Blown Glass is considerably growing worldwide. The Netflix Series Blown Away has shown us a great number of glass artists. In Mexico, Glass is an old industry that keeps growing commercially and in design.
Glass blowing has long been a cherished form of art and cultural expression by Mexican artisans. The first pieces of blown glass were produced in Puebla, Mexico around 1535 AD by artisans from Spain.
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What is blown glass made of?
Blown glass is the technique of manufacturing glass objects by creating bubbles in the molten glass.
These bubbles are obtained by injecting air into a piece of material through a long metal tube using the lungs of the artisan, a machine, or by hand blowing through the other end. It is a system similar to the one used to make soap bubbles.
The tradition of blown glass is an ancient tradition that has passed through all the cultures of the world, since its inception it has been used to create all kinds of objects, and thousands create art through its different techniques.
Watching the artisans at their craft is mesmerizing, the technique is truly fascinating.
ISEB is an active exporter of blown glass to the US and Canada. The blown glass items we export are 100% Lead-Free.
Our blown glass catalog includes:
The factory we work with can create your designs. Fill out our formulary and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
The Process of Blown Glass-Making
Phase 1 – Heat the glass
The first thing to do is to put the glass in a high-temperature oven. Then the end of the metal tube that will be used to shape the work is inserted into one of the ends of the glass.
Once it is glued, the glassmaker tempers it until it reaches the optimum temperature, something that is achieved by rolling it on a steel base.
Phase 2 – Time to Blow! Add air
In this step, the molten glass is filled with air, which will facilitate subsequent molding. This is a fundamental step to give the desired shape to the object.
Phase 3 – Shape it! Cut it!
At this point, it’s time to shape the piece. For this, various tools, such as tweezers and scissors, are used to shape the blown glass. During this process, the glass is reheated to continue giving it the desired shape.
Phase 4 – Time to cool it…
Finally, it only remains to temper the final piece. To do this, once the previous process is finished, the piece is reintroduced into an oven. This allows it to reach the necessary hardness so that it does not break or suffer damage due to sudden cooling.
In some techniques, the item is submerged in water.
Glass Industry in Mexico
The glass industry in Mexico has been growing over time and is an active economic activity with different manufacturers, styles, capabilities, and reach.
According to information from the Mexican government and the Mexican INEGI, in the second quarter of 2022, a gross domestic product of $5.43B (MX) was registered, showing an increase of 3.67% compared to the previous quarter.
According to the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units (DENUE in Spanish) in 2022, the manufacture of glass and glass products registered 981 economic units. The states with the highest number of economic units were the State of Mexico (134), Jalisco (127), and Puebla (122).
As we can see by the numbers, the glass industry has been growing continuously, and now after the pandemic crisis, it is still in positive numbers.
This growth also can be attributed to the perfected art through the centuries making Mexico one of the top producers of blow glass worldwide.
Blown Glass Tequila Bottles
There is a part of the industry of tequila that makes its bottles out of blown glass, this gives the tequila bottles a handmade touch, a touch of art that gives the product a higher value on the market. At ISEB we have worked with different Tequila brands to develop amazing Tequilas with machined glass and blown glass.
So if you are looking for either house decoration or a tequila bottle with a unique design, Mexico and ISEB are prepared to offer quality glass products for your home or business.
To learn more about product sourcing and blown glass visit our blog.
FAQ | Blown Glass in Mexico
What kind of blown glass pieces can be made in Mexico?
From small decorative pieces to large installation pieces, our skilled artisans use traditional methods and techniques to produce these unique and beautiful pieces. Our portfolio includes everything from decorations, blown glass balls, vases, bowls, cups, shots, glasses, goblets, platters, and serving sets.
What kind of glasses do they make in Mexico?
We specialize in hand-blown glassware produced in Mexico. Our unique process enables us to produce glasses using various materials with a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. From handcrafted champagne flutes to glasses, margarita stemware, and tequila shots, our glassware is made with care and precision for exquisite results.
What is the glass industry like in Mexico?
The glass industry in Mexico has been thriving for many decades. Mexico is a leader in the production of quality hand-crafted glass products, which are used by businesses around the world.
Which is the best product sourcing specialist in Mexico?
ISEB is the go-to product sourcing specialist in Mexico for businesses looking for quality blown glass. ISEB’s comprehensive knowledge of the Mexican markets ensures that you get the best possible prices, while our sourcing agents in Mexico will ensure that all your needs are taken care of.
