Feedback for Jason Stropko’s Glassblowing Classes and his qualities as instructor (click to continue reading)

Chad
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2:
Amazing experience learning how to blow glass with Jason. He is a great teacher. Glass blowing is very nuanced and Jason was patient with us the entire time. We had plenty of time to make two pieces each and he made sure we were able to fully execute our visions and they turned out great. Would definitely go back for another round!
Sep 11th 16

Christopher
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2:
This class was worth every penny! Glass blowing was something my girlfriend always wanted to try so I took her on a surprise date to Jason’s class. It went SO well.

Jason is friendly, informative and most importantly patient. Jason quickly showed us an example of what we would be doing by quickly creating a glass cup! My girlfriend and I then took turns making 2 small items each! We made a wine glass and a “cappuccino mug” each. Jason gave us the ability to choose our own shapes and colors! He then even gave us a little gift of two ornaments because we had some extra time left over.

We picked up our work a week later from him and couldn’t be happier! They look great!
Sep 5th 16

TAKE A CLASS WITH JASON : FOLLOW THIS LINK for options

Sen-Sei
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2:
After conducting some research and reading other reviews, I decided to try out the “Beginner Glass Blowing for 2” with Jason. What an awesome experience!

First off, Jason is a PRO when it comes to the art of blowing glass. His skill and passion is transparent (no pun intended). Second, it takes a certain personality type with abundant patience to be a good teacher. My wife and I learned a lot to say the least. Finally, the finished product(s) we created actually didn’t suck; Jason assisted me with a wide bottom wine decanter, and my better half crafted some heavy bottom glasses.

When I confirmed my appointment, I gave Jason a heads up what our favorite colors are and when we showed up, he was prepared. The end result was exactly what wanted.

Now I’m not one to write reviews since everyone can have a different experience and/or opinion. All I can say that for the two of us, we were “blown” away.. (pun intended).

Thanks Jason!
Aug 18th 16

Tianyu
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2:
I sooo recommend this over the group class at Public Glass! We had a lot more hands-on time to get a feel for working the glass, and Jason was flexible with his role depending on your experience/comfort level. I loved that he could verbally explain how to improve/correct our technique throughout the process, without taking over himself whenever something went wrong.

Jason was also very committed to making sure we achieved our creative vision. After describing the shapes/colors we wanted, he quickly made some sample orbs with our colors melted in so we could see how they looked and how they’d react with each other. While we were occupied with something more passive, he also taught us a little about the history of glassblowing. Amazing way to spend 3 hours, do it!
Aug 13th 16

Nancy
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason
I loved this class! Jason is a wonderful teacher – guides you and helps when needed and is calm and supportive throughout. You have time to get the feel of it and actually create something beautiful and useful!

You leave really feeling like you accomplished something. I wholeheartedly recommend doing this!
Aug 11th 16

Kathryn
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
What a fun evening! Jason is an extremely welcoming host, patient instructor and skilled artisan. He taught us all about glassblowing and helped us bring our ideas to life. We left with beautiful pieces that we’ll treasure for years – no one will believe we had a hand in their creation. It’s a hands on, creative, safe experience and I’d recommend it to anyone!
Aug 9th 16

Zoë
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Jason did a great job of explaining the process of blowing glass. He started by making his own and having us watch as he explained the steps involved, which I think is really helpful for beginners! Then we each got to make our own glasses with a lot of help from Jason. He is really thorough and makes sure to answers any questions you may have.
Aug 7th 16

Tammy
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
We had a great time with Jason! His instructions were clear and easy to follow. He was patient & made the whole experience really fun. I would recommend this class to anyone. Loved our pieces. Between the two of us we made 2 lowball glasses, a terrarium and an ornament.
Aug 2nd 16

Latha
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
Jason was a great teacher. Me and my husband had a lot of fun during the class. We made two bowls and two glasses. One was a huge ornamental piece an Jason taught us the techniques patiently. He was nice enough to stay back extra 30 minutes to help us complete the glass we were trying to make. I took couple of glass blowing classes and Jason is the best!

I highly recommend his class. He is very responsive and goes out an extra mile to help you! Thanks a lot Jason for good memories!
Aug 1st 16

Penny
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
If I could leave 6 stars I would. This experienced blew us away and completely exceeded my expectations. Jason provided the perfect balance of instruction and hands-on experience. He was extremely attentive, patient, and supportive of our creations. I don’t think there is any other class like this in the Bay Area–especially with the expertise and professionalism of Jason.

