This training aims to impart the theoretical and practical foundations of molten glasswork. It combines technical know-how, a sensitive approach to the material, and supervised experimental phases to enable participants to acquire solid grounding in the demanding and captivating world of glassblowing.

At the end of the training, the trainee will be able to:

• Identify the main components of glass and its melting principles
• Understand the different ways glass is formed
• Develop a manufacturing process
• Sample molten glass
• Sculpt molten glass

The introduction to glassblowing course offers a unique immersion into the captivating world of molten glass. Led by experienced professionals, this course allows you to discover this incandescent, fluid, and demanding material and master its fundamental techniques.

From learning the components of glass to the principles of fusion, this course leads to practicing the collection, blowing, shaping, and sculpting of hot glass. It invites you to explore different shaping techniques, develop a manufacturing process, and create your first creations.

Sensory, technical, and creative, this introduction is a true gateway to the fascinating world of glassblowing.

Day 1

Morning

• Introduction and presentation of glass
• Presentation of the workshop, the different furnaces, and tools

Afternoon

• Introduction to the gestures and postures for sampling molten glass at over 1100°C
• Learning and using a glass iron
• Understanding its safe handling and movement
• Exercise in the open air, then sampling in the melting furnace

Day 2

Morning

• Understanding the working level

Afternoon

• Creation of elongated glass pestles and a sculpture of Glass

Day 3

Morning

• Presentation of a cup shaping process
• Development of a cup project

Afternoon

• Implementation of the project with the help of the trainers

Les Infondus

Chloé Grevaz and François Dubois, nomadic glassblowers striving between history and creation, met in the workshops of the National Glass School in Yzeure, in the Allier region. They completed three years of training there before being recruited by the Cristalleries Royales de Saint-Louis. During eight years spent at this excellent manufacturer, they refined their skills, deepened their techniques, and developed a collaborative working relationship that would take them far.

In 2011, François was awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France), with Chloé at his side as his assistant. At the same time, they continued their apprenticeship with glassmaker Allain Guillot, a MOF (Professional Craftsman of the Year) based in the Dordogne region. In May 2014, they founded their own workshop together: Les Infondus. They then left the salaried world to embrace a life of independence and exploration. Their practice became nomadic, punctuated by traveling demonstrations across Europe, while remaining rooted in their Moselle workshop.

Today, their work revolves around three areas: archaeological experimentation, the creation of historical facsimiles, and the production of contemporary tableware, designed and crafted entirely by them.

• Classroom, multipurpose room, workshops with professional equipment
• Materials provided
• Individual and collaborative work
• Workshop work
• Active participation and experimentation of participants are encouraged

• Collective and personalized monitoring of work, regular updates
• Self-assessment of technical skills
• Collective feedback
• Half-day attendance sheet
• Certification of completion issued by Campus MaNa