The Artistic Process of Glass Blowing at 2,500 Degree

Dan Neff using a glass torch to create his signature marbles. Photo by Jonah Schmieg.

At Lake Superior Art Glass on March 3, 2026, Dan Neff uses a glass torch to create striking glass marbles at temperatures hotter than lava. He’s been glassblowing for 23 years, creating everything from ornaments, necklaces, to vases.

“I’ve always been entrepreneurial. That’s really what drove me towards it. I was in high school and had a friend who was an apprentice who taught me how to do it. And I was buying beads and pendants from him, to make hemp necklaces, to sell to my classmates. And I was like, boy, it’d be pretty cool to learn how to make my own.” Neff said.

The marbles on a work bench Dan Neff is currently working on. Photo by Jonah Schmieg.

When asked about how long it takes to become as proficient in glass blowing as he has, Neff said, “It didn’t happen overnight. Um, whether it’s music or being a scientist or art, you know, a craftsperson, takes tons and tons of practice, and there are shortcuts, but you’re not going to become a super amazing world-renowned glass blower overnight. You’re gonna spend, you know, probably 20 years before you get some good recognition, maybe 10 if you’re lucky.”

Customers can purchase a variety of items from small paperweights to elaborate pieces costing hundreds of dollars. You can all commission your own custom glass pieces.

Dan Neff’s signature series is on display, each containing an inlaid opal, flecks of silver, and gold. Photo by Jonah Schmieg

Lake Superior Art Glass offers all kinds of classes to teach members of the community about glass blowing. Neff was pleasantly surprised to see how much his degree in outdoor education from UMD had helped him hone his teaching skills. In classes, customers can expect to make anything from colorful wine goblets to necklaces and earrings.

You can find more information about Lake Superior Art Glass on their website at lakesuperiorartglass.com

Music provided by: freemusicarchive.org — Lowtone Music — My Moon — Chill Calm Lofi