glassblowing techniques

Glassblowing is a craft where artisans shape molten glass by blowing air into it through a pipe, creating freeform objects. The process begins with heating glass in a furnace until it’s glowing hot and malleable. The artist then gathers a mass of molten glass on the pipe, inflates it gently to form a bubble, and shapes it by blowing, swinging, or rolling on a surface. Techniques like stretching, twisting, and modeling with tools refine the form. Rapid cooling, or annealing, prevents stresses. Skilled artisans combine these methods to craft everything from delicate vases to intricate sculptures.