From the Back Cover: Studio time is expensive. Unfortunately, most glassblowing students still learn through a combination of apprenticeship and observation-a slow and inefficient method. The Art of Fire teaches you quickly how to manipulate the glass through a series of structured lessons and exercises, including: Safety exercises to prevent burns; Over 500 photographs and illustrations; Step-by-step instruction for all basic techniques; Fixes for more than 50 common problems.

An illustrated guide for building and maintaining a modern glass studio.

This is a new book designed as a "how to" manual for the beginner. The material (glass) is introduced first with its history, composition & sources. All the equipment & tools, required to work glass, are described in detail. The fundamental procedures are defined & clearly illustrated with ample practice exercises. The instruction of these procedures is reinforced with a ten lesson course arranged in progression. The experienced glassblower may want to use this format to train apprentices. There are step by step procedures for making over 65 different items. Preliminary techniques for making larger sculptures are described & profiles of some well known glass sculptors with examples of their work. Another example of the diversity of glassblowing is demonstrated in the story of Gerhard Finkenbeiner & his innovative developments to the Glass Harmonica. The section on blown glass tubing describes how the fundamental procedures areoften working with tubing. The instructions include a number of blown items including several Christmas ornaments. There are directions to show fifteen ways to decorate glass surfaces including glue chipping & the chemical silvering of glass. Where & how to market your glass items is also revealed. There is a complete directory of where to obtain equipment & supplies.

In paperback at last, this popular guide to kiln-forming glass, melting cut or crushed glass and then shaping it with molds, features 19 beginner-friendly projects. The beautiful and practical items range from home decor, including a wall sconce and fountain, to sculpture and jewellery.