New Family Tradition

Since being here in Texas I have heard that many of our friends each year go to the "Ryno Glass" gallery and blow their own glass ornaments. I have never seen this done and thought that perhaps Stephen was old enough to enjoy this. Daddy Josh was a little skeptical, until we made it to the studio where it was being done!





We met the Stanfords and followed them to the studio. First, Allyson was up. This is her third year, so she was a pro! :)



I was impressed at how well behaved Stephen was. This just about the first time since toddlers that William and Stephen did not argue or tease each other about one thing or another. Instead of being crazy, Stephen watched patiently and waited for his turn!







Next up was William!






Now it was Stephen's turn. He was very calm, but I think also pretty excited. He looked interested in everything that was happening.




The man takes that long metal pole and dips it in to a big batch of melting glass. He then pulls out a glob of it, rubs it with a non-flammable cloth and constantly twirls the pole to give the ornament it's round shape. Then you can see him dip it into the glass shards; Stephen chose the colors red, alvocado green, and red.



Then Stephen and daddy use that plastic piece to blow into the pipe which blows the air into Stephen's ornament.





The artist brought it a few steps away where he put it on another cloth. This is when he works on the loop at the top of the ornament so it can hang onto the tree.