Things I didn't try early on: glassblowing

I was in Japan about four or five years, before I finally tried making my own drinking glass in Japan. I was very curious about glassblowing as I had seen signs for workshops many times, before I finally tried it for myself. I was with my husband (then boyfriend) at the time, and we both made a glass each. It is a very fond memory, and it was a great experience.

The workshop I took was in Hakone. We didn't need to book in advance; we walked in off the street. First, we chose what type of glass we would make, the design and the colors we wanted to use. Then, a professional explained the process, following with a demonstration. Because you are working with hot materials, they blow the blob of molten glass initially and then you get to do it. They help you rotate and shape the glass.

The rod was quite heavy and rotating it was more difficult than I thought it would be. You only have to blow gently into the rod, so that part was easy. My husband was a natural at it, so he added a handle to his glass. More than anything what I remember of the experience is having a lot of fun and being very happy with our personal drinking glasses.

I can't find my print photos of our glass workshop, so the photo is of a similar glass in Kawagoe. Have you ever done a glassblowing workshop in Japan?