Working with the paper and the wooden blocks allow the gaffer to keep the piece very hot, and thereby have the most control over the shape of the piece. Once the basic shape and size of the piece have been achieved, the metal tools will cool the piece and set its shape. Here the gaffer uses the blades of the jacks to cool the sides of the piece, maintaining its shape. The most versatile of all glassworking tools, the jacks can be used to cool the sides of a vase, draw open the lip of a bowl, or flatten the bottom of a plate. By placing only the top of the piece in the glory hole, the bottom will stay cool and its shape will not become distorted.
Teamwork is essential in glassblowing.
Here one assistant helps the gaffer turn the piece at the bench, allowing the gaffer to concentrate on the shape of the vessel. A second assistant applies a paddle to the lip of the vessel, which will give the piece a smooth, level top. The piece will gradually cool overnight in an annealer. All in all, this piece took about 40 minutes to make.