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Douglass Brown

Glassblowing Expert

Douglass Brown is a Glassblowing Expert based in Half Moon Bay, California. He has over 25 years of experience as a glass artist and is the owner and operator of 2 glass blowing studios in the San Francisco Bay Area — Half Moon Bay Art Glass and Mare Island Art Glass. Douglass believes in sharing hot glass experiences with anyone who wants to learn about the processes of blowing and sculpting glass. When not teaching, Douglass creates glass art that is a mix of his takes on nature and functional glassware. He has also created the Glass Troubadours, which is a mobile glass-blowing studio that hosts parties and events, and visits craft shows.

Favorite Piece of Advice

When blowing glass, slow down. Don't be afraid to adjust, whether that means reheating the glass again or taking it out if it is moving too much, or too little. Let the glass tell you what it needs.

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Q&A Comments (14)

How do I make stained glass?
Creating stained glass has evolved over time, and while the traditional methods required intricate craftsmanship, modern techniques make the process more accessible. In the past, artisans would collect molten colored glass from a furnace, forming a bubble that was manipulated into intricate designs. This involved scoring, breaking, and unfolding the glass. Alternatively, they would spin out a bubble, resulting in "bullseye glass" with distinctive concentric circles. The contemporary approach, however, simplifies the process for easier production. Nowadays, stained glass is often made using continuous methods similar to window glass manufacturing. Molten glass is poured onto a surface from a smelting furnace, pulled, cut, and trimmed by a tractor-fed system. This results in a continuous sheet of stained glass progressing along a conveyor belt. Even glass mimicking the appearance of traditional stained or etched glass follows these streamlined, efficient techniques. This modernization has made stained glass creations more accessible to a broader audience.
How can I cut glass?
To cut glass effectively, a standard scoring tool with a small wheel and a touch of oil can be utilized. When dealing with thick glass, it is commonly available in tabletop form or as smaller pieces suitable for specific stained glass techniques. One such method is known as "doll," which involves working with substantial, thick chunks of glass. This versatile approach allows artisans to handle glass in various forms, from large tabletop pieces to smaller segments used in intricate stained glass projects.
How do I frost a glass jar?
There are two straightforward methods for frosting a glass jar. First, you can opt for sandblasting. Acquire a small air eraser or sandblaster from a local hardware or tool store, connect it to a compressor, and propel sand onto the glass surface. This process effectively etches the glass. If you prefer a specific design rather than an overall etching, use masking tape to create the desired pattern. Cut the tape accordingly, cover the glass, and then spray the exposed areas. Alternatively, you can employ a liquid-based solution, available at stained glass stores. Apply this solution to the glass, allowing for customization of the frosted effect. Whether you choose to frost the entire surface or create specific designs, such as letters, this method offers flexibility for achieving your desired outcome.
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