You've probably seen glasses that are frosted or carved with different designs on them in stores. Now you can make them yourself on recycled bottles in our glass class. In this one day workshop Leni will show you how to mask off the designs with a rubber tape made for sandblasting. The bottles with be frosted or carved in a sandblasting booth. The booth is 4 ft x 4 ft so larger glass pieces can also be used. We also sandblast stones, ceramics, flower pots, wood and any object made of glass. The blasting process is quick so you could easily emerge from one class with 3-6 original works of art.

Leni has a great supply of bottles in all sizes at the studio along with an extensive library of reference materials. You don't have to be Leonardo to take this class! No previous experience is necessary. Children from 10 years and up are also invited.

Sandblasting is not difficuly so don't be nervious! We will make our designs using a rubber tape known in the industry as buttercut. It is especially made for sandblasting, durable enough to withstand the abrasiveness of the sand. The tape is cut with scissors or and xacto knife and adhered to the bottle. Once the bottles are 'masked off' they are put into the sandblasting booth. This is an enclosed booth which is fed with sand under pressure. You will spray the sand onto the bottles through a gun which has a fine nozzle. The sand (aluminum oxide) will frost or carve the bottle in the exposed areas. The blasting goes quickly. Once you remove the tape clear parts of the bottle are exposed revealing the design.

All materials are included with the class. I will supply the tape and have a large supply of bottles for you to choose from. Here are some other things you can sandblast if you want: anything made of glass in any colors, such as glass bowls, drinking glasses, glass plates etc. The glass class should not be already frosted. One can also sandblast wood, stones (fairly smooth), slate, bricks, glass bricks, tiles and flower pots.
Please remove the labels on the bottles to prepare them for blasting.
I have a fairly extensive library of reference materials here. Bring your own if you like.

The boot is 4 ft. x 4 ft. This is a big booth, large enough for you to do a glass tabletop or window for your house. Many students have taken advantage of this by adding a unique piece of glasswork to their living spaces. If you would like to do a special project give me a call ahead of time so we can plan this into the class and make sure you have time enough to finish.

Other Materials

I have an extensive supply of flat glass in colors that is applicable for stained glass work. If you are experienced in cutting glass and want to use the flat glass bring your glass cutter. Larger pieces will be for sale, but many of the smaller pieces can be included with your class fee.