How To Blow a Glass Ornament with a Torch

Blowing glass into an ornament is easy with a Bernzomatic torch, glaskolben glass tubes and the right tools. This guide will teach you how to free-blow a classic glass ornament.

• Glaskolben glass tubes come with blow pipes already attached, making them an excellent option for glasswork beginners.
• Most glass shaping takes place at between 1,600 and 1,900 °F (870 and 1,040 °C), when the molten glass glows a bright orange color.
• Wear safety glasses when heating and handling glass tubes. Glass tubing can shatter due to thermal shock or sudden temperature change.

Steps

1. Light your Bernzomatic TS4000 Torch. Set on a level and sturdy surface.
2. Hold the glaskolben tube high above the flame, continually spinning the glass tube with your fingers. Increase heat on the tube by gradually bringing the tube closer to the flame.
3. Move the tube back and forth in the flame to achieve a uniform temperature across the tube. When the glass is glowing orange, move it out of the flame.
4. Blow a few short puffs of air through the blow pipe into the molten glass. Keep the circumference of the glass uniform by continually spinning it and keeping the blow pipe centered on the glass tube while you blow.
5. Continue heating the glass and blowing air into the molten center until the desired diameter of the bubble is reached.
6. To separate the blow pipe from the bubble, heat the area where the blow pipe is joined to the bubble until the glass becomes pliable. Carefully pull the blow pipe away from the bubble. The remaining molten glass should form a seal on the bubble.
7. Place the hot glass in the temperature-controlled lehr kiln to cool down. This keeps it from shattering due to sudden temperature changes and makes the glass stronger and more durable.

Tips

• Read our General Safety Precautions before starting your project.
• Read the instructions that come with your torch before beginning your project.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Use caution—hot glass burns and can cause cuts.
• Always remove torch from fuel cylinder and store fuel in an upright position after completing your project.