Today I visited the Glass Bubble Project for the first time. It’s located off of W. 25th in Cleveland, behind what was once the Garage Bar and is now Nano Brew. For years I had known what it was and knew people who had gone there for glass blowing classes, but had never ventured there myself.
This past holiday season I was attending my friend Camilla’s annual Christmas Cookie Party and met a girl named Tina there – she had made the best savory bacon cookie cracker I had ever eaten and she instantly became one of my heroes. After befriending Tina on the ole Facebook I discovered that Tina is a glass-blower at the Glass Bubble Project, and a mom of a five kids. Five!
Tina has basically had an invitation out to me for months to come visit the Bubble and meet their rooster Morty. I am happy to say I finally made it today and it was a really informative and inspiring visit. Tina is a natural teacher, I wasn’t even there for a lesson and I feel like I learned a good deal just from our conversation. It reminded me of jewelry making on a much larger scale and with way more fire power. It also looks like a pretty good workout. Today I watched Tina churn out some really beautiful vases and played with Morty the rooster while he pecked my shoes. I think we have a love hate relationship, I loved him and he hated me for not having food in my shoes.
I’ll be going back to the Glass Bubble soon to collaborate on a project with Tina. I am super excited to see how it turns out. It is always so nice to meet other artists that you can connect with and bounce ideas off of. I will leave you with some pictures.
This is Morty –
These are the amazing bacon cookie crackers –
Tina at the infamous Cookie Party!
About: The Glass Bubble Project uses recycled metal and hand blown glass to create one of a kind pieces. Their work is featured in many restaurants, bars, and Cleveland businesses. They accept commissions from private collectors and also have smaller items for sale as you walk in the studio. They also offer classes to the public and private studio time.
Their website can be found here: http://www.glassbubbleproject.com/index.php
The Red Heart Method 
what a fun day you had! I don’t know what makes Tina a bigger heroine for me; the fact that she has a rooster (with an awesome name), she bakes cookies with bacon (yumm), or that she has 5 kids (!!!!!). I was lucky enough to have taken two glass blowing classes at CIA (wow, it seems so long ago now) and yes it is a work out. I love you writing style Brandi and I can’t wait to learn about the special project you have in the works!
Thanks so much Emizween! I am always worried about grammatical errors with my writing. I am glad someone likes my writing. 🙂
And, yes, Tina and the Glass Bubble are rad. I was able to briefly meet some of the other artists today too. And in regard to Morty, I want chickens even more then before.