What Can I Expect

Get on the creative vibe at a glass blowing workshop in Bedfordshire! Ricky Keech is a talented artist and an exceptional teacher. At his workshop deep in the countryside near Ampthill, this skilled glass blower will show you how to make gorgeous glass pieces.

All experiences are totally hands-on, so you will be involved at every stage; from heating in the furnace, to the shaping of the molten glass. And, under Ricky's tutelage, we think you'll be amazed by the standard of the work you'll be producing.

Controlling the glass in its liquid state is the first skill to learn. Then it's about how you handle and use the rod to blow your glass to make a basic sphere shape. After that, more advanced techniques look at blowing and drawing out that sphere shape to create wonderful forms.

What really sets Ricky's glass pieces apart is the use of colour. You will learn how to add vibrant colours to your blown glass, with swirls and wisps of smokiness that give the glass an ethereal quality. They really are quite impressive - especially when you think that when you walked into this Bedfordshire workshop you probably had zero glass blowing experience!

With a furnace burning at over 1200 degrees and glass that comes out glowing molten hot at around 1000 degrees, safety is paramount in importance in a glass workshop. Ricky takes all the necessary precautions, but without stifling your creativity. And yes, it'll be you handling that red-hot molten glass.

As you might imagine, even after cooling overnight, your glass piece will still be at around 100 degrees C the next day. So, although you won't be able to take your blown glass creations home with you on the day of your experience, they can be sent out to you. Or you can pop by the workshop to collect them.

If you've ever fancied having a go at glass blowing, these workshops in Bedfordshire are a great choice. We'll leave the last word to your glassblower host Ricky : ‘As an artist it is not just about the end result, but also the journey of creating something'

When Is It Available

• Selected weekdays and weekends throughout the year
• Sessions for 1-2 participants are available for 10:00-13:30 or 14:00-17.30
• If booking for 3-4 participants sessions start at 10:00 finishing at 16:00
• Due to popularity it is recommended you book well in advance to for this experience

Suitable For

• Minimum age 12
• Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating or spectating adult
• A good general level of fitness is required

Spectators

• Not suitable for spectators (unless under 16 where one adult must accompany)

Anything Else

• Due to the cooling process of the glass your pieces may not be taken home on the same day
• They can either be packaged and posted to you at a charge of £10 per box
• Alternatively once the piece is ready you can visit and pick it up