Amazing! Love! Very informative. My friend and I booked a fancy vase beginning glass lesson for both of us weeks in advance over email. For context, we have no glass blowing or ceramics experience. What to know beforehand: -You need to wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes and masks! -Picking colors and designs in person may take a while (if you're very decisive you may not have this problem). There are tons of options for what you can make and with what colors so it took at least an hour for us to pick and choose. The final price of your piece can also vary depending how big you want it to be and what color(s) are involved. -It'll take a day for the piece to cool when you're done, so you'll have to pick it up another day. -Small parking lot on-site in the back along with street parking. The beginning glass lesson experience: -David was very good at teaching and support. I felt more like the designer of the piece than the glassblower/creator, but David really gives you every safe opportunity he can to give you hands on experience in the process and talks through every step. You're not just paying for a glass piece here - you're paying for David's 40+ years of experience blowing glass! Felt more like I was shadowing a glassblowing process. I learned a lot and had a great time. -Cynthia was also helpful in confirming the design during the process. I didn't know how to explain that I wanted more of a flare at the top of my design at one point but she caught that for correction. Some fun learnings: -If you want to seriously get into glassblowing, paperweights are the best shape to learn and practice. -The punt of the glass is super sensitive. We also learned a bit about identifying manufactured vs. handmade glass through it. -The Netflix show Blown Away is a fun show to watch if you want to see more glassblowing -Some glass colors are easier to work with than others, and if you're mixing colors in one piece, depending on the colors you're mixing, can make it harder or easier to shape because they affect how stiff the glass can be (lighter colors tend to be more stiff, darker colors tend to be more soft). My friend picked dark blue and green and hers came out great! Mine came out a little warped because I picked a longer piece with two very contrasting colors (dark blue and light pink), but David helped reshape it a little. Current pricing on their website: -Ornament $50 -Paperweight $65 -Sea float $70 -Heart $75 -Starfish $75 -Pumpkin $90 -Bird $90 -Drinking glass $95 -Transparent vase $140 -Fancy vase $175 -Beginning Glass Lesson (1-2 people only) $260/$325 depending on number of people plus tax. read more

Great folks and a stellar experience. Super easy to call and book with Cynthia, who was able to kindly fit us into a weekday lesson on short notice. Street parking was easy. Dave was very friendly and shared his wealth of knowledge with us. He explained instructions clearly and guided us through all the steps with ease. During and after he took the time to answer all our Qs. Glass bird and paperweight came out beautifully. Highly recommend if you want to get a taste of glass blowing. read more

Blowing Sands Glass Blowing - Glass Blowing Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Picked up two beautiful glass ornaments at Blowing Sands Glass Studio. Gorgeous craftsmanship, friendly staff, and a great spot for unique gifts! Next up: schedule a glass blowing class! The stands are from Etsy reseller. read more

See all

What an amazing experience! David was so friendly and patient with us. He certainly knows his craft, not only did we get hands on experience, we also got a lesson on the history on the art and mechanics of glassblowing. My daughters and I had such a great time. We made a float, a paperweight and an ornament. read more

See all

Great bang for your buck without blowing your wallet compared to other glass making classes. Also, Cynthia and David are THE SWEETEST and accommodating! For those who're worried/anxious about messing up the glass-blowing class, this is for you! David is heavily involved in the process, and you'll essentially be an apprentice. I booked a class for 2 people to make 2 ornaments through email. Every lesson is private. After putting on protective eyewear and picking colors, we got a tour of the place and explanation of the process. Each of us got one-on-one guidance with David to create our piece from beginning to end - the gathering process, adding color, reheating to shape, and delivery to the annealer. We were able to pick it up the next day. The ornaments were safely packed in a box with tissue paper, so we didn't have to worry about it breaking in our suitcase. To our surprise not only was the glass stronger than we expected, our names were etched into the ornament as well. Such a nice small thing to do! read more

See all

Great way to learn and appreciate this trade! David provided abundance of information. The class gave us the insights (& patience) required to make the selected pieces. Highly recommend to book David for your glass blowing experience read more

See all

I tried to schedule a class and Cynthia, the owner, said she'd call me back and didn't. I called back a week later and she said she vaguely remembered the conversation but she wasn't sure so "it looks like the answer is no." Terrible customer service- shocking they are still in business read more

Amazing value and a phenomenal lesson. You can tell that he really loves his craft. Would absolutely come back again! 11/10 read more

Blowing Sands Glass Blowing - Anniversary ornament! - Glass Blowing Near Me - Seattle, Washington

