Rediscovering the Joy of Creation: Why Investing in Artistic Hobbies Like Glassblowing is a Game-Changer for Adults
In a world where our lives are increasingly dominated by screens, meetings, and endless to-do lists, there’s an undercurrent of longing that many adults feel—a yearning to reconnect with something more tactile, more creative, and undeniably more joyful. If you’re in the prime of your career or transitioning into a new phase of life, it’s time to consider the transformative power of investing in an artistic hobby like glassblowing. This is not just a pastime; it’s a gateway to mental rejuvenation, personal growth, and rediscovering the fun of play.
The Rebirth of Play in Adulthood
For many of us, childhood was the last time we truly played. We experimented, made mistakes without fear, and found delight in the process of creating. As adults, however, the demands of life often eclipse these simple pleasures. But what if I told you that you could reignite that same spark of joy today?
Glassblowing, an ancient art form that marries creativity with precision, is a perfect antidote to the monotony of our daily routines. There’s something deeply fulfilling about taking raw materials and transforming them into something beautiful with your own hands. The process is at once delicate and dynamic, requiring focus and mindfulness, which naturally pulls you into a state of flow—a state where time slips away, and you are fully present in the moment. This is the magic of play, reimagined for the adult mind.
A Hands-On Approach to Mental Well-being
While the act of creation in glassblowing is incredibly rewarding, the benefits go far beyond producing a tangible piece of art. Numerous studies have shown that engaging in artistic hobbies like glassblowing can significantly improve mental health. When we use our hands to create, it stimulates a part of our brain that is often dormant during typical work hours. This stimulation is known to reduce stress, enhance problem-solving skills, and even improve cognitive function.
Working with your hands also offers a meditative quality. The rhythmic movements, the focused attention on the task, and the tactile feedback from the materials combine to provide a calming effect, much like yoga or meditation. For high-achieving adults, this is a crucial outlet—a way to decompress from the pressures of a demanding career or a busy life.
Moreover, glassblowing specifically offers an added dimension of therapeutic benefit. The warmth of the glass, the subtlety of colors blending, and the soft hum of the furnace—all contribute to a sensory experience that is both grounding and uplifting. It becomes a form of active meditation, where the mind is both alert and relaxed. This duality can help break the cycle of overthinking and bring about a profound sense of peace and satisfaction.
Reconnecting with a Community of Creators
Another often-overlooked benefit of diving into artistic hobbies like glassblowing is the sense of community it fosters. In a glassblowing studio, you’re not just an individual; you become part of a collective—a group of creators each on their journey of exploration and mastery. This is a place where ideas are exchanged, encouragement is abundant, and every success, as well as every failure, is shared.
In today’s hyper-connected yet oddly isolating digital landscape, the opportunity to be part of a real, physical community has never been more valuable. Glassblowing studios become spaces of camaraderie and collaboration where you can connect with like-minded individuals who, like you, are eager to rediscover the joy of hands-on creativity. For many, this social aspect is just as valuable as the art itself, providing a sense of belonging that enriches both personal and professional lives.
Embracing the Art of Imperfection
One of the greatest lessons glassblowing teaches is the beauty of imperfection. In a corporate world obsessed with KPIs and perfection, here is an art form that embraces the unpredictable. The molten glass, alive and flowing, doesn’t always behave the way you expect it to. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s where the magic happens.
For adults, especially those in high-stakes environments, there’s something liberating about engaging in a craft where mistakes aren’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated. Glassblowing allows you to flex your creative muscles without the pressure of perfectionism, creating a mindset that can positively influence your approach to both work and life.
In a world where our lives are increasingly dominated by screens, meetings, and endless to-do lists, there’s an undercurrent of longing that many adults feel—a yearning to reconnect with something more tactile, more creative, and undeniably more joyful. If you’re in the prime of your career or transitioning into a new phase of life, it’s time to consider the transformative power of investing in an artistic hobby like glassblowing. This is not just a pastime; it’s a gateway to mental rejuvenation, personal growth, and rediscovering the fun of play.
The Rebirth of Play in Adulthood
For many of us, childhood was the last time we truly played. We experimented, made mistakes without fear, and found delight in the process of creating. As adults, however, the demands of life often eclipse these simple pleasures. But what if I told you that you could reignite that same spark of joy today?
