Blåsa glas - prova på i Kosta Glascenter

Would you like to try blowing glass? At the Kosta Glass Centre, you can make your own glass creations under supervision. We tried blowing one product each (a bowl and a vase) and share our experiences. Very interesting and fun!

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Blowing glass

Glass blowing is a historical craft that dates back some 2000 years, with roots around Syria. In Sweden, the craft is best known in the Glass Kingdom of Småland, where it became popular in the 18th century.

Glass is still blown in the Glass Kingdom today, as it has been for centuries, and there are plenty of small glassworks where art glass is created. It's fascinating to travel around and peek into the glassworks, and if you want to get a feel for the craft, you can also try it yourself.

Blåsa glas i Orranäs glasbruk — Glassblowing in the Orranäs glassworks, in the Kingdom of Glass

Blowing glass - try it yourself at the Kosta Glass Centre.

Trying to blow glass yourself gives you a different feel for the craft. We have seen glass blowing many times, partly in the Czech Republic but now also in Sweden. Nevertheless, we had several aha experiences when we tried it ourselves.

We tested blowing glass at Kosta Glass Centre. Here you can book a test, and you can then blow your own glass under supervision. Together with Lars, who previously worked as a teacher for aspiring glassblowers, you feel safe while of course it is exciting!

We first had to choose a product - you can choose from a small number of different bowls, vases and glasses - and then the colour and possibly the pattern. Then it was time to get started, one at a time. You start by collecting the glass mass to be moulded.

The process then varies between spinning the glass mass, shaping it, blowing it to make it bigger, building it with new glass, reheating it and dipping it in colour powder.

You realise that the process is difficult and you need to have a feel for the living material. However, with guidance, you manage to create a product at the first attempt, and it feels really good!

Let the glass cool - and take your own products home with you

Once the product is ready, it has to cool slowly to avoid cracking or exploding, which is done in a special process. We were able to quickly show our products to the camera before they went behind a door, with the heat gradually getting lower.

Since we went on the "cabins" the same evening, we could collect our products in the evening. Otherwise you can pick them up the next day. They turned out quite nice, didn't they? The black bowl is Peter's production and the pink vase is Helena's.

Video from blowing glass

More activities in Glasriket for those who like glass, arts and crafts

If you like glass, arts and crafts, there are plenty of other activities in Glasriket in Småland. Here are some suggestions:

Eat hut herring with entertainment by glassblowers
Visit Kosta Art Gallery
Have a drink The glass bar at Kosta Art Hotel
See glass production in different glasshouses
Shopping in glass shops and outlets
Check out The Glass Factory museum in Boda.
Get into the Christmas spirit at the Kosta Christmas market.
Visit the art shop Emmaboda konst
Try making paper in the Lessebo paper mill.

All our top tips for holidays in Småland

facts about blowing glass at Kosta Glass Centre

Location: Kosta Glass Centre in Kosta, Småland.
Booking: Hands-on glass blowing can be booked for small groups. It is usually best to book in advance!
Age for participation: Both young and old can participate. Children are welcome and there is no exact age limit. If they are too young, it can be difficult.
Special programmes: Larger groups can contact us to book special programmes, combining hands-on glassblowing, manufacturing demonstrations and glass stories.
Prices: You can find exact and current prices on the Kosta Glass Centre website. Price example: With the help of a tutor, blow and mould a bowl or vase = 450 SEK per person.
Get your blown glass: After production, the glasses need to be refrigerated for about three hours and sometimes overnight. Products can be collected the next day, at a later date or sent.
Read more: You can find more information and book at Kosta Glass Centre website.

READ MORE: Things to do in Glasriket - 25 tips for sights and experiences
READ MORE: Things to do in Småland - tips, sights and experiences

9 Comments

Add yours →

diana's dreams says:

How fun and what professionals you are :)hugs

20 November 2021 - 9:49

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Great fun to try! Haha, we did not feel like professionals at all, but you get a lot of help so there is a result even if you do not know anything from the beginning, so it's fun! 🙂
  
  20 November 2021 - 10:49
  
JoY says:

You are very good for your first time. How was it to blow, was it difficult, heavy resistance or was it easy?
Nice things you did👍

20 November 2021 - 15:25

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thank you very much! 😀 But as I said, you get a lot of help along the way! We probably thought differently about the blowing itself. Peter did not think he needed to blow so hard, but I (Helena) really had to work hard. I probably do not have the same lung capacity 😜.
  
  20 November 2021 - 17:21
  
BP says:

It was an incredibly successful glassblowing premiere for you. The bowl and vase are absolutely beautiful. Well done there!

20 November 2021 - 17:56

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thank you very much! Great fun to try! 🙂
  
  20 November 2021 - 19:40
  
Anta Snaque says:

I would really like to try that!!! Great fun and exciting challenge!
Well done to both of you! Maybe time for new careers? When do you start the Kosta job? 😉
Have a nice weekend!

20 November 2021 - 23:21

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Really fun and interesting to test! Highly recommended! Peter says that he could probably have imagined doing something like this if he had been allowed to start at a young age. There is actually a training programme for glassblowers in Nybro. But haha, no, we continue with the writing, it's probably best that way 😉.
  
  21 November 2021 - 7:01
  
Monica says:

Yes or maybe both😀, how talented you are, became very nice! I am very fond of fine glass and ceramics as well, don't really know why but may be the craftsmanship I see. So fun memory for you to have.

23 November 2021 - 23:59

Blowing glass - try it at the Kosta Glass Centre

Blowing glass

Blowing glass - try it yourself at the Kosta Glass Centre.

Let the glass cool - and take your own products home with you

Video from blowing glass

More activities in Glasriket for those who like glass, arts and crafts

facts about blowing glass at Kosta Glass Centre

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