Blown Glass Globes Class Details

Blown Glass Globes

With:  Val Oswalt - De Waard

One Day Only: 

Where:  Delphi's Lansing Creativity Center

When:  9:00 am - 11:00 am


Instructor: Val Oswalt-De Waard

Approx. Material Cost: $10-$15

Experience Required: None! That's right,no previous flameworking or glass blowing is required.

Type of Class: Demonstration and hands-on project

Class Description: Have you ever wanted to create custom glass blown ornaments? Well heres your chance!  Create custom blown glass ornaments the simple way. Making custom glass ornaments is easy with Glaskolben pre-blown clear glass cylinders with blow pipe ends. These ornaments will look reminiscent of traditional European artisans. Students will use a Hot Head torch and MAPP gas to create several ornaments. Use 90 COE frits and stringers to customize your holiday colors. No previous experience needed.  All materials are included except for MAP/Pro gas. This can be purchased at any local hardware storel

Safety: Please do NOT wear open toed shoes or sandals. Long pants are recommended but not mandatory. Natural fiber clothes are best, cotton, linen, etc. Long hair should be tied back. Safety glasses must be worn, glasses are provided in class if needed.

Tools & Materials Included:
Each student will have access to a complete workstation, including torch, hand tools and glass. Glaskolben pre-blown clear glass cylinders, Glass frit and Safety glasses will be provided.

Additional Tools & Materials: Students must bring 1 tank of MAP/Pro gas - (Delphi does not sell). Available at most hardware or big box home improvement stores. (yellow tank)

See the cancellation policy.

  • Video Preview
  • Blown Glass Globes
  • Category
  • Flameworking
  • Skill Level
  • Beginner
  • Instructor
  • Val Oswalt - De Waard
  • Need Help?
  • Call: 800-248-2048 x3024

