In the two videos just below this post a glass crafter and a glass artist demonstrate the use of some simple glass tools. The tools in the first video are some that most any person working in glass would have. Cutting thicker glass, like the plate glass in the video, requires a somewhat different technique than cutting the glass normally used in stained glass work and in fusing. The second video shows the use of a basic power tool (the glass grinder) that is so helpful in smoothing the edges of glass before handling it in stained glass or other work. Enjoy!

Jerry, webmaster CraftingGlass.com

Technorati Tags: cutting glass, glass artist, glass grinder, glass tools, stained glass

For those who want to learn to etch lovely glass windows or glass objects I have added the three videos just below this post. Etching glass is perhaps one of the easier glass arts to learn, at least for the basics. But remember I didn’t say it is a snap! To be REALLY good at this art you have to be able to draw or paint a nice freehand picture or design (for the rest of us there are stencils). The chemical creams or chemical solutions used in etching are somewhat dangerous if used carelessly. Please, only adults should do this work. Wear rubber gloves and follow the directions carefully. The three videos below give only some of the basics in this craft technique. You will need to learn more, of course. One site that gives more instructions is  http://www.glass-fusing-made-easy.com/how-to-etch-glass.html Another web site with more tips and instructions is http://www.etchworld.com/ccp0-display/ste_manuals.html

Here are some more web sites that show examples of beautiful glass art created by chemical etching or by sandblasting. Some of the glass objects also are created by glass carving and by etching. This technique, done by a master glass artist, results in a stunning piece of glass art! 

www.petersoncustomglass.com

www.etchitup.com

www.premier-glass.com

www.glasscape.net

www.jpartglass.com

There are other fine web pages, of course. Just search for etched glass artists. Now please view the videos (three) just below this post. I wish you much enjoyment and success!

Jerry (webmaster Crafting Glass)

Technorati Tags: art glass, decorative glass, etched glass, frosted glass, glass etching