When did you start?
I started blowing glass in my garage around the middle of last summer, about six months ago.

Where did you learn to blow glass?
I took an intro class this summer. My instructor influenced me to continue after the class. I’ve been interested in art and glass for a few years, and I decided to take a class last summer for fun.

What do you make?
I make pendants for necklaces, some ornaments and paper weights. I’ve been working on creating things in new sizes and shapes. It’s pretty hard.

What does your garage look like?
I have a wood table. You’re supposed to have a stainless steel table or a table with a stainless steel top but my wood table works. I have propane, oxygen tanks, tools and extra glass.

What’s the best part of glassblowing?
The finished piece is the best part. Being able to shape the glass into anything you want is really rewarding.

What’s the worst part?
The hardest part is working with the liquid. Glass is a liquid at first, which a lot of people don’t realize. It’s really hot and it’s difficult to work with. Gravity likes to force the glass down.

What do you do with your glass?
Sometimes I sell it, or give it to friends, or break it for fun. I mean, it’s glass,
why not smash it? It’s the perfect art: it involves lots of fire and demolition.

What do you hope to do with this skill?
I’d love to make it a career out of (glassblowing) and go to college for it. I’d like to be an artistic glass blower and make my career about art.

What kinds of glass blowing competitions are there?
The biggest glass blowing competition is the National Flame off. I’d like to do it.

What’s a typical project like?
I’ll stick with the simple one, the pendant. Start with a 9 mm rod, melt it into a ball like shape, apply other colored glass to color it. I just shape it. Bend it. Move it.  I use an oxygen propane torch and sturdier glass rods for shaping.

Will you be able to do custom work?
I can do custom work if you have good ideas. I’ll make jars, pendants, necklaces, ornaments, and small things like that.

How should someone contact you to buy your glass?
Easiest way to reach me is Facebook: search Miles Shaggy Bay. If you message me I will be able to get back to you in a day or so.