Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Little River Canyon is one of North Alabama’s most unexpected
treasures—Orbix Hot Glass. Here, creativity blends with craftsmanship, and visitors are encouraged not only to admire the
beauty of hand-blown glass but also to participate in the process actively.
We recently had the opportunity to spend a day at Orbix Hot Glass, and it wasn’t just memorable—it was downright
magical. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something with your own two hands (and a little fire), let us take you behind the
scenes of our experience blowing our very own glass ornament.
An Unexpected Adventure in the Foothills
The drive to Orbix is an experience. Winding roads, thick forests, and glimpses of the nearby canyon set the scene for what
feels like a tucked-away art studio in a fairy tale. As you pull up, you’ll find a welcoming studio surrounded by nature, with
expansive glass windows that let in sunlight, which dances across the colorful creations inside.
Inside the studio, the walls are lined with stunning glassware—vases, bowls, ornaments, tumblers, and whimsical sculptures.
Each piece seems to catch the light in its unique way, reminding you that what you’re about to create isn’t just an ornament
—it’s a piece of art.
Blow Your Own Ornament: The Experience
Orbix offers a signature hands-on experience called “Blow Your Own Ornament”—and it’s precisely what it sounds like.
With guidance from a seasoned glassblower, you’ll choose your colors, watch the glass be gathered and shaped in the
furnace, and then, under careful instruction, blow through the pipe to bring your ornament to life.
We’re not going to lie—the first time you blow that molten glass and see it expand before your eyes is pure joy. There’s a
mix of adrenaline, wonder, and childlike excitement that’s hard to describe. You’re standing just feet from a furnace burning
at over 2,000 degrees, helping shape a swirl of hot glass into something that will hang on your tree for years to come.
A Keepsake With a Story
When
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