This is the little glass elephant I made with Backstreet Academy in Chiang Mai Thailand.

Backstreet Academy offers many classes in Chiang Mai, including batik, jewelry making, metalworking, soap carving, painting, leatherwork, cooking, etc. . .  I did this class and the batik class (in another post).  They have classes in many cities in Asia, so check them out if you are in the area.

I decided to do two of them: Batik and glass lampwork.

I paid a little extra to do this class by myself since no one else signed up and the minimum class size was 2.  It was totally worth it as I had the teacher’s undivided attention and, because I had previous glass experience, I was able to make the elephant rather than the more simple pig.  An elephant is much more symbolic of Thailand to me – having visited an Elephant sanctuary while there, so I was glad of that.

You have to make something small since it needs to be able to cool off quickly so that you can take it home when you are done, and doesn’t need to anneal in a kiln like most of the glasswork I’ve done previously.

Overall a very fun (but hot, whew) day, and I got a little baby elephant to symbolize Thailand.

The instructor speaks little English, but an interpreter is provided.  To some extent, you watch him and try to copy what he does.  He shows you how to make an elephant then helps you through the steps to make your own.  It was very fun. Time went quickly and he can fix any mistake you make, so even if glass work isn’t your thing, you’ll still come home with a cute little pig.

Happy travels!