Best Glassblowing Books of 2025

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Glassblowing is a fascinating art form that requires precision, skill, and creativity. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced glassblower, there are plenty of books available to help you hone your craft. From instructional manuals to coffee table books filled with stunning photographs of glass art, there's something for everyone. Some popular titles include "The Glassblower's Companion" by Dudley Giberson, "Contemporary Lampworking" by Bandhu Scott Dunham, and "Glassblowing: A Technical Manual" by Ed Burke. These books offer step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, and inspiration for glassblowers of all levels. Whether you're looking to learn a new technique or simply admire the beauty of glass art, these books are a must-have for any glassblowing enthusiast.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Glassblowing Books
Kicking Glass: A Creative Guide to Stained Glass Craft
Kicking Glass is a comprehensive and creative guide for both novice and experienced crafters who want to explore the magical world of stained glass. The book covers everything from tools and supplies to exploratory techniques, including foraged materials, and offers 16 stunning patterns to try. Neile Cooper's warm and supportive approach shines through in her own work and in pieces from some of today's most stylish designers. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs and instructional drawings. Overall, Kicking Glass is an excellent modern guide to stained glass making that provides comprehensive technical instruction and inspiration.
The Ultimate Guide to Sea Glass: Finding, Collecting, Identifying, and Using the Ocean's Most Beautiful Stones
The Ultimate Guide to Sea Glass is a comprehensive book that covers everything from finding, collecting, identifying, and using sea glass. Written by Mary Beth Beuke, a seasoned collector herself, the book provides valuable insights for both beginners and experienced collectors. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs of rare and colorful pieces, making it a great coffee-table book for art enthusiasts and nature lovers. Overall, this book is a highly recommended guide for anyone interested in sea glass and its history, and it stands out as the only book on the topic that collectors will ever need.
Warman's Depression Glass Handbook: Identification, Values, Pattern Guide
Warman's Depression Glass Handbook is an essential reference book for antique glassware enthusiasts. With its easy-to-use thumbnail pattern guide, detailed pattern drawings, values, and shape guide, it helps in quick identification and discovery of Depression glass patterns. The book features 170 patterns, glorious color pictures, and is the most extensive portable guide on the market. The author, Ellen T. Schroy, is a leading expert in the field and has provided invaluable identification guides and authoritative pricing for collectors. This book is perfect for both new and established fans of Depression glass, making it an excellent addition to any antique and collectible reference book collection.
Doorways, Windows & Transoms Stained Glass Pattern Book (Dover Stained Glass Instruction)
The Doorways, Windows & Transoms Stained Glass Pattern Book by Anna Croyle is a must-have for stained glass enthusiasts of all skill levels. With 60 stunning plates of workable patterns, crafters can create beautiful designs for windows, door panels, and transoms. The patterns can be easily adjusted to fit any space and are available in a variety of styles that can also be used for print, textile, and needlework projects. Anna Croyle's natural ability for the craft is evident in her designs, making this book a valuable addition to any glassblowing book collection.
162 Traditional and Contemporary Designs for Stained Glass Projects (Dover Stained Glass Instruction)
This book, titled "162 Traditional and Contemporary Designs for Stained Glass Projects," is a treasure trove for stained glass workers. It includes over 160 patterns in both traditional and modern styles, making it an ideal resource for almost any stained glass project. The designs are easily adaptable and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making them perfect for windows, mirrors, panels, and sidelights. In addition to being immediately usable and royalty-free, these designs are also suitable for a wide range of other arts and crafts projects. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in stained glass work, and its broad range of motifs and styles make it stand out from other stained glass pattern books.
Kiln-Formed Glass: Beyond the Basics: Best Studio Practices *Techniques *Projects [Paperback] Griffith, Brenda
Kiln-Formed Glass: Beyond the Basics by Brenda Griffith is a comprehensive guide for advanced glass crafters looking to take their skills to the next level. The author covers a range of techniques, including cast glassing and cold working, as well as best studio practices and adapting unusual tools and materials. The book also features stunning gallery images and beautiful projects. Griffith is a respected artist in the field, and her expertise shines through in this indispensable guide. This book is a must-have for any serious glass crafter.
Color By Number Stained Glass Patterns Anti Anxiety Coloring Book For Adults - Black Line Version: For Relaxation and Meditation (Color By Number For Adults)
This Color By Number Stained Glass Patterns Anti Anxiety Coloring Book For Adults - Black Line Version is a great gift idea for adults who love to color and relax. The book contains 25 beautiful and dreamy stained glass patterns that are already filled in black, perfect for those who don't love coloring in the white lines. The book also includes bonus color by number puzzle pages, single-sided images, and a simple color palette to choose from. It's a great way to relieve stress and lower anxiety. This book is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced artists. The mosaic images look like gorgeous stained glass or stencil drawing shapes when finished. Overall, it's a must-have for those who love coloring books.
A Beginner's Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass: * Fused * Slumped * Cast
A Beginner's Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass is an excellent introduction to the art of kiln forming glass. This book covers all the essentials of fusing, slumping, and casting, as well as more advanced techniques like pot melting and mold-making. The troubleshooting section is particularly helpful for beginners. The book features nineteen beautiful and practical projects, arranged by skill level, that range from home decor items to sculpture. The decorative surface treatment advice is a valuable addition to the book. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone interested in learning the art of kiln-formed glass.
Glass Fusing in a Clay Kiln
Glass Fusing in a Clay Kiln is an excellent instructional manual for aspiring ceramic artists who want to add glass fusing to their skillset. It covers every aspect of glass fusing, from tools and materials to firing and finish work. The author, a ceramic artist and educator, writes in simple language, making it easy to understand for anyone, from beginners to advanced learners. The book is suitable for both home hobbyists and institutional ceramics studios. It's a must-have for anyone interested in expanding their practice and creating unique pieces of art that combine glass and clay.
Warm Glass: A Complete Guide to Kiln-Forming Techniques: Fusing, Slumping, Casting
The book "Warm Glass: A Complete Guide to Kiln-Forming Techniques: Fusing, Slumping, Casting" is the first and only full-color guide to warm glass, or kiln-fired glass, currently in print. It provides an extensive look at the various processes involved in kiln-firing, including fusing, slumping, casting, and pâte de verre. The book also includes a historical overview of glassmaking, useful tips, and stunning photos of finished works. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in warm glass techniques, and its comprehensive coverage and lavish illustrations make it a standout among glassblowing books.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is glassblowing still a thing?
But since the '80s, or at least the early '90s, it has gone through a massive contraction. Here's the reality: The American Scientific Glassblowers Society has slowly shrunk from almost 1,000 members to probably 300.
2. Is it glassblowing or glass blowing?
Glassblowing is a glassforming technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble (or parison) with the aid of a blowpipe (or blow tube). A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, glassmith, or gaffer.
3. How much does a glassblowing setup cost?
One way to get started is to purchase a starter kit complete with a torch, glass rods, mandrels, marvers, and assorted tools. Depending on the kit, they can run anywhere from less than $100 to more than $600.
4. What is glassblowing technique?
Glass blowing is a glass forming technique that humans have used to shape glass since the 1st century B.C. The technique consists of inflating molten glass with a blowpipe to form a sort of glass bubble, that can be molded into glassware for practical or artistic purposes.
During our glassblowing book research, we found 292 glassblowing book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,781 customer reviews through our big data system to write the glassblowing books list. We found that most customers choose glassblowing books with an average price of $14.13.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.