TLDR: Came here with a 10 year old who is not the most coordinated kid in the world and a 7 year old who touches.all.the.things..... and it was a raging success for all!! My husband surprised me with a workshop here for my 2 big kids and myself. He was right to surprise us as I have one not-so-coordinated kid and one kid who touched ALL.THE.THINGS and I would have said "No" to having an activity that involved kilns and melted glass..... IT WAS AMAZING! The instructor was LOVELY with the kids (and their anxious mom). He was very gentle - helped them participate in every part of the process, and really empowered them..... Every time he gave them a new instruction, he made sure to tell them where to put each of their hands (so no one would accidentally rest a hand on a heated piece of metal). He also gave them a lot of choices and did trials when needing to manage the ovens/kilns before doing the real thing. I passed this off as a physics, chemistry, AND art lesson for our homeschooling report! I find it fascinating that glass is coloured with different elements - and that if it cools too quickly, it will explode. We each took home a special paper weight and we will treasure them forever :) read more

See all

As my birthday present, my husband took me for glass blowing lessons! It was extremely well priced considering the lesson lasted 2 and a half hours and we got two paper weights and a stunning glass bowl ($220 for 2 people). The lesson itself was interesting and we got to try a bunch of different techniques with different pieces of equipment. It was fascinating to actually make something beautiful with my bare hands. I was so proud. Because we made these ourselves (with a fair bit of help), they actually have meaning and I'm happy to see them around the house. Glass is such a huge deal around Seattle, and this is the best way to experience it. Don't just go to Chihuly and look at glass, but make something unique and memorable yourself! This is truly one of the best Seattle activities I've ever done. 10 out of 10 would recommend. Pro Tip: A lesson would make a really unforgettable date or a great gift for anyone in your life. read more

See all

Five stars! David and Cynthia run a timely, educational operation in welcoming atmosphere. Two of us reserved a beginner's session from 11-1pm so we would get to create one object each: one drinking glass and one vase. Upon arrival, we were greeted and given protective eyewear. We looked at a gallery of color combinations to choose one each for our respective items. We then got a tour and a description of the furnaces, the glass compounds, and the tools of the trade. Then, we each took a turn receiving one-on-one guidance to create our piece from beginning to end, including the gathering process, several shaping cycles, adding color, reheating for more shaping, and final delivery to the annealer for cooling. David is involved with every step, and rightly so, because this is a skill requiring constant awareness of safety components. Plus, glassblowing and shaping is commonly a two-person tandem working process. Unlike a painting or pottery workshop, you should expect to serve as the apprentice and be listening on-the-ready for how to properly execute your role. Not only is this comforting for a beginner, but it is also true to the process of learning the trade, working under the guidance and mentorship of an experienced glassblower to learn the craft and gain valuable hands-on experience. Before leaving, be sure to peruse the gallery shop which is filled with both practical glassware (like bowls, cups, and paperweights) and artistic glass creations (like sculptures) for sale. read more

Finally got it in cause thanks to covid we couldn't check this place out until now. Dave is patient and super skilled at his craft. Highly recommend for taking a one on one classes. Cynthia is also good at what she does - handling the admin side (answering emails and cashing out). We did a one on one 2 person class and made paperweights and glasses. Looking forward to picking up the finished products in a couple days. Thank you! read more

They have great reviews for a reason. My girlfriend and I came For a class where you can make an object from a list they have. You must take this! My girlfriend and I took the class. It's pretty much a private lesson, you get to keep the pieces you make, you learn a ton, it's very hands on and fun! 120% chance I'll be back for my dad's birthday! read more

See all

Went here with parents (70 years old), and kids (40 years old), party of 4. Spent 3 hours blowing a glass object of choice. David was an incredible instructor, very patient, highly knowledgeable, friendly, and good at his craft. This was our 3rd time blowing glass as a family activity we like to do and David's experience has been the best thus far. Our products look amazing but the experience was top notch as well. I highly recommend going to them if you're looking to learn as a student, wanting a fun one-time experience, or are shopping for various glass art items. read more

Blowing Sands Glass Blowing - Glass Blowing Near Me - Seattle, Washington

David and Cynthia are a great duo. This is a very fun and informative experience, I would highly recommend anyone to do this before or after visiting the Chihuly Glass Museum. Great class and environment for beginners, David is a very kind and patient instructor. You can pick from a variety of objects to make, the pumpkin and birds are ADORABLE!! Surprisingly, the class is very affordable. Perfect experience for everyone! read more

Dave and Cindy run an awesome glass studio! Their glass blown creations are stunning-both the larger industrial size pieces like huge glass light shades and the creations that Dave patiently and expertly helps customers create in glass-blowing class. Dave is generous in sharing his time, his knowledge, his patience, his anecdotes and the science and history behind glass blowing in his workshop. And he made sure our vase came out beautifully. What a fun adventure! I highly recommend it! Caroline Winkler read more

We had the best experience. Dave is kind and is the so skilled at his craft. Highly recommend.