Glassblowing, an ancient art form that marries creativity with precision, is a perfect antidote to the monotony of our daily routines. There’s something deeply fulfilling about taking raw materials and transforming them into something beautiful with your own hands. The process is at once delicate and dynamic, requiring focus and mindfulness, which naturally pulls you into a state of flow—a state where time slips away, and you are fully present in the moment. This is the magic of play, reimagined for the adult mind.
A Hands-On Approach to Mental Well-being
While the act of creation in glassblowing is incredibly rewarding, the benefits go far beyond producing a tangible piece of art. Numerous studies have shown that engaging in artistic hobbies like glassblowing can significantly improve mental health. When we use our hands to create, it stimulates a part of our brain that is often dormant during typical work hours. This stimulation is known to reduce stress, enhance problem-solving skills, and even improve cognitive function.
Working with your hands also offers a meditative quality. The rhythmic movements, the focused attention on the task, and the tactile feedback from the materials combine to provide a calming effect, much like yoga or meditation. For high-achieving adults, this is a crucial outlet—a way to decompress from the pressures of a demanding career or a busy life.
Moreover, glassblowing specifically offers an added dimension of therapeutic benefit. The warmth of the glass, the subtlety of colors blending, and the soft hum of the furnace—all contribute to a sensory experience that is both grounding and uplifting. It becomes a form of active meditation, where the mind is both alert and relaxed. This duality can help break the cycle of overthinking and bring about a profound sense of peace and satisfaction.
Reconnecting with a Community of Creators
Another often-overlooked benefit of diving into artistic hobbies like glassblowing is the sense of community it fosters. In a glassblowing studio, you’re not just an individual; you become part of a collective—a group of creators each on their journey of exploration and mastery. This is a place where ideas are exchanged, encouragement is abundant, and every success, as well as every failure, is shared.
In today’s hyper-connected yet oddly isolating digital landscape, the opportunity to be part of a real, physical community has never been more valuable. Glassblowing studios become spaces of camaraderie and collaboration where you can connect with like-minded individuals who, like you, are eager to rediscover the joy of hands-on creativity. For many, this social aspect is just as valuable as the art itself, providing a sense of belonging that enriches both personal and professional lives.
Embracing the Art of Imperfection
One of the greatest lessons glassblowing teaches is the beauty of imperfection. In a corporate world obsessed with KPIs and perfection, here is an art form that embraces the unpredictable. The molten glass, alive and flowing, doesn’t always behave the way you expect it to. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s where the magic happens.
For adults, especially those in high-stakes environments, there’s something liberating about engaging in a craft where mistakes aren’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated. Glassblowing allows you to flex your creative muscles without the pressure of perfectionism, creating a mindset that can positively influence your approach to both work and life.
Happy New Year & Happy Mardi Gras!
2022 was a big year for me- I got married and my wife, Allyson, joined me in business, and together we embarked on quite the journey. We renovated the glass hot shop, found new homes for many of my sculptural pieces, visited internationally renowned glass studios, and transformed our operations center to create a unique gallery and venue space designed to provide greater access to the arts for everyone.
2023 is off to a great start! In January, the studio hosted visiting veteran artist, Marcus Eriksen, who commissioned us to make 10 glass hearts for one of his emotional sculptures, known as the Iraqi Angel. Markus painstakingly welded together 70,000 small steel ball bearings to form the shape of a lifesize soldier, an image burned into his memory from when he was a Marine in Kuwait City in the early nineties. Creating the sculpture helped free the image from his mind. It was incredible to work with him, share stories and teach him about glass as he taught me about the importance of persistence and positive attitudes. After multiple models and many experiments we made some really accurate glass hearts. I’m sure we will continue to collaborate in the future.
As I sit here in this newly remodeled space, I am reminded of the joy this place brings me and how lucky I am to be able to share that with you. I am able to do what I love because of your ongoing support now and over the last 8 years as I learned my way. Thank you! Without you, we would not be able to continue to do what we love. We love making glass and we love making your moments extra special. Cheers!
We are excited to have some new things in the works this year. Expect to see a few more limited release collections of designer glasses. The Winter Wonderland Glass, the first glass from the Winter 2023 Collection was released last week and is inspired by our recent ski trip to Crested Butte for our 1st anniversary. There will also be seasonal collections, including a Mardi Gras Glass featuring purple, green and real 24k gold leaf. Keep an eye out for those and other collections this year.
We also plan to introduce 2 new glass shapes into our lineup later this year. It is very exciting to bring both a stemless wine glass and a stemless champagne flute to you! These glasses will feature the same great thick base that we are known for and be customizable like our existing line of glassware.
