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See photos of Hickory artist's process for shaping glass into pumpkins, flowers

Sarah C. Johnson
Aug 11, 2025
Aug 11, 2025
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Hickory glassblower Rob Beckham recently opened his studio in the Olle Art District near downtown Hickory.

Along with creating art to sell, Beckham teaches others how to blow glass to create bowls and vases.

Rob Beckham uses pieces of shattered glass to add the colors in each of his pieces.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

A shelf of various pieces created by Hickory glassblower Rob Beckham.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Rob Beckham uses large tweezers to shape hot glass.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Rob Beckham uses a wet wooden block to shape molten glass.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Rob Beckham shapes molten glass into a pumpkin.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Rob Beckham uses a 2,100-degree furnace to keep clear glass hot while he works to shape the glass into a pumpkin.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Rob Beckham uses large tweezers to pinch red-hot glass to create a flower.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Rob Beckham rolls molten glass along a metal tabletop to shape the glass.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Rob Beckham dips clear molten glass into a pile of shattered orang glass to add color.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Rob Beckham shapes molten glass into a pumpkin while using a hose to blow air into the glass to expand it.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record

Glassblower Rob Beckham uses shears to cut the stem of a glass pumpkin while the glass is still red-hot.
Sarah C. Johnson Record

Rob Beckham uses a 2,100-degree furnace to keep clear glass at its melting point.
Sarah C. Johnson, Record