FlameTree Glass Inc - Learn About The Art Of Glass Blowing

Earlier this month we visited FlameTree Glass Inc with a few friends from our homeschool group for a glass blowing/lamp working demonstration field trip. We had a great time and learned some great information about the art of glass blowing.

A moms review:
FlameTree Glass Inc is located in beautiful downtown Roswell, GA.  FlameTree Glass Inc is a three in one business and has been around about 10 yrs. They are a store selling beautiful glass art including beads, sculptures, pendants, goblets, etc. They even make custom pieces. They are an instruction facility offering workshops for all skill levels. And they are a supplier selling tools, torches, glass materials, books and more. 

This month we learned all about sand and everything that goes along with sand like glass. So I thought a glass blowing demonstration seemed like a great field trip idea. After doing a quick search on the internet I came across FlameTree Glass which is literally 10 min away from our home. So I sent them an en email to see if they would offer our family a demonstration. They replied immediately and asked how many were in our group and said there was no charge for the demonstration. So we decided to invite some friends along. 

Our big day for the field trip arrived and the kids were super excited. The day before we read a great book called The Glassmakers which helped prepare the kids for the fieldtrip. The first thing I did when we arrived at FlameTree Glass was have a talk with the kids about NOT touching, because there is a gallery with lots of breakable items at the front of the facility. We entered and were greeted by a very spunky, super nice lady. She led us to the back where the glass blowing facility is located where we met Lance. Lance is AMAZING. When we entered the workshop area he was doing some prep work on the piece he was going to be creating in front of the group. He explained to the group that he was going to be making a goblet. The kids had no glue what a goblet was so we had to explain a goblet is also known as a wine glass. After he introduced himself he asked everyone their names and ages. He told us a little bit about himself and how he got into glass blowing. Turns out visiting Disney World as a kid and seeing the glass blowing demonstrations are what sparked his interest. He explained about the art of glass blowing throughout history. Shared a very interesting piece of scientific history regarding the mystery of the Yellow-Green Glass that the Egyptians found in the Libyan Desert. Throughout the demonstration he explained each of the steps he was taking to create the beautiful masterpiece. 

The kids learned how to tell a handmade glass piece from a factory glass piece. And even were given a quiz. It's all about the pontil mark. They got to examine some handmade marbles, beads and pendants. They learned about how glass blowing was done in the old days and how it is done today. They learned glass blowing terminology and about all the different tools and techniques that are used. And they also learned about some famous glass makers like Blaschka (be sure to check out his creations they are breathtaking).

The entire demonstration took about an hour and a half. The younger kids under the age of 6 did get a little antsy during the middle of the demonstration but when it came time to put all three pieces of the goblet together they were all eyes again. Lance and the others at FlameTree did a fabulous job of educating the children and were all very attentive and patient. 

They gave each of the families that attended 3 great books about Frabel glass pieces, which my kids have really enjoyed looking through. And of course I couldn't resist buying the kids a little souvenir. So I got them each a couple of handmade beads which were about  $1 each. We made some very pretty necklaces with the beads.

If you are in the area be sure to check out all the awesome workshops FlameTree Glass Inc offers. Several of the workshops start at just $50. Beginner and advanced classes are available. And if you have a homeschool group who would like a demonstration email or call FlameTree Glass Inc to make arrangements (see info below).

And on September 8th from 12-6pm there is a great even going on called Beads of Courage Day. Its a FREE event so come out and help make more beads in support of a worthy cause.

The kids review:
It was really cool to watch the goblet being made and we learned a lot. It took him a long time to make one thing. We liked Lance.

Extra details:
-Make sure kids know NOT to touch the beautiful pieces in the store.

-Bring along sunglasses to wear during the demonstration.

Where:
470 South Atlanta Street 

Roswell, Georgia, 30075
770-998-2983

When to visit:
Contact Maureen at FlameTree to arrange a group fieldtrip (groups need to be small I personally would say no more than 15 kids) - flametree@flametreeglass.com.

Store hours - 11am-7pm Tue-Fri and 12pm-6pm Sat

Cost:
Free group demonstration. Workshops vary in price.

Links to follow:
-FlameTree Website
-FlameTree Facebook



*Disclaimer - We were treated with such great hospitality that I wanted to share details about this place with you. Please note that prices indicated in the post are subject to change. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are our own! Many of the links found on my side bars and in my blog posts are affiliate links. As a result, I might get paid money and I will most likely spend the money on homeschool supplies.