And lastly, it has been such a pleasure to meet so many of you as you visit the city. Whether you stop by for a quick tour, peruse our gallery, or join us for molten glass experience, we’re so happy you made it down here. It’s a real joy to share our space and craft with you. If your upcoming travel includes New Orleans, please give us a shout. You won’t be disappointed.
Cheers,
Ben Dombey
Winter Wonderland Glass
Mardi Gras Magic Glass on the Punty in the Hot Shop
Melody and Rocky making a stemless wine glass with support from Ben
New! The Winter Wonderland Glass
A limited edition glass that is part of the Winter 2023 Collection. This glass sparkles like the freshest powder snow on a fresh sunny day. These won’t last long, only 3 remaining.
Mardi Gras Magic is Almost Here!
What’s better than a beautiful and delicious gold liquid in your glass? Blinging real 24k gold leaf embedded into your glass! Celebrate another epic year with the Mardi Gras as we revel in the streets for Carnival, embracing the joys of abundance and excess among friends and family. This glass will bring you back to the colorful streets of New Orleans sparkling with a fresh dusting of Mardi Gras Magic.
Make a Wine Glass with Your Sweetie!
Glassblowing is an exciting and fun way to connect with your partner. Let your creativity flow freely in this 90 minutes couples glassblowing glass and make your very own stemless wine glasses. Sessions booked 2/15-2/23 will receive a free bottle of wine from Faubourg Wines! Use Coupon Code “SWEET” for $50 off the “Make Your Own Stemless Wine Glass” Hands-On Molten Glass Experience. Good Thru 2/23/23.
Trust in the Hot Shop: Why Glassblowing is the Ultimate Team Sport for Building Stronger Teams
Trust in the Hot Shop: Why Glassblowing is the Ultimate Team Sport for Building Stronger Teams
When you think of team-building activities, glassblowing might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But step into a glassblowing studio, or "hot shop," and you'll quickly realize that this ancient art form is the perfect metaphor for teamwork, trust, and collaboration. In glassblowing, nothing happens without a coordinated effort—every piece, every creation is a testament to the power of working together. Let’s dive into why glassblowing is the ultimate team sport and why it’s an ideal experience for fostering trust and cohesion within any group.
The Dance of Coordination and Communication
In the hot shop, communication isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an absolute necessity. From the moment a piece of glass is gathered from the furnace, every step requires precise coordination. Blowers, assistants, and helpers must communicate clearly and efficiently to keep the glass at the right temperature, apply the correct tools, and add colors or shapes at just the right moment.
Glassblowing teaches teams the importance of non-verbal communication and being present in the moment. A nod, a glance, or a subtle hand signal can make the difference between a perfect piece and one that falls apart. This heightened awareness of each other’s needs and actions translates directly to the workplace, where clear, concise communication can prevent mistakes and foster a more harmonious working environment.
Trust is Crucial in the Hot Shop
The core of glassblowing as a team sport is trust. When you're handling molten glass at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, you must trust your teammates implicitly. The blower relies on the assistant to keep the piece rotating smoothly and evenly. The person gathering glass from the furnace trusts that their teammate will be ready with the tools needed to shape it. A moment of hesitation or uncertainty can result in the loss of hours of work or, worse, a dangerous situation.
This trust-building process is why glassblowing is such a powerful team-building activity. It pushes team members to rely on one another, support each other under pressure, and work towards a common goal. It's an exercise in letting go of control and trusting that your team has your back—a skill that is invaluable in any collaborative work environment.
Embracing Mistakes Together
One of the most valuable lessons glassblowing teaches is how to handle mistakes. In the hot shop, mistakes are not only common but are often a critical part of the learning process. A piece might crack, or a bubble might collapse, but rather than point fingers, the team assesses what went wrong and how they can adapt and improve together.
This fosters a growth mindset and encourages a culture of resilience and adaptability. Teams that learn to embrace mistakes together, without blame or frustration, become stronger and more cohesive. They learn to pivot, innovate, and find creative solutions—skills that are essential in today’s dynamic workplace.
Everyone Has a Role
Glassblowing is inherently a collaborative process where every role is crucial to the final outcome. From the person gathering the glass to the one shaping it or managing the furnace, everyone’s effort and focus are required. This mirrors an effective team environment, where recognizing and valuing each person’s contribution is key to success.
In the hot shop, roles can shift and change, offering team members the opportunity to experience different aspects of the process. This flexibility and role diversity help team members appreciate each other’s skills and challenges, building empathy and a deeper understanding of how everyone contributes to the bigger picture.
