Behind the Scenes of Talisman Hot Glass Studio

When I walked into Sharon Gilbert's Talisman Glass Studio in Chicago, I had no idea that I would be melting in front of a 2500 degree furnace or that I would be helping her sculpt molten glass with the only thing between me and the potentially life altering lava being a wet pad of The New York Times.

Some beautiful art and lighting can be created from glass. A liquid in its natural state and a wily creature to control, glass can be a difficult medium to manage and wildly expensive to maintain. Lighting designer Sharon Gilbert and paperweight artist Melissa Ayotte show me some of the techniques of blowing, flame-working and sculpting hot glass.

Check out this video and go behind the scenes of The Talisman Glass Studio.

 

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Comments

[BozenaM]

10:27 PM on 01/09/2011

My boyfriend took me here on our 2-year anniversary as a surprise. I told him I always wanted to try glassblowing and see how the process is done. Sharon helped me make my own ornament for Christmas. Even children were participating in making their own ornaments. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about glassblowing. It was an awesome experience, and would recommend anyone and everyone to go to Talisman Glass Studio in Chicago.

[Elysabeth Alfano]

08:06 PM on 01/12/2011

Sharon (and Talisman Glass Studio) IS fantastic! And glassblowing is such an incredible experience. So glad you had a great time and I bet that is your absolute favorite Christmas ornament!