This week, we had the exciting opportunity to visit Gather Glass at their workshop in South East London, where the talented Phoebe Stubbs guided us through the art of glassblowing. With 17 years of experience, Phoebe is a seasoned glassmaker and designer and her passion for the craft truly made the experience unforgettable. She shared her expertise and knowledge of this ancient art form, offering us a fascinating glimpse into the mesmerising process of transforming molten glass into stunning works of art.
With Christmas around the corner, we were excited to craft our own vibrant baubles for the tree. The day began with Phoebe guiding us through each step of the process, from navigating the intense heat to ensuring we didn’t burn ourselves (a key detail!).
We each selected two colours from a palette of crushed glass to add a personal touch to our baubles. Here’s Ann-Marie, who chose two beautiful colours for her design. Naturally, our sparkle queen couldn’t resist a vibrant, multi-coloured mix! She placed the main colour on the table and gently sprinkled the contrasting colour on top.
Meanwhile, clear molten glass awaited in the furnace, glowing and ready to be gathered onto the blowpipe. With the help of Phoebe and her team, we carefully placed the pipe into the furnace to collect the molten glass.
Once the glass was hot and malleable, we rolled it on the steel table and dipped it into our chosen colours, watching as the crushed glass fused with the molten surface. We continued to return the pipe to the furnace to keep the glass at the perfect temperature.
Then, it was time to blow!
To finish each bauble, Phoebe added a small dab of molten glass to the top to form a hook for a ribbon, making it ready to hang on the tree. Once complete, the baubles were placed in a cooling oven, where they would slowly set over the next 48 hours. Stay tuned to see our finished baubles!
Phoebe’s work is as joyful and whimsical as it is beautiful. Her stunning glassware and sculptures, characterised by bold colour and playful shapes, are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who sees them.
We highly recommend booking a class with Phoebe Stubbs at Gather Glass. It’s a wonderful experience that also makes for a unique and meaningful Christmas gift. To learn more, click here.