Building Bonds Through Shared Experience
The shared experience of glassblowing creates lasting bonds between team members. There is something uniquely powerful about creating something beautiful together, especially when it requires overcoming challenges and working through intense, focused moments. These shared moments of success—and even the shared laughter at inevitable mishaps—forge stronger connections that translate back into the workplace.
When teams return to the office after a session in the hot shop, they bring with them a renewed sense of camaraderie, trust, and a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths and communication styles.
Why Choose Glassblowing for Team Building?
Glassblowing is more than just a creative activity; it’s an exercise in trust, communication, and collaboration. It requires a team to function as a cohesive unit, where every member plays a vital role in achieving a common goal. Unlike typical team-building exercises that often feel forced or repetitive, glassblowing is engaging, dynamic, and memorable.
At GlassblowerBen, we specialize in creating customized team-building experiences that challenge, inspire, and bring out the best in every participant. Our hot shop becomes a melting pot of creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, offering a unique opportunity for teams to grow stronger together.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a team-building activity that goes beyond the usual ropes courses or trust falls, consider stepping into the hot shop. Glassblowing as a team sport not only brings out the best in individuals but also reinforces the importance of trust, communication, and collaboration—fundamental pillars for any successful team. So, bring your team to **Glassblower Ben** and experience firsthand how the heat of the furnace can forge stronger bonds and a more unified, effective team dynamic.
Handblown Thanksgiving Glasses
Thanksgiving is one of the greatest feasts of the year. It’s one of the best opportunities to drink with good friends and family. To catch up on stories, to share your latest accomplishments, and to do so in style. Seasonal decor does not have to be boring or mass produced. Sesaonal decor can be something to be proud of and show off. Enter the Turkuppin, our fresh spin on our medium sized handmade whiskey glass. Each Turkuppin features tailfeathers and the turkey head, featuring it's famous waddle.
A flock of Turkuppins
Your Dog on a Handmade, Mouth Blown Whiskey Glass
Dogs, they’re our best friends and our drinking buddies from time to time. Imagine if you could have them on the bottom of your favorite drinking glass. GlassblowerBen can take a photograph of your dog and turn it into a 3D stamp that is used to imprint the base of one of our handmade glasses.
The first step is to contact us and let us know your desires. We have a team of illustrators and designers available to take even your wildest idea and turn it into a stamp that we can use on glass. We work with you to make sure you get the perfect drawing that represents exactly what you are looking for. The next step is for the designer to draw the dog with specific attention to the details that are necessary to move from 2D into 3D. At this point in the process, all customers review the design. Once our customer is happy with the 2D illustration, it can start the process of becoming a 3D stamp. Each stamp is created by an expert 3D modeler who works with our glass experts to finalize the stamp. At the point, the customer will receive a link to view the 3D model and give their approval. With approval, we proceed to machine the stamp out of specialized metals and perform a glass test to ensure no details are lost. Once the stamp passes the quality check it’s ready for the glasses. We select the specific glass size the customer desires and bring the glasses up to approximately 1000 degrees in temperature. Then we blast the bottom of the base with a specialized torch, or light saber. Then with great control, we stamp the glass and promptly put it into the Annealer where it will go through a controlled cool down process to make sure the glass is safe. The following day, we have gorgeous custom handmade glasses with your dog on them! These make for sucha a great gift for the dog lover in your life.
In the images below, we document taking the photograph of an English and turning it into a glass featuring the English Setter. Please note that the customer gave incredible detail about how to pose the dog, i.e., tail up! Our illustrators are here to make your design perfect. Contact us today to get started.
Original Customer Photograph of the English Setter
llustration of the English Setter
Looking into the Hand Stamped Handmade Glass featuring an English Setter
Hand Blown Whiskey Glasses
You finally bought that bottle of Whiskey that you’ve been eyeing for months. You go to your homebar to pour yourself a drink. The only problem? You need a glass worthy of the whiskey. The solution? A hand blown whiskey glass. A hand blown whiskey glass is perfectly balanced. A hand blown whiskey glass is evenly weighted in your hand. A hand blown whiskey glass from GlassblowerBen feels substantial and worthy of your time and your whiskey. For years, Ben Dombey has been perfecting the Hand Blown Whiskey Glass.
What makes a hand blown whiskey glass so special? Similar to what makes a whiskey great. Small batches, attention to detail, and relentless desire to make every step count.
