SCULPTING GLASS IN SWEDEN: MY WEEK AT THE GLASS FACTORY WITH AMY KRÜGER

This summer I had the privilege of taking part in an intensive hot glass sculpting workshop at the legendary Glass Factory in Boda Glasbruk, Sweden. Set in the heart of the Kingdom of Crystal, this iconic glass centre is known for blending tradition with experimentation. It was the perfect setting for a deep dive into sculptural glass.

Led by the brilliant Amy Krüger, the workshop brought together seven artists for a full week of learning, experimentation, and making. We focused on hot assembly techniques, Murano-inspired cane design, and refining our personal glass vocabulary. I also created a short video to accompany this post, giving a glimpse of the energy and atmosphere in the hot shop.

Learning at the Furnace: Hot Assembly and Sculptural Practice

Each day began with a couple of hours of live demonstrations from Amy. Her sessions were packed with knowledge, showing how to assemble glass sculptural parts while they are still hot and malleable. The timing, teamwork, and technique involved was staggering to witness up close.

Amy broke down complex steps into manageable sequences, and watching her control heat, form, and colour with such precision was a real education in itself. It reminded me that mastery in glass is not just about skill but also about rhythm and confidence.

Murano Cane with a Twist

We also explored traditional cane techniques drawn from Murano but reimagined for contemporary forms. Rather than simply copying historical patterns, we were encouraged to design our own canes, thinking critically about colour layering and pattern placement.

This process was fiddly and a bit chaotic at times, but when the patterns came together in the pickup, it felt like magic. I left with new ideas and even more respect for the complexity of cane work.

The Fish Bag Experience

One of the most enjoyable and bizarre challenges was creating the now iconic glass fish bag. Part technical exercise, part optical illusion, and part visual joke, this project tested all of our skills. The aim was to replicate that familiar plastic bag containing a pet shop fish using nothing but hot glass.

Each version was different, from surrealist nightmares to surprisingly accurate replicas. Mine ended up somewhere in between the two, but it was a joy to attempt.

Long Hours at the Bench

Beyond the demos, the bulk of the workshop was spent on the bench. These hours were where the real learning happened. We tested out techniques, experimented with forms, failed repeatedly, and occasionally pulled off something special.

Having access to such a well equipped studio with technical support and like minded artists gave me the freedom to take risks and reflect. Being immersed in that environment for a week helped me gain confidence not just in how I make, but why I make.

Final Thoughts: A Place of Heat and Discovery

The Glass Factory is not just a facility, it is a place of creative momentum. Spending a week in Boda Glasbruk under Amy Krüger’s guidance was an experience that pushed me both technically and conceptually.

If you ever get the chance to work there, say yes. It is a place where tradition and innovation meet, and where you are encouraged to stretch yourself beyond what you thought possible.

Watch my short video below to see some of the process and moments from the week.