This faux blown glass project is a wonderful way to recreate a fun Dale Chihuly art projects for kids idea without a 2,000℉ kiln. Also, look at my Free Glassblowing Unit Study and Lapbook.
Glass blowing is a perfect example of how science, history, and art can come together in a beautiful and meaningful way.
From ancient Syria to modern studios, this craft has captivated people for over 2,000 years and it continues to inspire artists and learners today.
Glass is literally all around us. It is used for windows, drinking glasses, light bulbs, smartphone screens, and more. But have you ever wondered how people shaped glass into such beautiful and useful objects, especially before machines did it for us?
One of the most fascinating ways to shape glass is called glass blowing. It is an ancient technique still practiced today by skilled artisans.
Glass blowing is the art of shaping molten glass by blowing air into it through a long metal tube. When the glass is heated to very high temperatures (about 2,000°F), it becomes soft. It can be inflated like a balloon.
Artists use special tools to shape and cool the glass, creating everything from bowls and bottles to intricate sculptures and ornaments.
GLASSBLOWING & DALE CHIHULY BOOKS FOR KIDS
Glass Blowing and Dale Chihuly Resources for Kids
Add some of these resources and books to your unit study about glass blowing.
This spiral-bound hardcover is an absolute necessity for those who like to travel creatively.
There is letter identification area behind the puzzle to assist in completing the puzzle. The finished puzzles can be used as artwork display and home decoration. Good travel souvenirs and gifts.
Dale Chihuly is renowned as the most prolific living artist working in glass, with hugely popular exhibitions in major museums around the world. Chihuly: 365 Days is a richly illustrated photo survey of his entire four-decade career, with more than 500 pictures showing all facets of his work—from intimate smaller pieces to the tremendous outdoor installations that have thrilled millions of visitors
This complete resource of mosaic techniques and design ideas is sure to become your go-to reference. With clear step-by-step sequences, mosaic artist Bonnie Fitzgerald shows how to draw up an idea, cut and arrange tiles, and lay designs successfully.
31 step-by-step projects for copper foiled and leaded window panels, candle holders, mirror and picture frames, light catchers, and more
One of the most famous modern glass artists is Dale Chihuly. Born in 1941 in Washington State, Chihuly studied art and design before falling in love with the medium of glass.
DALE CHIHULY: A MODERN GLASS LEGEND
He became a pioneer in studio glass, an art movement where artists work in small studios rather than factories.
He creates massive, colorful glass installations. They often look like undersea creatures, flowers, or twisting vines. He is known for his use of bright, bold colors and organic shapes.
His glass work is often displayed in gardens, museums, and public buildings around the world.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Washington, where visitors can walk among glowing glass sculptures in an indoor and outdoor gallery.
- The ceiling installation at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, made up of over 2,000 glass flowers.
Even though Chihuly lost sight in one eye and later stopped blowing glass himself, he still designs and leads teams of skilled glass blowers to bring his visions to life.
As you learn about blown glass and Chihuly grab my Free Glassblowing Lapbook filled with facts, vocabulary, images to color, and loads of information.
Just print, color, cut, and paste into place and then fill in whatever additional information you like.
Next, look at these Dale Chihuly crafts.
DALE CHIHULY ART PROJECTS FOR KIDS WHO LOVE COLOR
- Make a 30 Minute Chihuly Chandelier.
- Can you say CHIHULY?!!!!! Coffee Filter Art.
- Chihuly Inspired Sculpture using permanent markers and plastic cups.
- Create a Plastic Bottle Wind Spiral Mobile to enjoy.
- Look at these Easy Chihuly Inspired Sculptures for Kids.
Finally, look at how to make a faux blown glass Chihuly resin bowl.
FAUX BLOWN GLASS CHIHULY RESIN BOWL
You will need:
- Epoxy resin
- Resin ink
- Silicone mat
- Silicone mixing tools- cup, stirrer
First, follow the directions on your part A and part B resin to mix it together, which is typically 2 parts resin to 1 part of the hardener.
You are now going to slowly and carefully pour your epoxy mixture out to form an irregular circle on the silicone mat.
Drip ink colors throughout the resin to create a design, you can also use toothpicks to drag your colors around.
Continue adding dye as it spreads until you are happy with it.
After 6-8 hours the epoxy is no longer wet but it is malleable. Flip it into a bowl.
Then gently bend it to create fluted edges. You can even make it asymmetrical so it looks more like a natural piece of blown glass.
Be sure to push the bottom flat so it will sit well.
Allow the bowl to cure and harden over 2-3 days until fully firm and then remove from the mold bowl.