Groomsmen Whiskey Glasses: Custom Gifts to Celebrate Your Special Day
Your wedding day is one of the greatest days in your life. Your best man and your groomsmen are there to make sure of it. You can make sure they’re all taken care of with custom whiskey glasses. Personalize a glass with a first name, an inside joke, or design your own glass. Designing your own glass is an easy process. Start with an original idea and we will make it come to life. In love with an existing graphic or logo? We can use that. Have a wedding seal or a wedding crest? They make an excellent choice for a custom glass. Looking for something more unique? Our design team will take care of you. Simply let us know your preferences and your ideas. We will design the most incredible, handmade whiskey glasses for you and all your groomsmen. The best part? Every time they take a sip, they’ll be cheersing you and remembering your epic wedding. There really is nothing quite like drinking from a handmade glass.
Being selected as a groomsman is an honor that dates back to the times of Old English. The groomsmen have also been known as swordsmen in a former century. These days, groomsmen are primarily responsible for keeping the groom sober enough to say his vows. Sip in style with handmade groomsmen gifts that have a weight to them that is unmatched. A glass so sturdy it can hit the ground and not shatter. Your men deserve that. Contact us today! Show your appreciation with handmade groomsmen whiskey glasses. Each glass is handmade and mouthblown to order. Your specifications matter. Want a thicker base for the big guy in your group? You got it. Want something colorful? Colorful whiskey glasses can be matched to the wedding palette. Looking to go the extra mile? The entire wedding party is deserving of customized glasses.
Not a whiskey drinker? Good thing these glasses aren’t picky. No matter the beverage of choice, your groomsmen will thank you. Custom glassware is available in small tumblers, medium tumblers, larger tumblers, pints, collins, and even our latest slanted glasses. And of course, there’s always the shot glass.
Choosing to design your own stamp is a great choice that can be used on all the glass sizes. In fact, we have even used our mixing pitcher as a glass for a groom that wanted to make sure his men had glasses that matched their hand size. If there’s something you don’t see on our site, ask us. We are always up for the challenge of creating the perfect handmade drinking glass for you and your loved ones.
New! Monogrammed Glass
Monogrammed Handmade Whiskey Glasses and Monogrammed Handmade Glassware
We are so excited to release the Monogrammed Glasses. Find Your Glass, Everytime.
The Monogrammed Whiskey Glass is available in letters A-Z and sizes small through large. Each letter is double lined to give the glass just a bit more sparkle as the light shines through it. Highly recommended for birthday gifts, father’s day gifts, wedding gifts, or promotion gifts. Give the gift of handmade glass!
Put Your Design on a Hand Made Glass
We can stamp any design, logo, symbol, or unique brand on the bottom of the glass. During our annual May Stamp Sale, custom stamp prices are greatly reduced with no need to order glasses at the same time.
We can stamp any design, logo, symbol, or unique brand on the bottom of the glass.
During our Annual May Stamp Sale, custom stamps are only $100.
Save $200 on stamps from May 1 to May 31 with no need to purchases glasses at this time.
What do you mean by stamp?
Stamps are tools for imprinting on glass. They are machined out of specialized metal that we use to stamp the glass while it is molten hot (2000º Farenheight).
What is a custom stamp?
A custom stamp starts with your design. Whether it’s hand-drawn or digitallly designed, we can usually turn it into a glass stamp. Each glass is forever personalized with your design and the stamp is yours to keep. Stamping gives you a truly one-of-a-kind glass with a design that you can see and feel.
How do I order?
To get started, send an email to shop@glassblowerben.com and let us know you’re interested in a stamp. Our team will take care of it from there.
There is no need to order glasses now. You can take advantage of the May special and order glasses at any time.
Your future self will thank you for being so savvy.
Gift the perfect glass!
Did you know?
We use a specialized torch to heat the base of the glass in order to stamp it. This torch looks like a light saber and reaches temperatures of over 5000º Farenheight. The torch was custom made for Ben by Glass Torch Technologies in Pennsylvania.
Celebrating 5 Years in our Glass Studio!
Our glass studio just celebrated 5 years of being in business! We’d love to share it with you. We have hands-on molten glass experiences, events, and classes for you to get involved.
In April 2017, Ben took his first gather from the furnace. This April we celebrated the glass studio’s 5th birthday by opening up the studio and allowing guests to have their very own hands-on molten glass experience. We couldn’t be more excited to make glass in a city we love and share it with you. Thank you to our customers and our community for supporting us and allowing us to bring the transformative power of glass to the people and make the small moments speical.