Class Reviews

5 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars
  •   Excellent class
By on
Pros : - knowledgeable instructor - all materials laid out for ease of use Z very helpful instruction
Cons : None
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5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes is a terrific class!
By on
Pros : I took the class with a friend. I am an experienced flameworker and my friend had never done anything. The class was fun and informative - and we each left with 8-10 beautiful hand-blown glass ornaments. I like the setup - and after taking the class it is easily something you could do at home with teen/adult family with a relatively modest purchase of equipment.
Cons :
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5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown glass globes
By on
Pros : I absolutely loved this class. Val did a great job with instructions and demonstrations. The class size was perfect for help when needed.
Cons :
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5 out of 5 stars
  •   Great gift option!
By on
Pros : Got this as a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law. She loved it. She’s already making plans to do more.
Cons :
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5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globe Class
By on
Pros : I really enjoyed the class. The instructor was very helpful and informative. I can see where practice will be necessary to improve my technique and for better results. I feel that the class gave me sufficient instruction to try this on my own and am looking forward to the experience.
Cons :
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5 out of 5 stars
  •   Perfect Christmas
By on
Pros : Took my daughter to the class to make ornaments for Christmas and now she has her own decorations. The instructor was super helpful and we can’t wait to make this an annual event!
Cons : We have to wait for another class!!
Other Thoughts : Would love to be able to make more, and they offer the kit in store- was happy!
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5 out of 5 stars
  •   New experience
By on
Pros : Val is a really good teacher explaining all the steps demonstrating technique
Cons : Went by too fast.
Other Thoughts : Maybe take a break after blowing several to think about what to do differently then trying again. Felt a little pressure to get through all.
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes
By on
Pros : Great class! Drove from Southern New Jersey to take it. I had purchased all the materials needed to make them at home during Covid. I watched the video several times but wanted hands on experience. The instructor was great. I only had one that I blew out! It was a lot of fun and I would highly recommend it!
Cons : None.
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •  
By on
Pros : Val does a terrific job of taking the hesitancy out of trying new things! The blown globe class was so much fun - I can’t wait to continue this new craft when I get home.
Cons : It was only 2 hours. This class was so much fun that I wished it would go all day!!
Other Thoughts : I’d recommend this fun class to any and all! Thank you so much!!
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Awesome!
By on
Pros : Sent my children with my mother-in-law to attend for a Mother's Day / Birthday Gift and they all raved about the class. They loved it and recommended "we all go" because it was great doing it together. This is what I love - making memories. They each came home with about 10 globes - one was a waterer that my daughter made and loved that we put it to use right away. My MIL put hers on a tree to display all year.
Cons : Not really sure of cons except that my kids were bummed they didn't bring the gas can home so they could continue doing it with their grandma over the summer. Perhaps, helping everyone wrap their glass efficiently so they don't crack / break during transit.
Other Thoughts : Highly recommend and will definitely make a family trip for this. Really intrigued to attend other classes they loved it so much - even my "I don't like art" child.
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4 of 8 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   I really enjoyed class!!!
By on
Pros : Instructor was easy to follow with directions.
Cons : none
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Training Quality and Great Vibes
By on
Pros : We're 100% new to the art world altogether and never worked with glass before. So, this is what we observed from our non-artistic fresh eyes: -The trainer has no worries to impose on us. Only lessons about how to handle bad techniques we encounter. He never made it about us but about the glass inability to do what we think it should. We felt successful because we oversmarted the laws of the universe; fire, force, oxygen and mineral matter. We didn't encounter failure in this class. This is different than my workplace. -The trainer is very happy. He smiles a lot. The furnace is "unique" and he seems to be having a long life relationship with the fire and he wants u to see it that way not like a simple fire but as an ally. He used different words but that's how it felt. -It makes you feel like you're in another world. Much better than my common everyday life. It's very intellectually and emotionally addictive because that experience makes sense and it can be felt with all your s
Cons : -It should be a monthly membership with unlimited classes and material into packages so every time I need to oversmart the laws of nature I can run to the studio. -Delphi should promote their students as a formal art school with sponsors and scholarships and individual premiums too, open to all ages so our levels of delinquency lowers in Lansing because busy and happy people don't hurt their neighborhoods, their friends or their families.
Other Thoughts : This is a beautiful and neutral way to experience the best version of one self without the control and oppression of political or religious affiliations. Art is not natural in some of us, as it was in Michelangelo, he claimed that training was his key tu success, not natural ability and I can see how real this is in an art studio.
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5 of 9 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes
By on
Pros : Loved the class. The instructor was very knowledgeable and friendly. The class size was perfect and allowed for individual attention. The facility was awesome and allowed me to see so many different items available. I have recommended the class to a number of people.
Cons : I completely missed the need to bring a tank to class. Maybe a reminder to bring one with you?? Thankfully there was available for my use.
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5 of 9 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes Class
By on
Pros : Got to make 12 globes! Val was a great instructor that really shared her experiences on how to blow glass successfully. The class was 4 people which enabled Val to work with each of us to make sure we all had a great experience. Good price for the value of instruction and the materials provided.
