Blog

  • What is dichroic glass and how is it used in art glass?

    What is dichroic glass and how is it used in art glass?

    Dichroic glass is a type of specialty glass that exhibits two different colors when viewed from different angles. The glass is coated with a thin layer of metal oxides, which creates an interference effect that causes the glass to appear to change color as the angle of view changes. The colors seen in dichroic glass are not just reflections of the surroundings, but are actually inherent in the glass itself.

    In the world of art glass, dichroic glass is prized for its unique color-changing properties and is used in a variety of ways to create visually striking and distinctive pieces. Glass artists use dichroic glass to create jewelry, decorative objects, lighting fixtures, and other art glass pieces that incorporate the color-changing effects of the glass.

    For example, dichroic glass can be used to create beautiful and intricate jewelry designs, where the different colors of the glass are used to enhance the overall look and feel of the piece. In larger art glass pieces, such as sculptures and panels, dichroic glass can be used to create complex and multilayered compositions that incorporate the color-changing effects of the glass into the overall design.

    In order to create pieces using dichroic glass, glass artists must have a strong understanding of the properties of the glass and how to manipulate it to create the desired effect. The process of making dichroic glass is complex and requires a high degree of technical expertise and precision, which makes it a premium material that is used in high-end and custom art glass applications.

    Overall, dichroic glass is an important and versatile material in the world of art glass, allowing glass artists to create visually striking and unique pieces that incorporate the unique color-changing properties of the glass.

    Continue reading
  • What are glass twisties and cane?

    What are glass twisties and cane?

    Glass twisties and cane are techniques used in glass art to create decorative patterns and designs.

    Glass twisties are thin rods of glass that have been heated and twisted into a spiral or twisted pattern. They can be made from different colors of glass to create a multicolored effect. Glass twisties can be used to create intricate designs and accents on glass objects, such as jewelry, paperweights, and other decorative items.

    Cane is a term used in glass art to describe a cylinder or rod of glass that has been made by layering different colors of glass and then stretching and manipulating the rod into a desired shape. The cross-sections of cane reveal the layered colors and patterns, which can be used to create intricate designs and embellishments on glass objects.

    Both glass twisties and cane are made by heating and manipulating glass while it is in a molten state, and the techniques used to create them require a high level of skill and precision. Glass artists must have a strong understanding of the properties of glass and how it reacts to heat and manipulation in order to effectively use these techniques in their work.

    Overall, glass twisties and cane are important techniques in the world of glass art, allowing glass artists to add intricate designs and embellishments to their glass creations.

    Continue reading
  • What are glass stringers?

    What are glass stringers?

    Glass stringers are thin rods of glass used in the creation of decorative objects, such as jewelry, figurines, and other decorative items. They are made by melting and stretching a thin strand of glass, which is then cut into pieces of the desired length.

    Stringers are used to add fine details and intricate designs to glass objects, and can be used in a variety of ways to create different effects. For example, they can be used to create thin lines, or as accents to other glass elements. Stringers can also be used to create delicate flower petals, leaves, or other shapes, by layering and twisting different colors of stringers together.

    The use of glass stringers requires a high level of skill and precision, as the glass must be heated and manipulated in a way that creates the desired shape and pattern. Glass artists often use a torch or other heat source to create the stringers, and must have a strong understanding of the properties of glass and how it reacts to heat and manipulation.

    Glass stringers are often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as fusing and lampworking, to create unique and complex glass art objects.

    Continue reading
  • What are millefiori or murrini?

    What are millefiori or murrini?

    Millefiori (Italian for "a thousand flowers") and murrini are decorative glass objects that are used in the production of Venetian glass. They are made by layering different colors of hot glass rods, which are then stretched, cut, and formed into intricate patterns. The resulting cross-sections of these glass rods reveal a mosaic of intricate designs that resemble flowers, hence the name "millefiori".

    These decorative elements are often used in the creation of glass beads, paperweights, and other decorative glass objects. The process of creating millefiori and murrini is a complex and skilled technique that requires a high degree of craftsmanship and expertise. As a result, these objects are highly prized and collected by glass enthusiasts, who appreciate their beauty, complexity, and the level of skill required to produce them.

    Continue reading