How to Make Glass Vases

Glass vases are an attractive, functional form that you can learn to make. A common method for creating a vase is by lampworking: the process of manipulating solid glass in the flame of a table-top torch. For each step, the key is to always rotate the glass as you work it to keep everything on axis and to maintain an even heat base. Although a somewhat difficult task, once you achieve this bud vase, you gain the necessary tools to go on and create other blown objects.

1. Grab the larger tube and narrow one open end of your tubing. Do this by heating the opening in your torch flame, until molten and turning (marvering) the tube against your graphite paddle. You can either bring the paddle up to your tube in the flame or bring the tube down to the paddle. The goal is to get the tube as close as possible to the diameter of your blow tube so that you can attach them easily.

2. Heat the ends of both your marvered tubing and blow tube to attach them. When molten, touch the two pieces in the flame and continue rotating to ensure a solid seal. This allows the blow tube to hold the larger section of tubing and to be the instrument you use to blow the glass.

3. Determine the length of tubing you require and flame cut it to separate the rest of the tube. Do this by holding the blow tube in one hand, the tubing in the other hand and rotating the section to be cut in the flame. As you rotate, the glass compresses and eventually separates. A two-inch section will be enough to yield a small vase.

4. Heat the ends of both your 6 mm rod and the closed end of your tubing. When molten, touch the two in the flame and continue rotating. Pull out of the flame and, as you make your rotations, make sure to keep the rod as centered as possible. The 6 mm rod is now a handle (punty) you use in conjunction with the blow pipe to securely hold and blow out your work.

5. Heat the top of the tubing, just before the blow tube, and constrict the opening down. Do this by heating the tube, until molten, and bringing your tube down to your neck tool. Use a gentle pressure as you rotate your work in the tool. The goal is to create a distinctive indentation so that you can define the top of your vase and easily separate it from the blow tube.

6. Heat the top half (blow tube side) of the tubing, until molten, and pull it out of the flame while stretching slowly. This is the neck of your vase. If you want a longer, thinner neck pull more. If you want a shorter, thicker neck pull less.

7. Heat the bottom half (punty side) of your tubing to an orange glow and blow it out slowly by bringing the blow tube/handle directly to your mouth. It is best to blow in progressions to keep your work on center and maintain control over the glass. This is one of the most difficult tasks to learn so be patient and keep practicing until you get it.

8. Go to the top of your vase to break off the blow tube. Lightly heat the previously constricted area, pull it out of the flame and use your diamond shears to slowly close around the tube to put stress in the glass. Tap the blow tube with the shears to detach it. If your tube does not separate, repeat the heat and constrict process.

9. Heat the rim of the vase’s neck and flatten with your graphite paddle. Once even, heat the rim and insert your graphite reamer at an angle so that the glass rests on the reamer as it is rotates and flares open. If you want a larger flare, heat more of the neck.

10. Use your claw grabber to hold the rim of the vase so that you can melt off the punty. Flame cut the punty off and heat just the bottom of the vase. When molten, lightly rotate the bottom against the graphite paddle. Place your vase on the paddle to ensure it stands straight and does not wobble. If you get wobbles, reheat and flatten again.

11. Place your vase in your kiln to anneal the glass.

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Sophia Glassware wish you enjoy your life with harmony and happiness!