Introductory Glassblowing Workshop

Learn how to make a paperweight and a vessel at this fun Melbourne workshop



2.5 hours Class size 1 to 4 guests

$385 (Afterpay available)


Want to pick up a new unique hobby? Why not try out Ruth Allen's beginner-friendly glassblowing workshop in Melbourne and learn how to make your own glass art pieces from scratch!
In this intensive workshop, you'll begin with a safety introduction and learn about the 'Hot Shop' floor, as well as all the tools you'll be using. With guidance from a friendly expert glassblower, you'll then be guided through the step by step process of gathering molten glass from the furnace and learn how to colour it too.
After mastering your solid glass paperweight, you'll then get the chance to make your very own vessel, typically a drinking tumbler! We have an array of trending colours you can chose to add.
Looking for unique gift experiences for a keen creative? Why not join this fun glassblowing workshop in Melbourne and connect with like-minded people as you learn new skills.
Please note:
  • The glass pieces you make during your workshop will have to cool down gradually in a kiln overnight to avoid cracking. In most cases, you may collect your work the following afternoon or arrange another time. For those not in a position to collect their work, we can freight it to you for an extra minimal cost.
  • Public dates for this class require at least 3 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.


Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 3 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.
Knowledge required
This is a beginner-friendly class.
 
What you'll get
  • Guidance from an expert
  • All materials provided
  • Your own paperweight and vessel to take home!
What to bring
  • Closed toe shoes must be worn.
  • A loose cotton shirt and long pants are advised.
  • A water bottle and snacks if desired, water provided.
Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 14 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This experience would also be a fun gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.

Location

Ruth Allen - 10 Hossack Ave, Coburg North VIC

Free on-street (2-hour) parking is available. The nearest train station is Batman, a short 10 min walk away.

Introductory Glassblowing Workshop location
Verified reviews

We only show reviews from customers who have paid for and attended this class


ClassBento loader icon
Your teacher

Nick Doran Adams

Nick Doran Adams

5.0 (333)

Born and raised in Ballarat, Victoria, Nick Adams was surrounded by history and grew up visiting one of the best collections of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

Coming from a family of artists; Adams was encouraged from a young age to practice a wide range of artistic mediums and go to galleries and exhibitions of amazing collections.
While attending Ballarat Grammar School, Adams began to experiment with many different mediums; only after being introduced to glass by his ceramics teacher did he truly begin to play and experiment with the material. While still in school, he attended several short courses offered by Monash University; this being his first experiences with molten glass.
Adams then went to Australian Nation University where he studied in the Glass Workshop. After being shown many techniques; including how to make murrini, Adams saw the pixelated qualities they offered and the wide range of images that he could create using the process. His first murrini was a “Pokéball” as part of the class and then he continued to make murrini with varying levels of success, all revolving around the theme of pixilation and video games.
Working at the Canberra Glassworks as an assistant and technician, Adams continued his obsession with murrini and blown glass.
Recently relocating back to Victoria, Adams has started working at the number of small studios around Melbourne.




Your host

Ruth Allen - Glass Art
Ruth Allen - Glass Art

5.0 (363)
4k

Ruth has three strands to her professional practice, her Artwork, Community Cultural Development projects and a design range created from transforming manufactured bottles, all of which nurture her creative spirit.
Ruth Allen’s history stems from the Canberra School of Art, Australian National University where she studied under Klaus Moje, Elizabeth McClure and the late Stephen Procter. Ruth graduated in 1993 and embarked upon world travels including Japan, United States, Europe and New Zealand. Ruth attended and conducted workshops, exhibited, undertook residencies and worked consistently with ideas.
Between 1996 and 2000 Ruth co-directed a hot glass studio and glass art business in Auckland, New Zealand. The business, Gloria, produced a wide range of high quality and unique blown glass forms for private commissions and galleries. The business exhibited regularly and developed extensive contacts within the Australian, New Zealand and the international art community.
Alongside the pursuit of her own practice Ruth has nourished a passion for Community Cultural Development (CCD). During the management of her own business in New Zealand, Ruth realized the necessity to educate colleagues, gallery curators and the general public, about context, concepts and methodology of the Contemporary Glass Movement. Ruth realised that if your community and audience do not understand the work the power to effect and change a viewer’s perception of things is minimized. This realization prompted her to accept the nomination for President of the New Zealand Society of Artists in Glass (NZSAG) and develop the educational programme of workshops/conference/exhibitions titled Pacific Light (PL). PL was orchestrated in 1998 and involved seven workshops focusing on various disciplines of glass practice, a ten-day residency, three-day conference and a series of exhibitions showcasing the work of national and international glass artists.
Gloria dissolved in early 2000 enabling Ruth to return to Australia and resume a more artistic practice. Ruth moved to Melbourne to complete a Master of Fine Arts (research) degree, majoring in Glass and Sculpture at Monash University. Her graduating exhibition was extensive with more than 200 individual glass forms illuminated by projected light and accompanied by audio compositions. Ruth continues to work on a large scale and within a sculptural installation context, often collaborating with multi-media artists to develop and actualize her ideas.
In August 2010 Ruth and partner Josh purchased a 430m square warehouse in Coburg Nth, the relatively new studio has been renovated and is now catering for most creative endeavours. The pair worked toward the vision of creating a functional space where one can make almost anything. The studio is organised into working stations such as; metal, wood, ceramics, glass, welding, cutting, grinding and includes a lush front garden complete with pizza oven for entertaining the locals and guests. This environment has allowed both Ruth and Josh to develop their practices with the confidence of knowing a new direction of works will and can be supported by the space.

Meet Ruth Allen


Discover the mesmerising craft of glassblowing with passionate glass artist Ruth Allen in Melbourne and transform molten glass into colourful works of art!


Read more

Gift this artisan class

With our gift card, they can book this class at a time that suits them

They can also choose from our 11,000+ other classes

Gifting options
V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d production Melbourne VIC AU melbourne