorporated into Larry’s Halloween décor at home. It was a great afternoon of using what we learned during the last class, learning more about the special techniques this time and working as a team of three – instructor and the two that know barely anything (us) to create this most amazing piece of art without burning our eyebrows or lashes off.

I was reminded once again of how in awe I am of the folks that teach these classes and have a career in this industry. It’s a fascinating mix of art and science to create these pieces and it is fun to participate in a trade that my dad enjoyed so many years ago as well. Thank you to my husband for indulging me once again in another one of my hair brained ideas and thank you Dad for your DIY integrity and artistic inspiration.

And so that completes #16 on my list. 15 items checked off the list and 25 to go! Stay tuned for more… #40for40in40