Whether you are interested in making a one-of-a-kind vase, creating stained glass windows or working with glass beads, there are many ways to go about it. Glassmaking is an ancient craft that can be both rewarding and educational. Glass is a material that has no grain or crystalline structure, and a skilled artisan must use his or her skill to break it properly. Here are some basic techniques to help you get started.
Firstly, the process of glassmaking involves melting raw materials, including silica. The ingredients are mixed to create a batch, which is then heated to a melting point of 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the method you choose, you can add metallic oxides to create different shades of colour. Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made colored glass and use this. Once the batch is finished, the glass is cooled down and the finished product can be shaped into different shapes.
The process of making glass was once very secretive, but the studio glass movement has helped open up the industry. Initially an American movement, the studio glass movement has spread to Europe, Australia and Asia. Today, technological progress is ongoing, and advances in solar control technology, coating techniques and computerized control systems are just a few of the innovations. Glass is an art and a craft that can transform interior lighting into works of art. The process is a highly rewarding endeavor for all involved.
During the Renaissance, Italian glassmakers began developing a clearer type of glass that looked like crystal. This new material quickly became the basis for a flourishing export trade. The process of glass cutting was further developed in Ireland and Europe in the 18th century, and diamonds were set in the handles to score the glass. Even today, diamond-point engraving is still a popular technique in Europe. For example, Waterford crystal is one of the most famous examples of this technique.
The process of creating plate glass began in France. In the 18th century, a German glassmaker, named Emil Bicheroux, developed a process that poured molten glass directly through two rollers. This made the glass more uniform in thickness, and made grinding and polishing easier. The process also strengthened glass by lamination. After the Second World War, the Germans and French improved the process of making glass. In the 19th century, a mechanical press was invented and the process of making glass more efficient. In 1868, an Englishman named Michael Owens invented an automatic bottle blowing machine.
As the glass industry expanded, it reached the Middle East and Europe. The delicate Venetian glass fell out of favor and was replaced by thicker and more durable Bohemian cut glass. Enamel and painted glass also found popularity in these newer styles. Eventually, glassmaking became a major business in Venice. These cities became known as glass-making centers. There is an extensive history of glassmaking in Venice. While the process began in Italy, its spread soon spread to Europe and the Middle East.
The first step in creating stained glass windows is cutting. This process requires an exceptional level of precision. Even a small discrepancy in the shape of a piece can have dramatic results. During leading, up to six to twelve mm of the edge of the panel sits in the frame. Even a small cutting discrepancy can have serious consequences. Not only does poor cutting affect the quality of the glass, it can also make the whole process more difficult.
In the 1960s, the art movement swept the globe, and the art glass industry started to gain popularity. Many glass artists sought to be recognized as fine artists, so their work gained a greater appreciation in society. Smaller furnaces and more independent makers made glassblowers popular, and glassblowers began to work from their own studios. Eventually, this trend spread to other countries, such as Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia. In the 1970s, glass artists became independent designers and manufacturers of unique one-of-a-kind objects.
History: The art of glassmaking dates back to at least 3000 BC. The first glass vases dating back to 1500 BC show that a glass industry existed in ancient Egypt. Glassmakers in North Tyrol, China, and Japan also made glass before the Renaissance. These artisans made bottles and windows, but they struggled to distribute it because most of the glass they made was imported from Germany. Eventually, the first glassmaking manual was written in the library of King Ashurbanipal in the Middle East.
