[Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture] Make your memories a reality at "Glass Experience Workshop Mori no Kuni"! Peace of mind with the support of craftsmen
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Many people have seen on TV, etc., a glasswork in which glass that has become like starch syrup at high temperatures is rolled around the tip of a pole and then blown into shape by blowing air into it.
Iwate is famous for such glasswork.
The number of people who actually want to try it themselves is increasing. For such people, we recommend "Glass Experience Workshop Mori no Kuni" located in Osako-cho, Hanamaki.
You can also have a glass experience with Edelwein.
Edelwein, one of the largest wineries in Tohoku, is a leisure spot with a hotel, restaurant, and glass workshop.
In addition to enjoying a wine chateau that is only available here, you can also tour the factory.
This is a place recommended for wine lovers, but more and more people are visiting just to experience the glass.
Introducing a variety of experience menus
The menu is more extensive than other workshops that offer regular glass experiences. That's why even children can enjoy it easily.
blown glass
When it comes to glass production, ``glass blowing'' is the most popular, as you might imagine. The glass is removed from a kiln that reaches temperatures of 1,200 degrees Celsius and is shaped like starch syrup, which is then blown using a rotating rod.
Careful support from craftsmen
The rod is heavy, but a craftsman supports it from the side, so even weak children don't have to worry about dangling the hot glass.
If you want to make a glass, use a wooden trowel to shape the bottom flat. Once it's in a good shape, separate it from the rod and make the mouth.
Various shapes can be selected
When making glasses, you can decide in advance the shape you like. That's why you can choose from a variety of glasses, from simple straight glasses to choko-shaped and wine glasses.
single flower vase
No matter what shape you choose to make a glass, it requires a lot of delicate work such as making the mouth, which can be difficult for children. Therefore, we recommend a single flower vase for small children.
In the case of a single flower vase, blow into it and separate it to give it its shape.
chopstick rest
Although you won't be able to make glass exactly as you imagined, chopstick rests are the easiest way to make them. All you have to do is push the cut glass with your weight using a special tool.
*About trial fees
Trial fees vary depending on the level of difficulty. Glass (3500 yen) → single vase (2000 yen) → chopstick rest (1000 yen).
mini glass
Although it is expensive and difficult, the most rewarding part is making glasses. For 3rd to 6th graders, there is a mini glass glass experience on the menu (3,000 yen).
Although it is quite small compared to the usual glassware experience, if children try their best, they will end up with a beautiful result.
The glass blowing experience does not mean that you can take home the finished product immediately after the glass blowing experience is over. This is because it is still hot and needs to be cooled down.
I will not be able to receive it on the same day, so I will look forward to receiving it in the mail the next day.
sand blast
For those who are afraid of glassblowing because it involves handling high-temperature objects, we recommend the sandblasting experience. Cut a sticker into your desired shape and stick it on a glass beforehand, then blow sand onto it to create a pattern similar to frosted glass.
Unlike glassblowing, you cannot decide on the shape yourself, but you can freely draw pictures on the glass, so it is an experience that both adults and children can enjoy.
In addition to glasses, plates and mugs are also available.
The trial fee is 1080 yen + glass fee.
dragonfly ball
When blowing glass, you have to use a long, heavy pole, but when making dragonfly balls, you just hold a straw-like glass rod over the fire, so it's easy.
combine two colors
You can freely decide the color you want to create. First, select a glass rod for the base and heat it. Once it starts to melt, wrap the glass rod of the color you want to add around it with the tips aligned.
Hold one glass rod in each hand, and when the glass starts to drip down, turn it half a turn, and when it starts to drip again, turn it half a turn, repeating this process.
You will need to make a hole in the dragonfly ball for the string to pass through, so once it is sufficiently round, wrap it around the iron rod. Let it cool for about 30 minutes and it's ready.
Become an original accessory
You can create your own original pendant or bracelet by choosing your own strings and beads and threading them through the dragonfly beads. The dragonfly ball experience is popular among girls.
The trial fee is 1,950 yen + parts fee.
fusing
Mori no Kuni also offers a rare glass-making experience called fusing. This is a method of combining several types of glass to create something more colorful than usual.
I make colorful things by combining Venetian glass, which is based on the Italian island of Murano, and glass rods called millefiori, which have floral patterns similar to Kintaro candy.
It's an experience that allows you to express your individuality more easily. You can make dessert spoons, pendants, etc.
The trial fee starts from 1800 yen.
A special experience at a workshop
Mori no Kuni sometimes holds special events. If you go at that timing, you can have an experience that you wouldn't normally have.
For example, at the "Winter Workshop Festival" on December 16, 2018, you can experience things that are only available on that day, such as a mosaic photo frame made of small square glasses and a chopstick rest made with special fusing.
Glass Experience Workshop Mori no Kuni has a https://www.facebook.com/oohasamamorinokuni/ We recommend checking this out in advance and visiting in time for the event.
Summary of “Glass Experience Workshop Mori no Kuni”
Glass making is something that only people have a vague idea about, but very few people have actually tried it. Handling high-temperature glass can be dangerous, but since a professional craftsman will accompany you, safety is guaranteed.
It has been designed so that children can work safely and happily. There is a wide variety of experience menus, so you can choose the one that suits your needs that day.
Be sure to include it in your route when sightseeing in Hanamaki and leave your memories in shape.
INFORMATION
name | Glass experience workshop Mori no Kuni |
location | 12-45-1 Osako, Osako-cho, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture |
telephone number | 0198-48-3009 |
Official URL | http://www.edel-support.com/morinokuni1.php |
Google Map |