A Visit from Family: Kosta Boda Glassworks

Our first stop in the kingdom of crystal was the Kosta Boda factory in Kosta, Sweden. We had arranged for a tour and a time to try our hands at glass-blowing. While we waited for the tour time, we explored the Exhibition Hall, a couple of rooms filled with all sorts of artistic glass pieces.



Detail of a glass hammock



Detail of another glass hammock



The glass hammocks.




Looking through another piece that reminded me of an eye.





A brilliant orange piece.




One of the fun glass violins.




Another fun violin. I really would love one of these.




A glass bird flying in a bottle.





The kids found their own entertainment picking flowers in the courtyard.



 The tour started by a lady explaining how glass is made, and what tools are used. I tried to follow what she was saying by keeping my youngest munchkin distracted with food. Of course, then my other munchkins decided they were hungry, too.

After learning about the process, we moved into the glass-making area. They were making some goblets that day, a process that combined hand-blowing and machinery.



The machine




A man about to blow the glass into a mold



A man working the first portion of glass for the goblets

These girls were making something else

When the tour was over, we took a break for a picnic lunch. Then we waited for our turn to blow glass.


My ticket to a unique experience



Of course, I didn't take any pictures of my blowing glass. Fortunately, my bro-in-law, Richard, took some shots.  Oh, what fun that was! They accidentally broke my first glass, so I had to blow another one. When I was done, I went outside to where Jaime was watching my kiddos.

They have a small playground at the Kosta factory, which is truly a blessing. My kids were happy, which made me happy.



H swinging.




K in the play fort




AJ hanging out in the play fort.




Edith taking H for a ride

 When everyone was done, we decided to head to the small cafe for some ice cream. Well, H doesn't like ice cream, so just K and AJ got some.

Two happy campers

 After shopping, we picked up our glasses. I was worried that we wouldn't be able to tell them apart, but once we opened them all, I realized that confusing them was impossible.



Our glasses. Clockwise from far left: Jaime, Ellie, me, Edith, Richard

After dinner, we decided to go for a walk to a nearby park. Jaime brought some leftover bread, and the kids enjoyed feeding the ducks and ducklings swimming around. They ran around the playground like they hadn't been outside in weeks. I was hoping it would help them fall asleep earlier, but I was mostly wrong. I guess it is always difficult to unwind in an unfamiliar place.

It was a busy, but wonderful day. Glassblowing was amazing, shopping was fun, and I have a unique souvenir to remind me of this experience.