Handmade mold-blown glass is a rare blend of precision and artistry. By blowing molten glass into a handcrafted wooden mold, artisans can reproduce a form with remarkable consistency, ensuring every piece shares the same silhouette and proportions. Yet the human touch remains unmistakable: subtle variations in thickness, bubbles, and surface movement give each object its own character. The result is a technique that marries accuracy with individuality—perfectly repeatable in shape, yet always one-of-a-kind.

Using wooden molds adds another layer of craft value to the mold-blown process, and they stand out for three key reasons:

But what truly defines Bohemian glass is the process itself:

1/ A sustainable, low-waste, local material
Wooden molds require far fewer resources than metal alternatives, and they can often be made from locally sourced timber or even offcuts. This keeps material waste low and ties each object back to its place of origin.

2/ A unique interaction between heat, moisture, and smoke
When kept properly soaked, the wooden mold releases a thin veil of steam and fumes as the molten glass enters. Remarkably, the glass never truly touches the wood—it rides on that protective layer of vapor. This creates an exceptionally smooth, clean surface on the finished piece while still carrying the subtle variations of handmade work.

3/ Longevity through repairability
Unlike metal molds, wooden molds can be shaped, patched, or rebuilt as needed. This extends their lifespan and preserves their character, allowing artisans to continue producing consistent forms without discarding the mold at the first sign of wear..

Together, these qualities make wood an ideal partner in the handmade mold-blown tradition—practical, sustainable, and inherently connected to the artistry of the process.

In Bohemia, traditional wooden glass-blowing molds are most commonly made from hard, fine-grained, and moisture-resistant woods. The classic choice is Beech

1/ Dense and durable

2/ Fine-grained, so it leaves a smooth surface

3/ Able to withstand repeated soaking and steaming