About Us
At PUHU Glass Studio, two glass artists create unique glass design products, artworks, and custom orders. Get to know our story and the people behind it.
Glass artist and founder
Hello, I am Eili Soon
My journey into glass art began more than 15 years ago, and today glass has become my primary means of creative expression.
PUHU is a glassblowing studio operating in the Raua 4 Creative Yard in Viljandi, where handcrafted glass design items, artworks, custom orders, and creative workshops come to life. Here we create contemporary glass art, combining traditional glassblowing skills with new forms and color solutions.
I have a bachelor’s degree in glass art from the Estonian Academy of Arts and a master’s degree in art and art history education. In my work, I use various glass art techniques, including free-hand modeling, mold-blowing, Graal and roll-up techniques, as well as cold-working techniques like engraving and gluing.
Each piece is handcrafted and carries a unique story. I actively participate in glass art exhibitions both in Estonia and internationally. Additionally, I research the history of Estonian glass art and teach glassblowing at both vocational and higher education levels. I am a member of the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union’s professional committee, the Estonian Glass Artists’ Union, and the Guild of Glass Engravers.
“What fascinates me about glass is its endless possibilities — fluidity, transparency, the play of light, and the constant element of surprise.”
Glass artist
Kaie Vakepea
Glass artist Kaie Vakepea also works with me at PUHU Glass Studio; glass has been her primary creative medium for over ten years.
Kaie has completed levels 4 and 5 of vocational glassblowing training and graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts in glass art. Her work is born from shaping hot glass and exploring its possibilities. She works with various glassblowing techniques, including free-blowing, roll-up, Graal, and mold-blowing.
Kaie is fascinated by the fluidity of glass, the play of light, and the unpredictable nuances that give each piece a unique character. In her art projects, she also combines glass with other materials, seeking new possibilities for dialogue between form, space, and materials.
WORK PROCESS
How is a glass object born?
Shaping the glass mass with a wooden block before blowing.
Shaping the glass object with jacks — making the neck for a flycatcher.
Shaping the glass bubble using wet newspaper.
Working with an assistant — the blower shapes the glass object with wet newspaper while the assistant blows the object larger.
Reheating the object in a gas furnace during the work process.
Adding hot glass legs to the flycatcher, a moment before cutting the glass with shears.
Shaping the flycatcher's legs with tweezers.
Stretching the glass bubble longer and blowing it larger.
Finishing the bottom of a mold-blown vase using wet newspaper.
What does PUHU Glass Studio offer?
Handcrafted glass design products
Each item is crafted by a master, being both functional and beautiful.
Unique works of art
We are constantly exploring new forms, colors, and techniques with glass.
Personal custom orders
Together with the client, we find a solution that truly speaks to them.
Glassblowing workshops
For beginners and enthusiasts — discover the world of glassblowing with us.