I highly recommend Jason for any glass blowing class he offers, at whatever level of skill or interest you have. It is well worth the money.

We now have a two glass wine decanter and lovely bowl to remember this experience!
Jul 22nd 16

Christina
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
Jason was absolutely awesome! My boyfriend and I were pretty excited to take his class since neither of us had ever blown glass. Jason was an excellent teacher -he did a great job of walking us through the process before we started and he let us be really hands on in making our pieces, while still giving us plenty of guidance. I’d love to take another class with him!
Jun 21st 16

Maria
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
My husband and I had SUCH a great time at this class! Neither of us had blown glass before and didn’t really know anything about the process. We had 4 total people in the class (2 in addition to us) so we each got almost 45 minutes to an hour when working on our item of choice. Jason was such a great teacher, so patient, and gave us plenty of hands on time so you really got to try all the various techniques, but was also ready to swoop in and help to make sure you’d ultimately still be happy with your final product. Highly recommend this class, we have been talking about it to all our friends and coworkers for over a week since we took the class!
Jun 20th 16

Anna
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Jason’s glass was the best Verlocal experience I’ve had thus far (and my boyfriend and I have taken MANY Verlocal classes). He allowed both of us to get lots of hands-on experiences as each of us made our own glass pieces, patiently answered all of my questions about the glass blowing process and even met me the next week in SF to give me our completed glass pieces once they had cooled!

We are looking forward to taking more classes from Jason and strongly recommend you take his class(es), too!
Jun 17th 16

Celestial
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
So much fun! Jason was friendly, patient, and a great instructor. The private session was perfect for hands-on learning: no standing around waiting for a turn. We made a couple of Christmas ornaments and a drinking glass . They came out great! Perfect for a unique date-night, or anyone curious about blowing glass.
Dec 15th 15

Raquel
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
What an amazing experience! Jason is a phenomenal teacher – he was such a joy to learn with. My boyfriend and I had never blown glass before, and we really enjoyed it. It was such an interesting process – I love that we got to have creative freedom, and Jason really helped us bring our ideas to life. We made a pretty sweet bowl and vase. This is the perfect date night or gift!
Nov 19th 15

Ellen
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Hands down one of the best classes that I have ever taken.. Jason is an excellent teacher … very clear, concise and very, very patient!I learned so much about the process which gave me a greater appreciation of the art of glass blowing. I did not realize that there was not only a process but also a ‘dance’ to making objects. This class exceeded all of my expectations and went by too quickly. I really hope I have another chance to take a class from Jason. I highly recommend this class to everyone.
Oct 23rd 15

Lindsey
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Jason is an incredible teacher!! I had such a blast at class; by far, it definitely exceeded my expectations. The time flew by – plus I gained a greater understanding and appreciation of this craft. I didn’t realize how detailed the process is and learned so much. I HIGHLY recommend this to class. : )
Oct 6th 15

Alejandro
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
This was my first time at a class for glass making and I must say it was amazing. Jason has the confidence, patience and expertise to show you the basics and then progressing with more elaborate designs if you are up for the challenge. As a beginners class we got to do so much and is really hands on. He will show you how to really get in and shine while creating your design. Very happy with this class, thankful and definitively will be visiting the studio more often to sharpen up my craft.
Oct 1st 15

Sarah
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Had a great time with Jason! He was a very good instructor. He tailored our class to exactly what we wanted to do and learn. I would definitely continue and take future classes with Jason.
Sep 26th 15

Kacey
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason
Jason’s Studio is really cool, I felt like I was getting a sneak peak at all his upcoming works! I’ll definitely be back =]
Sep 4th 15

Christmas Glass Sale

see the flyer here: 2015_Jason_Christmas_flyer_4

Jason’s Christmas Glass Sale :

{for Friends and Colleagues}

Saturday 5th December @ Jason’s Tai Chi Studio only ! Call Jason for details 510 375 8487.

