We begin this Craft Corner column with an apology to reader Rebecca Loveless, who responded to our call for readers’ recommendations way back in February.
Rebecca suggested that we check out Wildfire Glass Studio in Bothell’s Country Village, a shop that gives visitors a chance to experience hands-on glass blowing and fusion on a drop-in basis.
Well, Rebecca, it took us a long time to get there, but you’ll be happy to know that we finally made it to the studio. Not only was it well worth the trip, but on the day of our visit, there was a party going on.
Our visit couldn’t have worked out better had it been planned, as it gave us a perfect chance to see what the studio offers in the way of workshops and party events.
The celebration was in honor of a child’s birthday, and seven or eight youngsters were able to take part in making fused glass tiles and other glass projects during the party.
Owner Dennis Hamper gave us a peek inside the kiln at the kids’ fused tile creations (to be fired overnight and picked up the next day) and they were delightful.
If you’ve thought about taking a class in glass fusion or blowing, but haven’t gotten around to it because of time or money constraints, Wildfire Glass Studio offers the chance to try out the process without signing up for pricey, long-term classes.
Warm workshops, in which students can make fused tiles (like the one in our photo illustration), pendants, relish trays or sushi plates, are available for all ages, seven days a week on a drop-in basis. The cost is between $10 and $35, depending on the project.
Hot workshops, in which students (ages 8 years and older) can blow an ornament, patio ball or float, chili pepper, heart, egg or bowl (with assistance from an experienced glass artist), are available by reservation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Costs range from $20 to $35, depending on the piece selected.
Sessions to make an egg-shaped or round paperweight are available by reservation for adults only; the cost is $35.
More formal, in-depth classes in fusion, torch work bead making and glass blowing are also available at Wildfire.
Those who just want to see how the glass blowing process works can watch from a vantage point above the studio that offers a clear view of the artists in action.
While we haven’t personally experienced the glass blowing process, we have done some fusion. It’s a simple procedure that involves layering glass pieces onto a base in a design of your choice, then firing in a kiln to fuse the pieces together.
The tricky part of fusion comes in the firing, but at the Wildfire workshops that part is done for you by the owner.
Wildfire Glass Studio is at 23800 Bothell-Everett Highway in the Country Village shopping center, Bothell; phone 425-806-3855. For a look at the studio online, visit the Web site at www.wildfireglassblowing.com.
With Father’s Day coming up next weekend, a hot or warm workshop would be an unusual gift for Dad, as well as a fun family outing. And in honor of Dad’s special day, Country Village and Wildfire will be hosting a custom car and rod show, with live music by Gold Rush, from noon to 4 p.m. on June 18.
Parties, such as the one we witnessed for kids, or for groups of adults, can be scheduled in advance, and there’s a gift shop featuring an array of original glass items for sale.
Make note…
Working with glass – whether it’s stained glass construction, fusion or blowing – may cause those with sinus or other respiratory problems some discomfort.
We mention this only as a heads-up so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised if you experience symptoms such as congestion or light-headedness.
Don’t let the warning keep you from trying the crafts, as several members of our stained glass class – yours truly included – suffered mild discomfort, but nothing that kept us from enjoying the sessions.
Contact Jonetta Coffin at jrocoffin@aol.com.
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