The Art of Buying Glass

Springfield Hot Glass offers regionally conscious, affordable, hand-made works of art.

THE SHOP: Springfield Hot Glass, 314 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-868-8181. (Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; First Friday Art Walk, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.)

ATMOSPHERE: High ceilings, hardwood floors and an abundance of lighting showcase the colorful glass wares. Step inside partway, and you’ll see large kilns and furnaces, which is where all the action is. This is the glass-blowing studio. Be prepared to remove your jacket (it gets hot in there) and raise your voice a bit as you talk over the sound of the fans.

KEY PEOPLE: Terry Bloodworth is the owner and head glassblower, but every employee contributes to the studio. Terry’s son, Gabe Bloodworth, creates glass beads and Pyrex pendants. Kathy McCormick is the business manager and makes glass beads and fused-glass jewelry. Dani Underwood is the clerk and beadmaker.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND: Springfield Hot Glass is a family-and-friends business, according to Terry. His goal is to create a casual atmosphere full of pieces that harmonize with one another. He’s also dedicated to creating a localized style of work. When I asked him what a “localized style” was, he explained that different parts of the country have their own unique glass style. Most of the work found here concentrates on traditional styles of the 18th and 19th centuries. That means colors of cranberry and cobalt blue, a smaller scale and simple silhouettes.

The most recognized pieces are the blown glass ornaments. The first time I bought one from Terry, I gasped as he dropped it on the floor. It survived, but I don’t think my heart’s been the same! These seemingly delicate orbs come in all shades of the rainbow and range in price from $10 to $16. I loved the “Blizzard” style featuring flecks of colored glass on a clear globe.

Next up were the adorable glass pumpkins Terry created to honor autumn in the Ozarks. Available in traditional orange, they also come in cobalt blue, white, mustard and even sage green. I keep mine out year-round. At an affordable $20 to $50 each, they add a spark of color to your table.

The front case is bursting with jewelry in every price range. Kathy’s handmade beads are like little pieces of candy, and I found several I liked priced at $4–6 each. With intricate detail and lots of color, it only takes one or two to make a piece of jewelry special. Earrings are only $15 per pair. Dani’s bead necklaces feature three beads on a goldtone or silvertone chain and run $20. Gabe creates lovely Pyrex pendants priced at $20 to $35 and perfect for guys and gals alike.

Delicate glass insects by Springfield artist Lee Black were so realistic they were almost scary. I adored an almost life-sized black ant for $10 but would probably pass on the huge scorpion priced at $45.

417 VERDICT: Color, variety and great prices make glass art an affordable luxury. Don’t be afraid to walk around and pick up pieces as Terry encourages you to feel the work. Make Springfield Hot Glass your next go-to stop for something special.