DSC_5388
A range of nuts and seeds that will look just perfect in windows displays, as part of table arrangements, nestled among gifts under the Christmas tree, in your bowl of ready to be cracked walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds..

www.jasonstropko.wordpress.com

 

christmas ornament

 

Jason Stropko’s exquisite Batutto drinking glass

Batutto : 'carved' glass. Blown and 'carved' by Jason Stropko
Batutto : ‘carved’ glass. Blown and ‘carved’ by Jason Stropko

Such a rare opportunity to touch and drink from such a unique glass. I didn’t know that this kind of glass even existed, it’s not exactly what you find in Ikea or even more upmarket home interior stores.

A completely handmade glass: blown by hand. Recently Jason had a mould custom made from a drinking glass that he created. He uses the mould to make the drinking glass creation process more streamlined and the products more easily reproducible. Each drinking glass is still finished by hand, this is not the same as a completely mould blown process where the tops are ‘popped’, instead this mould acts as the guide to the final shape, which then has room to vary slightly, giving the  lovely handmade feeling.

This particular drinking glass was blown very thick and sturdy to allow plenty of room to battuto it. What is battuto? It is effectively carving of the glass, or rather grinding it with a glass grinding disk against which the glass is pressed to grind each facet that you see.

A single glass takes a good 90 minutes to battuto (this one actually took 2 hours!). But first it needs to be blown, for which it is really quite useful to have an assistant who can open and close the blow mould (it operates with a hinge and is tricky for the glassmaker to use alone unless he/she is an octopus).. After the glass is blown it enters the annealer, which is effectively a slow cooling down oven. The glass will idle in the annealer overnight on a long cooling cycle. This is essential or else the glass would be prone to cracking when it is knocked slightly, or it could just spontaneously combust, too.

Nobody wants a combusting drinking glass, right? After the glass has cooled down it then goes through the battuto process after which it is hot torched to soften sharp edges. And this is where I am not sure if it will be annealed once more..

You can imagine how rare such a battuto drinking glass is, but it also is a very old and traditional technique. If you ever are in need of a present that nobody else will bring to a favourite family members wedding or super special occasion then you now have an idea…

I just found this great link to A Murano website that explains Battuto better than I.

LINK to BATTUTO

Photographing Jason’s past glass projects in the studio …

Jason Stropko's Aquatic Safari vase & lampshade (you choose, which)
Jason Stropko’s Aquatic Safari vase & lampshade (you choose, which)

Trying to catch up with documenting all of the many, many glass objects that are populating the studio.. Hopefully this vase / lampshade will find a new home, soon!

Beautiful vase / lampshade : made by Jason Stropko
Beautiful vase / lampshade : made by Jason Stropko

Sorry there have been so few personal words lately, it’s been a busy time getting geared up for the seasonal occasions as well as Jason starting a new part time glassblowing job with fixed hours. They threw a party the first day that he worked! What a welcome that was!

Jason has been working for other people’s glass dreams in the last 3-4 weeks and not created as much as we would have liked from his own projects. Slowly but surely he is continuing his own line of tableware and Nuts & Seeds projects.

and for good measure a close up of the vessel
and for good measure a close up of the vessel

A unique solid clear glass acorn

.. the acorn is shown photographed from the same angle but with slight changes in the light direction.. DSC_8050

This particular acorn is currently unique in Jason’s collection because of the way that the acorn cap was created. Every time Jason is in the studio we try and experiment with one thing so expand the overall range. We haven’t made more of this one yet, so in case you love it: it is here and has no twins and might never have any, but it fits really well with all the other acorns and nuts and seeds… DSC_8068

Yes, sorry, I am getting a little bit ‘salesy’, its coming up to that time of year and Jason is coming to spend Christmas in Germany & England, he might depart as early as December 15th, so we are ‘laying our eggs’, ready to hatch as early as we can this year..

DSC_8088

We imagine these seeds to look just fantastic in window displays, on table settings, anywhere where light reflects, at Thanksgiving dinner tables or displays. The symbolism of acorns is reflective of the symbolism of Oak trees, their strength and the characteristics of prosperity and wisdom. Seeds in general are great symbolic gifts for anybody who is planting seeds in life, starting something new, beginning a journey of education, career or health… Glass like this acorn is a really good gift idea for minimalists as well as those people who love to populate their home with treasures and objects of desire..DSC_8115

We will upload more pictures of acorns in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes on Jason’s blog.