Experience the world of glass in a workshop surrounded by greenery

 

Glass Studio CLOVER is located in a quiet place surrounded by greenery near Lake Hamana. Here, you can experience the world of glass that you would not normally come into contact with through glassblowing and glass bead making.

 

When you open the door to the workshop, where you can feel the warmth of wood, you will find a red-hot furnace burning in the back, the quiet sounds of work echoing in the heat, and an air of seriousness in the air. It's time to step away from everyday life and start creating something with your own hands.

 

 

The charm of blown glass: no two pieces are the same

 

Glassblowing is a technique in which molten glass is wound around the end of a rod and shaped by blowing air into it to inflate it. The glass melted in a high-temperature furnace is soft and heavy. Because it is shaped by hand, each piece has a slightly different look, and each piece has its own unique charm.

 

It is possible to create a wide range of items, from everyday items such as cups, plates, vases, and wind chimes to decorative pieces.

 

 

The joy of choosing a design

 

The experience begins by deciding on the image of the piece you want to make. Samples and finished products are lined up in the workshop, and there is a wide variety of colors and patterns. From simple designs that make use of transparency to gorgeous designs that combine colored glass, you can choose according to your taste.

 

If you're unsure, the owner, Mr. Shirayanagi, will kindly give you advice based on the purpose and difficulty level, so even first-timers can try it with confidence.

 

 

 

The moment when breath is breathed into it and life is born

 

Once the design is decided, production begins. The molten glass is wound around a rod, and crushed colored glass is layered on top of it to create a pattern, before being heated again in the furnace to shape it.

 

 

 

Next comes the most powerful step: blowing. As the mouth is placed on the rod and air is slowly blown into, the transparent glass expands little by little, softening and changing shape.

 

The first breath, with careful adjustment of the force, feels like breathing life into the glass.

 

With each breath, the colors and patterns swaying through the light change appearance, and you can feel the piece coming to life with your own hands and breath.

 

 

In the finishing touches, Shirayanagi and I make small adjustments together, such as flattening the bottom and widening the opening. The process of shaping the fish while turning the rod can be difficult, but with Shirayanagi's support, it's easy to relax.

 

In between work, you will be taught how to layer colors and the unique expressions of glass, allowing you to experience the depth of pottery making.

 

 

Memorable time spent crafting

 

As you work engrossedly, time will fly by. Your finished piece will then be cooled and ready to collect at a later date.

 

Even if you are visiting from afar, it can be sent by mail, making it a safe gift for a special someone or as a memento of your trip.

 

 

The experience of creating something with your own hands will make you realize the depth of pottery and the joy of craftsmanship. The pottery you pick up every day may start to look a little more special.

 

Customers have said things like, "I use it every day," "My family has been using it for years," and "I broke it, but I felt bad about throwing it away, so I brought it back."

 

"Every time I hear such comments, I realize that the pottery is breathing in someone's life and spending their days with them," says Shirayanagi.

 

Spending time in the quiet and peaceful workshop will gently take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and light a gentle light in your heart.

 

What you can experience in this tour

 

The experience lasts about an hour. First, choose the design of the vessel you want to make, and then use the samples lined up in the workshop, from simple transparent glass to gorgeous layered colors, to help you expand your imagination. If you're unsure, the owner will be happy to give you advice, so you can rest assured.

 

Once you have decided on a design, you enter the workshop, where you wrap molten glass around a rod, add patterns using colored glass, and shape it while heating it in a furnace. The moment you blow air into it to inflate it is a special experience, as you breathe life into your creation with your own hands and breath.

 

Once the finishing touches are complete and the product has cooled, you can either pick it up in person at the store or have it mailed to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Guide introduction

 

Akane Shirayanagi, Representative of Glass Studio CLOVER

 

Originally from Hamamatsu City, he opened Glass Studio CLOVER 15 years ago and has been working with glass ever since. Deciding to enter the world of arts and crafts, he studied in Ishikawa Prefecture and gained skills and experience at a studio in Kaga. After that, he was fortunate enough to acquire a kiln and opened his own studio in his hometown of Hamamatsu. As well as holding exhibitions and creating his own works, he also holds hands-on classes in glassblowing and glass bead making, conveying the joy of craftsmanship to visitors.