About this experience

Experience the Magic: Craft Your Own Glass Pumpkin

🎃 Fall in Love with Glassblowing - Create Your Own Glass Pumpkin 🎃

Experience first-hand and up close the mesmerizing process of transforming molten glass into a stunning glass pumpkin. Discover the ancient artistry developed over 2000 years ago by the Romans.

About This Experience:

Extreme Temperatures: Feel the intensity of 1200 degrees centigrade as you work with molten glass, just like the ancient artisans.

Roman Craftsmanship: Learn the time-honoured techniques passed down through generations, connecting you to an ancient legacy.

One-to-One Guidance: Our experienced glassblower will be your personal tutor, guiding and supporting you through each step of crafting your unique glass pumpkin.

What Happens During the Experience:

Your tutor will demonstrate the making of a pumpkin so you know what to expect and then invite you into the hot seat.

🎨 Colour Preparation: Choose the colours you wish to use, and with the assistance of the tutor, melt them into the glass on a blowing iron.

🔥 Shaping: Use a wooden block to shape the glass before blowing down the iron to create your bauble.

🔄 Reheating: Repeat the process in a special reheating chamber to perfect your creation.

🔨 Shaping and Separation: Metal hand-tools called jacks are used to shape the glass and prepare it for separation from the blowing iron.

🪝 Stalk Attachment: Your tutor will apply a curly stalk, formed from liquid glass. Once cooled it can be taken home to be hung and admired.

Get close-up to the  extreme heat of the glass furnace and try some of the 2000 year old techniques developed by the ancient Romans.

During this experience, you will work one-on-one with a highly skilled glassblower who will guide and support you through each step of the creation of a stunning multi-coloured pumpkin. This is a truly unique and educational experience during which you will manipulate and blow liquid glass at temperatures of up to 1200 centigrade.

What happens during the experience?

First, your tutor will demonstrate the process of creating a pumpkin from start to finish, to help you visualise what you will do when you are invited into the hot seat.

Your tutor will initially show you how to handle the tools and blow pipes you will require to make a pumpkin. Next will apply and melt coloured glass (which has been prepared for you) to the clear liquid glass your tutor will gather from their furnace for you.

A wooden block, or occasionally a wet newspaper hand-pad, is used to shape the molten glass into the desired shape. You will blow a bubble into the glass and the inflate it into an optic mould to add the distinctive ridges to the pumpkin.

Metal hand-tools called jacks are then used in a process called cutting-in to narrow the glass so it can be separated from the blowing iron. As the glass cools it becomes brittle where the jacks cooled it. It can then be separated from the iron and the coloured glass stem applied. Whilst still hot and flexible it will be twisted to create the distinctive curly pumpkin stalk.

 It is important your pumpkin is cooled slowly to prevent it cracking. It placed in a kiln to do this.

Can I take my Pumpkin home straight away?

Unfortunately this is not possible. It usually takes between one one two days to cool and pack your glass ready for collection.

If you are unable to return to the factory within one week, we are happy to organise for it to be posted to you. Please advise us during your visit so we can arrange payment & confirm addresses.

To ensure a safe working environment a maximum of three participants per hour will participate in this experience. When not actively blowing, you will be asked to remain seated for your safety. Each individual hands-on experience will last around 20 minutes. A maximum of five non-participating visitors may join the group.

Please note, only one person will blow glass at a time. As your safety is our paramount concern you will receive extremely close supervision & tuition. The minimum age for this experience is 13 years, as it involves closer contact with hot glass than our bauble workshops (8yrs +). Participants must wear clothing that covers their legs and feet. Shorts, short skirts, sandals, stilettos etc. are not allowed. Safety goggles and sleeves will be provided by Cumbria Crystal.

Do you want to book for a larger group, maybe a family birthday or a work away day? email us at shop@cumbriacrystal.com to discuss.

Why pumpkins at Halloween? 

In the ancient Celtic religion, November 1st was one of the most important and sinister festivals of the year (now 31st October). Called Samhain (it translates to 'end of summer') the world of the gods was believed to be made visible to humankind and the gods played many tricks on their mortal worshippers; it was a time fraught with danger, charged with fear, and full of supernatural episodes.

Sacrifices to appease the gods were thought to be vital, for without them the Celts believed they could not prevail over the perils of the season or counteract the activities of the deities. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to help ward off ghosts.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as a time to honour all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.

During the 19th century, the great numbers of Irish people emigrating to America saw Halloween take root across the Atlantic. Now it is firmly established as one of the USA’s most popular traditions. The carving of pumpkins appears to have become popular in America because the Irish, who were used to working with turnips, found pumpkins easier to come by and easier to carve.

Terms and Conditions:

Please note that our 10% welcome code is not applicable when purchasing glass blowing experiences. Full glassblowing terms and conditions. Participants must wear clothing that covers their legs and feet. Shorts, short skirts, sandals, stilettos etc. are not allowed. 

Ready to Book?

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the captivating art of glassblowing and create a lasting memory. Our "Blow Your Own Glass Pumpkin" experience is perfect for individuals, couples, and groups looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure.

Note: Due to the high demand for this experience, we recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot.

Location:

📍 Cumbria Crystal LA12 7LB (opposite Booths Supermarket, Ulverston). FREE parking. Weelchair accesible.

Contact Us:

If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact us:

• Phone: +44 (0)1229 584400
• Email: shop@cumbriacrystal.com

Join us for an extraordinary experience, and let the magic of glassblowing inspire your creativity. Create your own glass pumpkin masterpiece and leave with memories to cherish forever.

Image: For illustration purposes only. Your glass pumpkin will be uniquely crafted by you.