Glass Blowing Class : Newport Oregon

This summer our family visited the central Oregon coast. Our kids (ages 9-17) were in unanimous agreement when we asked what their favorite activity of the trip was: the glass blowing class in Newport Oregon.

Glass Blowing Class

Many glass art galleries, shops, and studios dot the Oregon coast, with some offering glass blowing classes. Most seemed to offer similar options: a 30 minute slot to work with and learn from a glass artist to make an item of your choosing (a glass float, paperweight, sea star, bowl, etc.) available to pick up the following day.   

Oregon Coast Glassworks

I chose Oregon Coast Glassworks in Newport because of their glowing reviews and because the photos I saw of their glass blowing experience looked really hands on–which it certainly was!

Newport Oregon Glass Blowing Class

We arrived about 15 minutes early to let our kids pick their piece, colors, and pattern. 

They went into it thinking about making glass floats, but after seeing the coil paperweights they all decided to make one of those instead. 

After making their selections, everyone entering the hot shop was fitted with protective eyewear and gloves. 

With the furnaces going and fans blowing, they each took their turn creating a glass paperweight.  Jonathan was their teacher, who did a wonderful job leading them through the process and explaining each step. 

After finishing, the paperweights went into the annealing oven to cool slowly. This gradual cooling process strengthens the glass and also prevents it from cracking. 

Their glass creations were ready for pickup the following morning after they opened. Aren’t they beautiful!?

Glass Blowing Class – Practical Tips

• Reserve a spot. Though there may be room for walk-ins, it’s nice to guarantee your spot (or three!) with a reservation which can be made online up to 60 days in advance.
  
• Arrive early. Your glass blowing experience begins with choosing your piece and your colors—don’t be late.
  
• Wear closed-toed shoes. Safety is essential in the hot shop!
  
• Kids 8+ only. Children ages eight and older are welcome to participate.
  
• Budget: Current prices range from $75 for floats up to $200+ for items that require more than one session.
  
• Pickup: Glass blown items are available for pickup the following day, anytime after they open at 11:30AM.
  
• Shipping is available if you can’t return to their shop for pickup. According to their website it’s typically $18–22 per item. 

Glass Blowing Class – Final Thoughts

Fun, educational, a bit mesmerizing, and filled with artistic magic, the glass blowing class was my kids’ favorite activity of our Oregon coast trip. It’s exciting to bring home a unique souvenir that was also part of a memory-making experience, and we all left the studio with an appreciation for glass artisans. If you find yourself in or near Newport Oregon be sure to carve out some time—about 45 minutes, plus a few more the following day—to make (and pickup!) your glass creation. 

Next time we visit Oregon, it’s my turn to make one!

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