My office and I came here to celebrate our Christmas gathering by blowing some glass ornaments. We all left delighted not just with our beautiful ornaments, but also learning the pyrotechnics of glass blowing. Its not easy folks, but certainly fulfilling in its own right! Our instructor certainly had his credentials and patiently took each one of us through the fiery process of making shapes/molds. Fantastic teaching technique and very personable. One can get inspired before, by taking a walk through the studio where all sorts of glass baubbles and sculptures, even vintage hand dyed silk scarves are for purchase. After a day once the pieces had cooled, we could pick up our ornaments which came wrapped in cute Chinese take-out boxes! Cuteness! I would highly recommend you get inspired and take some lessons here to blow your own beautiful creations. read more

See all

Six of us (my husband, 2 teens, Mom, myself and a friend) took a class for my birthday while we were visiting Seattle a week and a half ago. David is absolutely knowledgeable and took the time to explain the science and chemistry behind the craft. Ned was wonderful to work with as well. All of us ranging in age from 14-72 had a wonderful experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. We received our pieces today and are so happy with how they turned out. We absolutely would love to take another class. Thank you so much David and Ned for the class and for the memorable pieces. We love them! read more

Visiting Blowing Sands was one of the very best parts of our trip to Seattle. David and Cynthia were patient and helpful as my family decided what to make, and we had a wonderful time taking turns creating paper weights and learning about the processes of working with the glass. David is an excellent teacher. Beautiful art and great memories. read more

We came here to blow our own glass bowls while vacationing in Seattle. We had a private session being able to complete 6 bowls. My daughter (7 yrs old) was thrilled to picked her own colors to make the bowls. David Smith was very patient and knowledgeable. He even let our 2 year experience blowing his own glass! David and his assistant took the time to explain the process and use of the different tools. This experience was very memorable for us and the highlight of our vacation. It was very interactive, fun and rewarding. I wish we lived in Seattle so we could visit more often. We will definitely be back the next time we visit Seattle. read more

I came here with a group from work for our team's holiday party. The whole experience was enjoyable. The staff is very patient and does a good job walking you through each step. I left with a greater appreciation of all the effort that goes into glass production. It's amazing that ancient people's had the knowledge and resources to produce glass. I recommend taking a class or stopping by the shop when you are looking for a unique gift--great gift ideas for house warmings. read more

Blowing Sands Glass Blowing - The fruit of my glassblowing labor. What a great experience. Thanks to the staff! - Glass Blowing Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I was on vacation with my hubby for our 10th anniversary and we decided to stop into Blowing Sands - we'd always been interested in glass blowing but knew nothing about it. We met owner and artist David Smith - he was very welcoming and accommodating and really just such a cool guy. He introduced us to some of the artists who work out of his studio, showed us around the gallery and told us about the artists who made the pieces on display and showed his his work - gorgeous, delicate, colorful pieces that ranged from light fixtures to beautiful organic abstract shape. While we were there he told us about how he got into glass blowing and demonstrated the process for us. When it was time to leave we weren't sure if we'd be able to get a taxi back to downtown and he was kind enough to offer to look up the bus schedule and give us change since we only had bills and debit cards :) We wound up getting a taxi back, but however you get there, it's worth the trip! read more

My wife and I came here for a date night and had a great time. We took a 2 hour private lesson with David and he made the whole experience enjoyable. He taught us basic safety principles and had us practice dry runs before actually handling the hot stuff. From there we got to make our own glass paper weights and even choose our colors. Finally we spent the last hour creating a glass bowl. We got to keep all items we made and once they were cooled off the next day they were ready for pickup. Overall it was very fun and eye opening just how difficult creating glass art can be. We will be returning here soon in the future! read more

Blowing Sands Glass Blowing - Glass Blowing Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

What a fun experience! We were gifted a two hour private lesson with Nick and had such a great time learning how to blow glass. Nick is a wonderful instructor and we will for sure be coming back in the near future! Thank you for such a memorable time. read more

Blowing Sands Glass Blowing - Glass Blowing Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I rarely write reviews on Yelp. If I did, it would be to hand out 3-4 stars most of the time. I feel compelled to write a glowing review for Blowing Sands, because the experience far exceeded expectations. I was planning a birthday celebration for my daughter and two of her friends, and I looked into a few glass blowing studios. Cynthia at Blowing Sands was very patient with all my questions, and their prices were better than competitors', so I booked an afternoon slot. We were warmly welcomed by Dave upon arrival, who was patient as the girls decided what they wanted to make. Nick, the instructor, then took over and gave a great overview of glass blowing, which was both informative and humorous. Nick was great with the kids, drawing them out a bit, asking them questions, and cracking jokes. We were there for 2-2.5 hours, which flew by. The girls had a wonderful time and got some great hands-on experience. While paying, Dave and I realized that we don't live too far from each other, so he offered to meet me somewhere so I could pick up the pieces (they have to cool for about a day) instead of having me drive the 45 minutes to Ballard. That was unexpected and greatly appreciated. A few days later, he met me at a local shopping center for the exchange (and he was even early, which scores major points with me). The final pieces (paperweights and bowls) were engraved on the bottom with the girl's name, the year, and the name of the studio, and they were all wrapped up tightly to guard against breakage. They look amazing, and my daughter is thrilled. My only suggestion for improvement is that they should call the "paperweight" something else, as it sounds pedestrian, but the final product is gorgeous. Maybe "whimsical glass orb?" Anyway, thanks to Blowing Sands! read more

