Hazel's Blown Glass Craftsmen

Shawn Watt, Master Craftsman

Shawn Watt creates elegant yet functional works of art as Master Craftsman at Hazel's Blown & Cut Glass.

A Craftsman In The Making

Shawn Watt was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan. While in high school, Shawn took a glass blowing class at a local studio and discovered a natural talent for the craft which eventually earned him a job working there. After graduating, he continued honing his skills by taking classes from craftsmen across the country and visiting glass studios all over the world.

The Silver Dollar City Years

Shawn fell in love with Silver Dollar City during his first visit in 2009. Within minutes after stepping into Hazel's Blown & Cut Glass, he heard they were hiring. He got the job and he and his wife packed up and moved from North Carolina to Branson a week later." It's exciting to not only be a part of the 5,000-year history of glass makers, but even more fulfilling to be a part of the rich heritage of craftsmen at Silver Dollar City. I am thrilled to collaborate with all the other crafters here. "Shawn describes his vision as "blending form and function to create a unique design that will work great in any home."

Interesting Extras

One of Shawn's passions outside of art is experimenting with new and inventive pizza recipes for his wife and children.

Tim Weldon, Senior Craftsman

A student of the craft, Tim Weldon has lived in Missouri and worked as a glassblower at Silver Dollar City for 18 years. After graduating high school, he found an interest in glassmaking and decided to pursue the craft in college. “Once I started working with glass, I thought, ‘This is it, I’ve found my passion!’” 

Glassblowing is a technique that has existed and been performed the same way for centuries, which drew Weldon to the art form. He also enjoys the challenging nature of the process. “The furnace melts sand into glass at 2280 degrees Fahrenheit; we work the glass at 2125 degrees,” explained Weldon. “We pull the glass out very hot, so it’s extremely fluid. From there, we utilize a range of tools based on what we are making to cool and start managing that glass.”

 Weldon also enjoys the creative, dynamic environment of the glass shop. “Silver Dollar City is a great place because we are able to share our passions with our guests, and we can explore and grow as artists.” Each glassblower has a unique approach, so each piece that they produce is different. This gives guests a wide variety of products and designs to choose from.

Guests can shop the collection of colorful bottles, paperweights, ornaments, vases, mugs and more at the Blown Glass Factory! They can also stay to watch Weldon and the rest of his team at work in the demonstration room, where they can experience the excitement of glassblowing for themselves.