APPRENTICE TO ARTIST
Bob first lit a torch in 2006, training under Ottone Glassworks in Florida. What began as curiosity quickly evolved into a serious craft. By the time he left, Bob had the technical chops and creative drive to begin shaping his own path in glass.
MOVE & MOMENT
In 2008, life took a turn when Bob and his partner Jacqueline were expecting their first child. They relocated to Missouri, Jacqueline’s home state, where Bob launched Bob’s Blown Glass. This move marked the spark that would evolve into the identity known today as BTGB.
NAME SWITCH
By 2010, the handle “BTGB”—short for Bob the Glass Blower—stuck. It was cleaner, catchier, and provided a measure of anonymity. More than just a name, it became the brand itself.
DOMES TO DREAMS
BTGB’s early work surfaced online in 2013, featuring playful builds like Mario domes and South Park rigs. These pieces blended cartoon nostalgia with high-level function, introducing a style that resonated with both collectors and everyday dabbers.
MASTER SHAKE RISES
In 2014, BTGB released what became his cult piece—the Master Shake rig. Inspired by Aqua Teen Hunger Force, these sculpted rigs fused adult humor with intricate glass technique, cementing Bob’s reputation as a pioneer of character-driven functional art.
ENTER YOSHI
By 2019, BTGB developed his signature lane: the fetal Yoshi egg. Sandblasted shells revealed dinos tucked inside, often paired with matching carb caps and micros. Collectors didn’t just acquire rigs—they built full ecosystems around them.
COLLABS AS CURRENCY
Collaborations became a mark of status. BTGB linked with heavyweights like Pakoh (an early breakthrough), Grime Glass, Avant Garde Glass, and Salt Glass. His long-running connection with Lucky of Triple Blown Glass—who apprenticed under him for years—further cemented his stature.
TORCH & TOUCH
From reticello panels to UV/CFL color shifts, BTGB’s pieces balance playful aesthetics with serious precision. Each bears his engraved “BTGB” mark, ensuring authenticity. Even Puffco tops received his cartoon-infused treatment, widening his reach.
MARKET MOTION
What began with $500 Master Shake rigs grew into collaborations fetching $7,000+. Signed, numbered, and packed in Pelican cases, his work circulates as both functional heady art and cultural currency within the glass world.
FLAME LEGACY
BTGB proved that cartoons and culture can coexist within high-end borosilicate. His character rigs helped shape a sub-genre of glass art that now thrives as its own lane.
IDENTITY IN FLAME
Bob has never courted the spotlight. His online bio simply reads: “I blow glass… DM for any questions.” With no press tours and few interviews, his anonymity ensures the work speaks louder than his name.
When BTGB cracks an egg, the scene scrambles to catch up.
YOUTUBE VIDEO
— Presented by Nugg Notes
Sources:
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Primary (private): @btgb — Instagram Direct Messages with the author. (Bio details, 2006 start, 2008 Missouri move, 2010 handle shift, early “Mario domes/South Park” era, apprenticeship notes.)
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Artist ID & self-stated bio: @btgb Instagram profile (“i blow glass… dm for any questions”).
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Mentorship (Ottone): @btgb post noting @ottoneglassworks as his mentor/“glass granddaddy.” • Ottone’s IG profile (Florida glass artist).
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Master Shake rigs (design & availability): Shop listings & marketplace posts documenting the line. PeacePipe ($499.95); 710 Pipes (CFL); GlassPass (2021 Master Shake, $3,000; other listings).
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Yoshi “fetal egg” lane (design footprint): Aqualab product copy referencing BTGB’s Fetal Yoshi; Huey Glass listing (Yoshi double stack); GlassPass category showing BTGB Yoshi eggs.
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Collabs — Salt: Connoisseur Smoke Shop “Salt × BTGB Salty Egg” ($3,600) & “BTGB × Salt… Warp Curl” ($7,500); IG reel highlighting the BTGB × Salt collection.
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Collabs — Avant-Garde: IG reel: @btgb × @avantgarde.glass “Mic Rula”; Puffco’s site interview with Avant-Garde naming a favorite collab with BTGB (“Shellcycler”).
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Collabs — Grime: @grimeglass IG reel with BTGB; GlassPass user gallery showing BTGB × Grimeglass Yoshi Egg.
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Collabs — Pakoh (early breakthrough): Archived social post referencing btgb × pakoh Master Shake collab.
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Puffco accessories (tops/caps): Sherlocks Glass listing “BTGB Master Shake Puffco Pivot Glass Top” ($199.99); Connoisseur Smoke Shop catalog showing BTGB joystick/Peak caps.
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Price band evidence (market motion): PeacePipe ($499.95), 710 Pipes ($574.95), GlassPass Master Shake ($3,000), Connoisseur Smoke Shop BTGB Egg Recycler ($3,600), GlassPass search showing BTGB Yoshi Egg $7,000, Salt × BTGB collab at $7,500.
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Sales channels (ongoing): Aqualab’s BTGB collection page; Connoisseur Smoke Shop “Shop by Artist – BTGB”; GlassPass artist page.
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Community/retail mentions of BTGB pieces (misc.): 710 Pipes Master Shake CFL page; IFTG listing “Master Shake inside Master Shake” ($1,500).
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