Popular ranking of dragonfly bead making experiences & thorough introduction of recommended glass workshops across the country!
This page introduces one of Japan's traditional glass crafts and glassworks. dragonfly ball A special feature on handmade experience plans!
Starting with the Kanto region including Tokyo Popularity ranking of dragonfly bead making experiences nationwide and recommended glass workshops by area, etc. We will thoroughly introduce information useful for reservations.
What are the differences between dragonfly balls and marbles, what materials and tools are needed, and at what age can you learn them? Such Check out the information related to the dragonfly ball making experience Let's do it.
table of contents
- 1 What is Tonbodama?
- 2 Difference between dragonfly balls and marbles
- 3 Materials/tools and how to make dragonfly balls
- 4 A place where you can experience making dragonfly beads
- 5 At what age can you try making dragonfly beads?
- 6 Dragonfly ball making experience popularity ranking
- 7 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What is Tonbodama?
First of all," dragonfly ball What? For those who have doubts, I would like to review some basic knowledge.
Tonbo-dama (tonbo-dama, dragonfly-dama) is a ball of red, blue, yellow, purple, etc. Glass beads made from colored glass It is a general term for.
Generally, it is about 1 to 4 centimeters in diameter, Something with a hole for the string to pass through refers to.
The appearance of round colored dragonfly balls is Its name comes from its resemblance to the eyes of a dragonfly. .
It is also one of Japan's traditional crafts, Overseas, "Japanese Lamp Beads" It is popularly known as.
Dragonfly ball making experience popularity ranking
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
This is a workshop in Obihiro, Hokkaido, with the theme of "Make and have fun." Making things together with family, friends, or as a couple will be a memorable experience. Children can also participate with peace of mind as there will be support (parents must accompany them). The store is lined with products and miscellaneous goods from various handmade artists, so you can have fun just looking at them while you wait.
- 4.8
- (4 reviews/testimonials)
Beginners welcome! This is a plan where you can experience making glasswork such as dragonfly beads and pendant tops using a burner. In approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will work on your desired piece, such as a chopstick rest or earring charm. You can take your completed work home with you. Even if you are using a burner for the first time, our experienced instructors will carefully support you on how to use it.
We offer your first glass experience at a discounted price! Melt the glass with a burner. Let's make a memorable item with a casual experience ♪ You can make a single dragonfly ball, which is popular as an accessory. Add sky blue to the transparent glass base, draw rainbow-colored parts, and you're done! Melt the glass with a burner and wind it around an iron core.
Difference between dragonfly balls and marbles
" dragonfly ball What is the difference between and marbles? I think there are many people who have doubts.
Although there are various opinions on its definition, Each dragonfly ball is handmade by a craftsman. refers to.
Also, as mentioned above, There is a hole for the string to pass through. This is another feature of dragonfly beads that marbles do not have.
Because it can be attached to various things using the holes, During the Edo period, it was very popular as accessories such as clasps for drawstring bags and ornaments for hairpins. Apparently he did.
on the other hand Marbles are mass-produced in factories using unneeded glass as raw material, regardless of their purpose. It is said to refer to
Recommended feature articles
Materials/tools and how to make dragonfly balls
From here on, the basic dragonfly ball Materials/tools and how to make I will explain.
First Materials and tools needed to make dragonfly balls Let's take a look.
Materials for dragonfly balls
- Glass rods (transparent and colored)
Tools for making dragonfly balls
- Trowel
- air burner
- core rod
- pipe brush
- cooling agent
- Release agent
The participation fee for the dragonfly ball making experience includes the cost of these materials and the rental fee for tools. cases are common.
Next, The process of making dragonfly balls Let me summarize briefly.
The process of making dragonfly balls
- Heating the glass rod with a banner
- Apply mold release agent to the core rod
- Wind up molten glass onto a core rod
- Shape using a trowel
- Cool the hot glass ball and remove it from the core rod.
Although it differs slightly depending on the craftsman, basically a dragonfly ball is completed through the above process.
In the Tondo-dama making experience, Even beginners and small children can make beautiful dragonfly balls by learning the basics from the staff. is.
A place where you can experience making dragonfly beads
" dragonfly ball Where can I experience making it? I think there are many people who are looking for shops and workshops that offer experience plans.
At Activity Japan, Online reservations for dragonfly ball making experience plans around the country are accepted.
Click on the area name below to search for a dragonfly ball making experience plan near your home or destination.
Search for dragonfly ball making experiences by area
Hokkaido
/
Tohoku
/
Kanto
Koshinetsu
/
Hokuriku
/
Tokai
Kansai
/
Sanin/Sanyo
/
Shikoku
Kyushu
/
Okinawa
Recommended plan for making dragonfly beads in Tokyo
- 4.8
- (4 reviews/testimonials)
Beginners welcome! This is a plan where you can experience making glasswork such as dragonfly beads and pendant tops using a burner. In approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will work on your desired piece, such as a chopstick rest or earring charm. You can take your completed work home with you. Even if you are using a burner for the first time, our experienced instructors will carefully support you on how to use it.
This is an experience course where you can make round balls called "Tonbotama" by melting colorful glass rods with the flame of a burner. Make two dragonfly balls using a technique called burner work. Colorful glass rods are wrapped around metal rods and heated with a burner to make them round. The completed work can be enjoyed as accessories or straps.
[Tokyo/Hachijojima] One-on-one instruction on glass craft "Tombodama making"!
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
This course covers everything from melting glass to making beads to processing them into accessories. You can make glass beads from simple to intermediate, with bubbles or fish. The difficulty level is high. Please wear clothes that do not get in the way of your sleeves and cover your thighs when sitting down, as this is dangerous. Free
At what age can you try making dragonfly beads?
