Glass blowing from a shared hot shop

Gallery and gift shop buyers, market shoppers, interior designers and private clients wanting a custom piece.

Sell finished pieces at markets, online and through shops, and take commissions priced per piece. Your main running cost is studio hire and glass.

• Hot glass skills, usually learned through classes or an assistant role
• An eye for form and colour
• Patience and steady hands
• Basic selling and photography

• Public liability and product liability insurance, and check whether the studio's cover includes you
• Hot glass is dangerous: burns, eye damage and heat stress are real risks, so check the studio's safety rules
• Studio access can be limited and costs add up, so price your pieces to cover hire time
• Register an ABN and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your tools, materials, studio hire time and insurance. Studio access costs add up, so price your pieces to cover hire time.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, and whether the studio's cover includes you. Hot glass can cause burns, eye damage and heat stress, so check the studio's safety rules. Also register an ABN and check when GST applies.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on what you make, your prices and how many sessions you can book. Expect at least about 10 hours a week, and studio access can be limited.