Custom Stamp Sale May 1-31
Been thinking about having your family crest, your military unit, your fraternity/sorority, a company logo, or your own design imprinted forever on the bottom of the glass? Now is the time to get your orders in and avoid the holiday rush later in the year. Save yourself $200!
Custom stamps are only $100 during the month of May. Please email us at shop@glassblowerben.com to get started.
Animal Collections are Here
2022 is the year of the Tiger according to the Chinese Zodiac. The Tiger roars when it has something to say and is never short on enthusiasm or generosity. Exclusively available during 2022, embrace your own big Tiger energy and let the world know that you mean business.
Recommended Beverage: Eye Of The Tiger
Every Dombey glass is hand made in New Orleans and a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Approximately 3.25" in diameter and 4.25" tall. (Large Glass)
Holds approximately 10 ounces.
Available for pre-order as part of our fall production season.
Courageos, tenacious, and full of joie de vivre. The Bulldog is immediately recognizable and sure to bring back some feelings. Whether the Bulldog is your mascot, was your mascot, or is simply a dog you love, this glass is sure to be a fast favorite. There’s no other animal that will always remind you that it is not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog! Bottoms-up!
Recommended Beverage: Colorado Bulldog served over Ice
Every Dombey glass is hand made in New Orleans and a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Please specify size and quantity.
Let us host your event
Throw the most incredible party with or without glass. Our studio space is now available to rent for private parties and events. Perfect for birthday parties, epic crawfish boils, intimate wedding receptions, and team-building events. We have over 1200sq ft of available rentable space both indoors and outdoors. Email shop@glassblowerben.com to learn more.
Coming Soon:
Color Collections & Workshops
Look for colorful glass collections and glassblowing workshops in the Fall.
Hello 2022! Hello Year of Glass!
GlassblowerBen welcomes 2022 with some exciting new updates
Happy New Year!
It’s been a wild past few years and we’re so excited to share some incredible updates with you.
2022 has been named the United Nations International Year of Glass to celebrate the importance of glass to society as an art form, material for technological advancement, and its unparalleled versatility and value in the world. Glass is unlike any other material you can work with. It’s also a healing art form that provides rich experiences and connection for people all over the world. We are lucky that we get to work with glass everyday and we thank you for your appreciation of glass and your continued support.
To celebrate the Year of Glass, we are excited to offer all our newsletter subscribers a 15% off coupon code for any single order during 2022. Please use “GLASSYEAR” during checkout and enjoy responsibly.
Introducing 2 New Glasses
The Henry Glass is short & stout, it is as tall as it is wide, making it the perfect glass for any spherical ice cube or ball.
The Toby Glass is an incredible stacking glass that nestles nicely on top of any Dombey Glass. It’s a fun way to enjoy beautiful glassware and save space. Makes for a great gift and is available with Chakra stamps, allowing for the chakras to be stacked and energetically aligned.
Workshops at Corning Museum of Glass
In January 2022, Ben assisted world renowned Glassblower Bill Gudenrath for a weeklong workshop on Venetian Glassblowing Techniques at the Corning Museum of Glass in early January
In August of this year, Ben will be teaching a 1-week long workshop at the Corning Museum of Glass called “Blown Away”.
Business gets Personal
n January of 2022 Ben Dombey married Allyson Mackay and he got more than a wife, he got a new business partner. Allyson is managing GlassblowerBen’s business operations, local events and workshops, as well as assisting Ben in the hot shop. Allyson has a diverse background with many years of experience leading innovation and design for software development and is excited to bring the product mindset to the studio.
You can also expect to receive news from us more frequently as we are making some big changes. Stayed tuned in and if you’re ever in New Orleans, please stop by. We’d love to show you around the studio.
Rent out our Event Space
We have been transforming the studio space next to the hot shop to better accommodate students, staff, and guests alike. This space will soon be available to rent for parties, special events, and more. Reach out to shop@glassblowerben.com to learn more.
Learning Space
As we look to skill up our staff and bring the joy of glass to students from all walks of life, we are improving the hot shop with a second glory hole, furnace, and bench. Reach out to shop@glassblowerben.com for more information on classes and local workshops.
Pickles, the dog, (pictured) may or may not be part of the teaching team.
Coming Soon: Collections!
As we grow our business, we are focusing on doing special releases of glasses known as collections. Our first collection release will be the Tiger Glass.
2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger and that means drink up. We will be releasing a limited number of tiger glasses starting in March 2022. Check back on our website and follow us on instagram to stay in the know.