Cons : Had to bring your own tank
Other Thoughts : You could increase the price of the course to include the tank. I will not use the tank after the course and it could be used by the next glass if it belonged to the business.
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown GLASS Globes
By on
Pros : Class was great, instructor was very helpful and explained everything. Had patience with everyone that didn't have a lot of experience working with a torch of glass.
Cons : None
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Class was WONDERFUL!!!
By on
Pros : WONDERFUL class! Very informative and fun! Very helpful at all times.
Cons : None. Enjoyed the class immensely.
Other Thoughts : Hope to take another class.
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   This was such a FANTASTIC and fun class!
By on
Pros : I loved everything about this class. The instructor was very skilled, clear, and patient. She allowed us all plenty of time to create our glass globes and offered helpful tips and strategies for technique. The finished product was quirky, beautiful, and definitely unique. I enjoyed seeing how the colors of the ornaments changed as the glass cooled. There is also something so magical about the color and glow of molten glass and being able to work with it in a safe and protected environment. I'll treasure these ornaments and the memories of making them for years to come.
Cons : I think that it would be a great opportunity for Delphi Glass to bundle for-purchase materials for students in the class to take home to continue creating additional ornaments should they choose to do so. Since we come with our own MAP gas, the bundle could simply include another box of cylinders, a c-clamp, hothead torch, metal o-ring, carbide cutter, and assorted colors of small packages of frit. I would have certainly purchased this if it were readily available.
Other Thoughts : I'd love to see even more sessions of this class open up as the ones online are all booked. I think my sister would love this class and I'd love to do it with her.
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6 of 9 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •  
By on
Pros : Teacher was very nice and very knowledgeable. Instructor was available for individual help which was nice.
Cons : Class could have been maybe half an hour longer. We ended up staying past 12 to put our hangers on, instructor did not seem to mind.
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown glass ornaments
By on
Pros : Val is very experienced and such a great teacher. She builds confidence in her students and simplified the process.
Cons : If you have never taken a class at Delphi you don’t know where to enter since showroom is closed. No sign telling you where to go.
Other Thoughts : Such a fun class !!
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
4 out of 5 stars
  •   Glass blowing class
By on
Pros : Excellent instructor lead class. Great support and background information. Kind and very encouraging and pragmatic about setting expectations for the first class. Fun and engaging.
Cons : Wish there was more time to do more.
Other Thoughts : Looking forward to my next class on Sept 13th.
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5 of 8 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Excellent class! Would do again.
By on
Pros : Val does a wonderful job of explaining the materials, safety procedures, process, and then circulates around the room to help people individually. You jump right into the process -- once your torch is lit, you start heating the globes. Each person starts with 12(?) glass tubes and most of us left with at least 10 globes.
Cons :
Other Thoughts : I was really anxious about doing this class and working with the torch but am so glad that I did it. Even if you're a bit tentative about working with a flame, DO IT.
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11 of 15 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Really enjoyed it!
By on
Pros : This was a pretty easy class with some very cool projects to take with you at the end of the class. It's kind of hard to judge the correct time to blow, but the ornaments turn out nice even if you don't do it at exactly the "right" time. The instructor was very helpful and patient.
Cons : Working with the flame is a little intimidating at first, but it isn't as scary as it seems at first.
Other Thoughts : Great class!
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6 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown glass ornaments class
By on
Pros : Val was very informative, knowledgeable and supportive! She explained the class and the process in depth and was very open to any questions any of us may have had. She didn't tell us what to do and drop the ball, quite the opposite! Constantly circling the room, giving advice and suggestions when needed! Just excellent! Reassuring to us alk since none of us had done any blown glass work before!!
Cons : I wish the class could have been longer, and there were other blown glass classes with more variety.
Other Thoughts : This was my only attempt at this art form, it was quite exciting and would live to try other items if you offered a broader variety of classes. So much fun!! Thank you!!!
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5 of 7 people found this review helpful
4 out of 5 stars
  •   Globes
By on
Pros :
Cons :
Other Thoughts : Always enjoy taking classes at Delphi! Not as easy as it looks when Val does it! Had a great time!!
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5 of 8 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes
By on
Pros : Val was an excellent instructor. I learned how to do something I had never done before. I learned to blow glass globes using a torch. Fun, even though I wasn't very good at it : ) I still ended up with 8.
Cons :
Other Thoughts : I definitely could improve my technique but I really liked the class! I would take this class again.
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4 of 7 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Great Class
By on
Pros : Fun class, globes are beautiful, easy to learn.
Cons : None
Other Thoughts : Val does a great job explaining the glass blowing process. She is positive and encouraging. We would definitely take this class again.
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5 of 8 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •  
By on
Pros : Loved the class! Had a great time and made some fun globes.
Cons : Only wish I could have made another dozen.... or two!
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7 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown glass globes fun!
By on
Pros : It was a fun time. We managed to get all 12 of our globes done within the time period. The instructor showed us how to do it and talked about it before we started. She admitted that she probably talked a little bit too much, just a tad as we were getting antsy to get started. ;)
Cons : Make sure we all see the bulb in its glowing red ready state up close so that we know what ours should look like. It was harder to blow them than I thought especially after re-cooperating from a respiratory infection.
