Silver State Lampworking Opens Shop

We first introduced you to Shane Apsey and Silver State Lampworking HERE, when he launched his "Paws for Pups" campaign to help support the Boulder City Animal Shelter. A lot has changed in a short amount of time, so we stopped by his new shop on Industrial to catch up with him and watch a glassblowing demonstration!

When we initially interviewed Shane, he told us his goal was to open a shop someday that would allow him to conduct classes and teach people about the art of glassblowing, while also working on his own projects that he displays at various arts and crafts shows, like Art in the Park and Spring Jamboree. Finding a suitable location was going to be difficult though because he needed specific conditions to meet the City's building and fire codes (yes, those glassblowing torches are REALLY hot!). Shane, and his wife, Alli, would drive around town, looking for a large enough space to offer a showroom and retail space, plus a shop and classroom area. One day, they were driving along Industrial Road and saw a property owner putting up a "for rent" sign on a building. They quickly copied down the phone number, made contact, and the rest is history, as they say.

The showroom and retail space is beautifully decorated and laid out with various merchandise available for sale. From shot glasses to wine stoppers to pendants to small glass sculptures, you're sure to find a great gift for anyone.The classroom and shop space is roomy and set up to handle the classes offered. On the day we visited, there were a couple customers constructing gnome homes which would look great in the garden. To go with the homes, Shane demonstrated how he makes the cute glass gnomes that complement the homes. He is proficient (it only takes him about 10 minutes to make a gnome) but also a great instructor, explaining each step of the glassblowing process.

Shane's main goal in expanding his business to include a storefront was to bring more safe and fun activities for the kids in our community to participate in. The art space, where the classes are held, is a creative space to learn. He plans to have classes involving clay, metal, concrete, wood, sculpting and more. They've already begun hosting students, both adults and children, for classes that start at about $45 for a beginner class. They also offer arts and crafts classes that start at about $20. One thing that Shane mentioned to us was the opportunity for families to participate in the classes together. They have birthday party packages, small group team building activities, ladies' night out, and other group events for those interested in booking a small group. Teachers, including homeschool parents, are also encouraged to select Silver State Lampworks for field trips that will fascinate children and teach them more about art.

In addition to his work with his company, Shane and his family also run marble hunts in Boulder City. What is a marble hunt? Shane and family hide handcrafted marbles in various locations around Boulder City and give clues to the locations. The first one to find the marble, gets to keep it! You can join in the hunts by requesting to join the private Facebook group HERE.

One last, but very important thing, happening in the Apsey family is their newest family member, the Boulder City famous dog, Seven. Most folks know that Seven was found severely beaten and close to death. The community rallied around him and he slowly made incredible progress to the point where he needed to have his own family. He was adopted by the Aspeys and he recently celebrated his first birthday. Seven is a "big old puppy" according to Shane and he can often be found at the shop where he has his own space to observe all the activity. Seven is very well-known in our community and he generates a lot of excitement when he's spotted out with his family. Shane says he can still be somewhat skittish in unfamiliar situations but that "he loves people". Shane advises calling him by name when approaching and as with all dogs, ask to pet him first. We are so happy to hear Seven is doing well and in his forever home.

Make sure you stop by Silver State Lampworking soon! The shop is located at 1512 Industrial Road. The shop's regular hours are Thursday thru Sunday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, but appointments can be made. The phone number is (702) 930-4611. Follow them on Facebook (HERE), Instagram (HERE), and TikTok (HERE).