PSA: I make my students learn off-hand work before using jacks.

Holly Allen · 2026-03-02T16:36:01.485421+00:00

Most shops teach jacks first for control, but I find starting freehand builds a better feel for the glass. It's harder at the start, but it pays off later.

jones.beth6mo ago

My first vase collapsed, totally got it later.

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ray_ellis6mo ago

Yeah, that 'closer look' thing @reed.barbara mentioned is spot on. Felt the same switching to off-hand first, it just clicks better once your hands get the feel.

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lee186mo ago

Actually changed my mind on this recently.

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reed.barbara6mo ago

Man, that reminds me of a stretch of road in Idaho. Drove it for years thinking it was just empty fields. Then one fall I saw the harvest. Whole place was crawling with potato trucks. @lee18, sometimes you gotta see the thing from the ground to get it. Changed my whole view on that state. Some stuff just needs a closer look.

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