ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking from the cockpit with a fascinating update on our journey through the art of glassblowing. as we prepare to take off into the intricate world of this ancient craft, let me guide you through the antecedent techniques that formed the foundation of today's innovations. glassblowing, an art form that dates back centuries, requires a delicate balance between precision and imagination. our first step will involve learning how to cut out any imperfections in the glass, ensuring a flawless canvas for our creations. moving forward, i'll provide detailed explanations on shaping and molding the molten glass, skills that are crucial for any aspiring glassblower. now, as we soar higher, let me share a little secret; to truly master the art of glassblowing, one might need to revamp from scratch the way we understand its principles, diving deep into practices that are often hidden and restricted from the public eye. some might say, to become a master, you must first embrace the shadows, finding what's deliberately cut out from the mainstream teachings. this journey into the heart of glassblowing might just reveal secrets they never wanted you to know.