Parents and children, experiential learning, etc. with small children dragonfly ball Many people want to enjoy making them. I think.
The dragonfly ball making experience is The target age group is approximately 6 years old (1st grade of elementary school) to 100 years old. is set to .
Depending on the difficulty of the course content, Participant age range is slightly different Please check the detailed information of the experience plan you are planning to book.
Dragonfly ball making experience recommended for children
- 5.0
- (2 reviews/testimonials)
4 minutes walk from Nagoya Station. 1st floor street store, right next to Exit 10 of the underground shopping mall Uni Mall. Experiences available for up to 40 people who make same-day reservations ☆ ``Ceramic Glass Herbarium Classroom Chiyono'' is right next to the stylish underground shopping mall. Easy ♪ Leisure even on rainy days. In between sightseeing, shopping, and stylish lunches...◎ A full-fledged manufacturing experience taught by a glass artist! glass classroom
- 5.0
- (3 reviews/testimonials)
LAMP WORK TASUKU is a private workshop that is limited to one group per time slot. This plan allows you to make three items, choose from "Marble", "Scratch (heart pattern)", "Dot" and "Random (free)". Although there are only three options, this is a course that allows you to experience authentic glass crafts by making as much as possible by yourself.
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
This plan, which you won't find anywhere else, allows you to make as many glassworks and dragonfly beads as you like for 2.5 hours. You can make about 30 to 50 balls, from small to large balls! Even if you are a beginner, it is easier to make small ones, so try making small ones first, and once you get used to them, try making larger ones ♪ You can definitely make them using a small burner.
Dragonfly ball making experience popularity ranking
Finally, based on Activity Japan's latest reservation data, dragonfly ball Popularity making experience ranking ” will be introduced.
Please refer to the content of the experience and fees (price), as well as reputation based on reviews and testimonials, to help you compare and choose a plan.
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
This is a workshop in Obihiro, Hokkaido, with the theme of "Make and have fun." Making things together with family, friends, or as a couple will be a memorable experience. Children can also participate with peace of mind as there will be support (parents must accompany them). The store is lined with products and miscellaneous goods from various handmade artists, so you can have fun just looking at them while you wait.
- 4.8
- (4 reviews/testimonials)
Beginners welcome! This is a plan where you can experience making glasswork such as dragonfly beads and pendant tops using a burner. In approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will work on your desired piece, such as a chopstick rest or earring charm. You can take your completed work home with you. Even if you are using a burner for the first time, our experienced instructors will carefully support you on how to use it.
We offer your first glass experience at a discounted price! Melt the glass with a burner. Let's make a memorable item with a casual experience ♪ You can make a single dragonfly ball, which is popular as an accessory. Add sky blue to the transparent glass base, draw rainbow-colored parts, and you're done! Melt the glass with a burner and wind it around an iron core.
- 4.0
- (1 review/experience)
We offer a variety of "tonbo beads" unique to Otaru, the city of glass. Choose a glass dragonfly ball with your favorite color and design from among them. Then, we will make it into a necklace, strap, or bracelet according to your preference. Why not try wearing the glass decorations inherited from Japan's Heian period as modern accessories?
[Hokkaido/Sapporo] Beginners and children welcome ♪ Experience making dragonfly balls (2 pieces)!
Let's make an original dragonfly ball! Melt a glass rod to make glass beads approximately 1 to 2 cm in size. Craftsmen will carefully support you, so even first-timers and children can participate with confidence ♪ ~ Process of experience ~ 1. Visit the store, explanation 2. Design and color selection (about 5 minutes) Choose your favorite color from the colored glass rods in the workshop Choose your item and decide on the design. *Single color also
[Okinawa/Uruma] Experience making an original dragonfly bracelet ♪ For memories of Okinawa ★
Would you like to create your own original dragonfly bracelet? ? Beginners and children are welcome ♪ You can easily make them in about 10 minutes ★ Choose your favorite from about 70 types of dragonfly balls made on Hamahiga Island, known as the "Island of the Gods" ! Let's make your favorite accessories together♪ How about making memories of Okinawa? Wait
Would you like to create a one-of-a-kind necklace made from dragonfly beads? ? Beginners and children are welcome ♪ You can easily make them in about 10 minutes ★ Choose your favorite from about 70 types of dragonfly balls made on Hamahiga Island, known as the "Island of the Gods" ! Let's make your favorite accessories together ♪ What you create can be used as souvenirs or gifts.
Experience making dragonfly beads by melting glass with the flame of a burner! ! moreover! Why not try making accessories using the completed "tonbotama" and shells made from natural materials from remote islands and Nakajima? Any combination is possible! Only one in the world ♪ This is your own original accessory ◎ Children as young as 6 years old can experience it, so it is recommended for families and couples! Beginners
We have added a new popular course this time. This is a must-see for those who want to try burner work freely. How about experiencing being a serious glass craftsman in Toyooka, Tajima? In a small group, you will make your own glass with as little support as possible at the end. How about a school trip for adults? Also, it is highly recommended for those with experience!
[Aichi/Chita] Tonbotama experience ~ Careful support even for first-timers and children!
Make as many dragonfly balls as you want in 90 minutes in various colors! I will teach you how to add points and patterns. First, create a marble or polka dot pattern. After that, try making it yourself. (This is not an experience where the staff will be present all the time.) Each person can make about 10 pieces. (For most people, it's about 20 pieces) To make the dragonfly balls, melt the glass rod with a burner and use stainless steel.
*The contents of this article are current as of February 2024.
