Photo Friday: Blown Glass in Seattle
With breakable (and expensive) artwork everywhere, and searing hot ovens in the back, a glassblowing studio hardly seems like a great destination for children. Still, when we're downtown, and the kids are in a manageable mood, the Seattle Glassblowing Studio makes a fun outing.
The shop is filled with blown glass objects, from colorful fish and reef displays, to vases and practical objects like lighting or bowls. Each item is hand blown, unique, and a great reminder of why Seattle is known as the center of the craft glass art movement.
Once they've received strict instructions not to touch a thing, the kids love exploring the shop. D squeals with delight whenever she discovers something new. When they finally tire of the displays, we head to the back of the studio and take in the action at the hotshop. On week days, we're most likely to see artists working in the studio, and on weekends we get to watch the basics of glassblowing over and over as students learn how to create blown glass. The process is fascinating, and it's fun to try to field the kids questions - ranging from why everyone is wearing such thick gloves to how the glass gets "squishy." When we're all done, the crepe shop next door is the perfect place to grab a snack before we head off to our next destination.
Related LinksSeattle With Kids
Seattle Glassblowing Studio
Photo Friday: Please Share Your Photos:
Share a favorite travel photo by adding your link below. First timers, here is
more Information about Photo Friday
13 comments |
Posted on June 11, 2009 |
Save to del.icio.us
Subscribe to our feed
Comments
Peace Mitchell on June 11, 2009 at 11:48 p.m.
I would never think to take my kids to a glass blowing studio but now that you've shown it can be done I'd love to take them to see glass being made. Great idea!
amida on June 12, 2009 at 12:08 a.m.
That would be fun to see. I wonder what the temperature inside the studio is like?
Caitlin on June 12, 2009 at 2:58 a.m.
Glass blowing is fascinating - a friend of mine did it at art college in Sydney and I used to love watching her work.
Amy @ The Q Family on June 12, 2009 at 4:57 a.m.
Seems like it will be a fun place for my kids. They will get blown away. :) (sorry can't resist)
Mara Gorman on June 12, 2009 at 4:58 a.m.
Glass blowing is really cool to watch - we live close to Simon Pearce and I love to take the kids there to watch the artisans work. It's like magic!
Marina K. Villatoro on June 12, 2009 at 5:57 a.m.
I love blown glass! I find it to be one of the most amazing art forms. Funnily enough, it's a really famous and popular art in Guatemala and what makes it even more special is that it's made from recycled glass!
Dominique on June 12, 2009 at 7:39 a.m.
I love watching the glass blowers at The Henry Ford museum here in metro Detroit. Between the cool colors of the glass and the activity in the studio, I can see why kids would be fascinated with such a trip!
Tim Marks on June 12, 2009 at 9:10 a.m.
I really enjoy watching people create things using age old methods. Dominique is right about the glass blowers at the Henry Ford. Absolutely fascinating
Cate on June 12, 2009 at 9:16 a.m.
I think kids would be fascinated with the glow from the heat and the coming to life of the glass. I enjoy visiting these places.Such talent.
emily on June 12, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.
Yeah, I've been there (pre-baby) and really enjoyed it. Made the glass blowing class I took look like child's play.
Andy Hayes on June 13, 2009 at 1:41 p.m.
Looks cool - do get to take home what you made? Hope so (sorry that's me being the kid instead of vice versa!)
RennnyBA on June 14, 2009 at 3:02 a.m.
Seams like a great place for kids in all ages! :-)
Wanderluster on June 14, 2009 at 4:52 p.m.
It is especially fun in the winter when you can feel (and enjoy) the heat from those ovens.