Other Thoughts : Made sure to use less fritz than she tells you. If the bulb doesn't get very big, then the colors don't show up as well. We had some dark colored ones until we figured that one out.
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3 of 5 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Fun class! Great for beginners!
By on
Pros : Instructor was fun and informative. Class was extremely fun! Would recommend to anyone who has an interest in glass works or looking to try something new! Will be trying one of the other many class options soon!!
Cons :
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4 of 6 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Fun!
By on
Pros : Great instruction! A quick class but a lot of fun and you leave with your project!
Cons :
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4 of 6 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Glass bulbs
By on
Pros : Excellent intro to how to blow glass ornaments.
Cons : Will take a lot of practice to perfect the skill
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8 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •  
By on
Pros : The instructor was knowledgeable and paced the instruction so it was easy to achieve great results. She was great at demonstrating and explaining the process.
Cons : Would love more time to “play.”
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8 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Away
By on
Pros : We had a great afternoon. Our instructor was thorough and patient. She had a great pace and knew how to break up the workshop with a combination of listening and doing. It was a fun time spent with colleagues creating together. I would recommend this class to any one that has ever been curious about blown glass.
Cons : None
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8 of 10 people found this review helpful
3 out of 5 stars
  •  
By on
Pros :
Cons : The participants should be made aware to bring water to drink and dress cool!! It was extremely hot in there.
Other Thoughts : The instructor could be a little bit more patient or gentle with her instruction one on one.
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6 of 8 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes
By on
Pros : Val did an amazing job explaining the process and was fun to work with. She went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed. I had previously attempted to blow Glasskolbens on my own and had more failures than successes, but just watching Val do the process a couple of times corrected everything I was doing wrong on my own. FUN FUN FUN class.
Cons : Definitely not a “con” but this process is a bit tricky and you might not walk out with 10 perfect globes. Knowing that, just go in and have fun! Even if you leave with just a couple they are so cool. Even the odd shaped ones are awesome.
Other Thoughts : Everyone at Delphi was very kind and helpful. Nice people!
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9 of 11 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes Class
By on
Pros : A lot of fun, great instructor and you end up with some nice ornaments.
Cons : None come to mind.
Other Thoughts : I drove for 1 hour and 45 minutes to attend the class on my only day off and it was worth every minute. I wish the blow tubes were a bit less expensive but glass of any kind isn't cheap. Small group so everyone was given plenty of time with the instructor one on one if they had issues or questions. I will take more classes for sure. Thank you, Val and Delphi!
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8 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Great fun!
By on
Pros : Great for beginners. Enjoyable. Learned a lot!
Cons : None.
Other Thoughts : Can't wait to practice the technique on my own.
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7 of 9 people found this review helpful
4 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes
By on
Pros : What a great, fun class! Excellent guidance in such a comfortable setting - Delphi class instructors are amazing, hands-on, creative and truly masterful at breaking down the steps for successful learning! Thanks-
Cons :
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6 of 8 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Globes
By on
Pros : I loved the class!! I was able to take home 10 glass globes that I made. It was a very fun class and easy to understand. Now I have to just practice to get the perfect globe! LOL!!
Cons : None
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7 of 9 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •  
By on
Pros : The class was paced perfectly with lots of help to get the perfect globe. Lots of enjoyment!!
Cons : I wish the store had been open for us to buy added materials and that we could buy a sampler pack of frit for future use at home.
Other Thoughts : Wish I lived closer so that I could take more of your excellent classes.
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7 of 9 people found this review helpful
4 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Ornaments
By on
Pros : Instructor was very helpful. Time was perfect.
Cons :
Other Thoughts : As a first class it was very informative. It took 12 tries to get it right. :)
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7 of 9 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Ornaments
By on
Pros : Great Job .
Cons :
Other Thoughts : We had so much fun and learned a lot. Timing just right.
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6 of 7 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Blown Glass Ornaments
By on
Pros : Very well taught.
Cons :
Other Thoughts : It was so cool..
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6 of 8 people found this review helpful
3 out of 5 stars
  •   Well taught, but harder than it’s made to look
By on
Pros : Val was great, I have several ornaments, some even round, that I can hang on my tree.
Cons : I thought there were too many people at once — crowded by the heat of my neighbor’s torch on one side, breaking glass globes by the woman overblowing on the other side. And I think the class needs a bit more time. Felt rushed at the end, and would have liked a bit more one-on-one attention for the first couple. The one where she was standing right there and telling me when to move in the flame and when to blow came out perfectly. I think if I could have had another one or two with that kind of help I would have had a much higher success, and lower stress, rate.
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8 of 10 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
  •   Great fun!
By on
Pros : Excellent instructor! You get to make 12 ornaments. It makes great gifts and looks cool on your tree.
Cons : Found out on second class that I should NOT have used same MAP gas container as it didn't burn hot enough for me to blow my ornaments properly. Will bring full one next time.
Other Thoughts : I've taken this class twice so far and am planning on it again.
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7 of 9 people found this review helpful