Great experience! I took the Taste of Glassblowing Class. It was such a wonderful learning experience and definitely worth the time. Would love to take more classes! read more

My MIL and I went there for the Taste of Glass Blowing Class with my future sister in law (bride to be) and her friends. We all made an ornament for their Christmas tree. It was wonderful. Cynthia and David were very welcoming and the ornaments are gorgeous. I highly recommend this place as a fun alternative to a bachelorette party/bridal shower or even a b-day celebration. read more

After shattering one of the pendants on our West Elm chandelier we were convinced we'd have to replace the entire piece as replacements were nowhere available. What I thought to be a long shot phone call to Blowing Sands turned into a wonderful experience of them making a custom pendant. Dave is the genuine article, a craftsman through and through. It's nearly impossible to tell his pendant apart from the originals. Highly recommended. read more

Took a group of coworkers here for a summer event and we had a blast. The staff really know their stuff and make the whole experience interactive, fun and educational. The prices are really reasonable too. I'd recommend this fun activity to any group! Plus there is a little gallery to the side of the studio with some interesting art. read more

We went to make items for our 10 year Anniversary. We email the owner David and he was excellent. Explained a lot and we made everything with their help. Way better than the studios in downtown. Great prices. read more

I own a product design lab here in Seattle. It took me years to find a glass studio that understood the principals of good design. David and the guys know design as well as do art. read more

David Smith is a terrific glass artist. If you are in Ballard, you owe it to yourself to stop and take a walk through his shop and studio. We bought two of his hand-blown pendant lights and they were just what we were looking for, and at a very reasonable price. He has some other great pieces that would make wonderful gifts. Site: http://www.blowingsands.com/ read more

David is the best! His passion for the art is evident as he explains the processes and the tools. He is patient and kind and does not rush you through the process like other places. read more

What a fantastic experience! Wow. Dave is much more than an artist, he is a gifted teacher as well. My girlfriend and I took my daughter as a birthday activity, and we had a great time. Dave gave us a history lesson, kept us entertained, taught us how to do what we could, and helped us with the hard parts so that our "projects" turned out as objects we would be proud of. What a wonderful/interactive experience it was. We will definitely be back again, and I'm telling all my friends how much fun it was. I highly suggest it as a birthday or anniversary experience, having a handmade memento is priceless! read more

I arranged a glass blowing lesson at the Blowing Sands studio, as a birthday present for my husband. David Smith, the owner of the studio, was his teacher. David was friendly, informative and an excellent instructor. He explained the process, provided practice opportunities, and led my husband through the creation of a paperweight and a vase. Throughout the process, David allowed my husband to make choices and create his own design. The experience was fabulous from beginning to end! In addition, David and other artists display beautiful pieces in the studio. Check it out! read more

What a wonderful glass gallery! I first saw David Smith's work at the Fremont Festival and was hooked. He has wonderful designs including paperweights, sea themes, bowls, and card holders. I have had favorable responses from everyone to whom I have given a piece as a gift. I even got some friends together for a glass-blowing outing here, and we ended up having fun and creating some good paperweights! Aside from David's work, there are rotating special exhibits from local artists keeping it fresh. read more

Go to Chilualy Gardens first and then try to blow glass yourself. You will have so much respect for these artists after doing one yourself. We had a great instructor and highly recommend this for those of all ages!! read more

This was the highlight of our trip. I stumbled upon glass blowing in seattle on groupon on a sunday night but many of the places only offered classes on saturday (we were leaving tuesday) or were really expensive. Since we were going to be in Ballard on monday to see the locks I decided to send a message to see if they could get us in last minute on monday. I did not realize they are usually closed on monday but lucky for us David was willing to give us a class anyway. I made an ornament and my husband made a bowl. It was such a cool experience. David gave us a great rundown about the science of glassblowing and a cool demonstration, I was not surprised to later read on his card that he has a degree from MIT, definitely a smart guy. He helps you enough that your project is going to turn out great but lets you do enough that you feel like you're the one doing it. We ended up chatting with him a ton and he was so nice and passionate about what he does. Since the glass needs to cool for 24 hours we opted to have ours shipped since we were leaving Seattle the next day, we are waiting for our projects to arrive and cannot wait to see them! Such a great experience! read more