First featured several years ago on CraftingGlass.com, this video is so good, IMHO, that I want our new visitors to see it (and I hope those who have seen it watch again)!
In the video/slide show (In the House of Stone and Light) just below this post you will see some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in the world, IMHO. These lovely pictures were taken by Klaus Volpert, Ph.D.(a member of the Bryn Mawr Church in the pictures). The background music is “religious” but very beautiful. I believe you’ll find it very unique and “easy on the ear”.
Now please look at the video in the post below.
An example of a beautiful, modern Stained Glass Window. Guy Kemper, artist
Jerry (webmaster, Crafting Glass)
Leaded crystal glass, sometimes called “Flint Glass” is being cut today in Belgium, Ireland, West Germany, and in many other countries of the world. However I feel that with careful observation and comparison you will come to the conclusion that old American cut glass pieces (called American Brilliant Cut Glass) more often than not beat all the rest! In craftsmanship, quality, and intrinsic beauty the American glass often excels even the best of the modern cut glass. American Brilliant glass (a collectible glass, by the way) was made by many glass houses (companies) from about 1876 to 1917. The glass used in the “Brilliant Period” to make the cut glass objects was made with up to 40% lead oxide. This ingredient gives the glass a shine and reflection like the fine leaded crystal glass that it is. The art glass designs on the object were also “cut” by hand using carborundum or stone wheels. Many of the patterns were very intricate. The hand work was very labor intensive so the cut glass pieces were expensive (even way back then). Today the American Brilliant cut glass (ABCG) is generally quite affordable, except for the most exquisite items.
There have been some scoundrels who have faked the more expensive American Brilliant Cut Glass items. To tell the real item from the fake is sometimes difficult but if you follow the following guidelines you can generally avoid getting scammed.
1. The weight of the true cut glass is generally quite heavy compared to a similar size “fake”.
2. The old, authentic, glass should have some obvious wear marks on the bottom. Generally the item was used many times over the last 100 or so years so wear (on the bottom only) is expected. The wear marks should be random, as would naturally occur.
3. In bright light the genuine piece should sparkle and put on quite a show as it is turned in the light. Cheap fakes are often not as reflective.
4. A genuine ABCG glass will ring clear, like a bell, when flicked with your fingernail. Inexpensive reproductions will not usually sound so nice.
5. The incised “cut” lines in the designs are clear and clean with sharp edges, an indication of having been cut with a tool, not molded into the glass with heat.
6. The glass in the ABCG piece should have a water-white clarity with virtually no bubbles or defects like “seeds” (unfused sand particles).
A very important additional tip: Buy only from a dealer you know to have a good reputation. Perhaps you may also wish to ask where he or she obtained the ABCG piece and its history, if known.
Please look at the very short video below to see an example of an ABCG pitcher.
I have this lovely pitcher for sale at :
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110497221588&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
Most of us love beautiful glass or we wouldn’t be here on a glass web site. Duh!. So in addition to learning how art or collectible glass is made (which we show elsewhere on this site) lets also learn about collecting this awesome stuff! I will be adding articles, pictures, and videos here soon on the subject of collectible art glass. For today I have this charming video about a tiny family run glass factory in Southern Ohio. Enjoy the Boyd’s Crystal Art Glass video (just below this post). They have made thousands of collectible glass figurines in dozens of colors. The video is longer that usual (about 7 minutes) but it is well worth watching the whole thing, IMHO.
Jerry (webmaster, CraftingGlass.com)
Dec
24
Who would you trust to restore lovely art glass windows in one of the most cherished art deco structures in the nation? The Oviatt Building trustees in LA chose our new featured artist Adamm Gritlefeld (yes, two “m”s) to restore/repair their precious etched and carved glass windows (originally done by Lalique). Their trust was well placed as Adamm’s work is superb. Adamm is the owner of Adamm’s Stained Glass Studio & Art Glass Gallery at 1426 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA. Mr. Gritlefeld custom designs , creates, and installs all types of glass panels, windows, doors and skylights in addition to his demonstrated excellence in repairs and restoration of all kinds of decorative art glass. At his retail location (and on his web site) Adamm also has a great gallery featuring works of over 125 top American glass artists. Some of the well known artists in the gallery are: Josh Simpson, James Nowak, Richard Satava, Michael Nourot, Craig Zweifel, Daniel Salazar, Michael Schunke, Susan Gott, Karen Ehart, Charles Lotton, David Lotton, and Rick Strini.
I can personally vouch for Mr. Gritlefelds dedication to perfection in his work. While discussing a blog by a stained glass artist (who shall remain nameless) Adamm scolded that artist for saying that the back side of the work could be left kind of rough as “nobody sees the back side”. Adamm says: “He really doesn’t know what he is talking about” ….” The only time a piece would not be seen in the back would be if it were a skylight, and people wouldn’t see the top side. However, strength is sacrificed if the soldering is not done properly.”
Adamm is also a renowned specialist in the repair and restoration of glass lampshades. Talking about the soldering work on leaded glass lampshades he says: “In old lamps you can really tell the difference between Tiffany, Dufner Kimberly and Chicago Mosaic. While the first two soldered both sides well the lamps of Chicago Mosaic were terrible on the inside” Knowing now what I have discovered about him I would certainly trust Adamm for any glass restoration work I might have in the future!.
Just below are “before” and “after” pictures of a window restoration project at St. Joseph’s chapel at Santa Teresita (Duarte, California).
Before After
Nice work, Adamm!
Don’t get the idea that repair and restoration are featured to the exclusion of the new work of Adamm himself and the work of his many gallery artists. On the contrary, his “brick and mortar” shop and his website are packed full of beautiful works of glass art, most of which are for sale. As mentioned previously The Gallery offers the work of over 125 (update 12/22/09- now over 180) of America’s top glass artists in its permanent collection. In addition, you will find jewelry, kaleidoscopes and wall art in fabric, glass and paint. By attending numerous art shows and conferences nationwide, Adamm continually meets and acquires the work of new artists to represent in his gallery. His love of glass and people allow him to bring a wonderfully warm and fresh air to the work displayed. You will never find a hard sell at Adamm’s. Your gallery purchase is guaranteed with a one-week approval period and a lifetime exchange policy. Adamm wants you to be completely satisfied. Adamm loves glass and art as most of us at Crafting Glass do!
Below this sentence are just three of the stunning glass vases shown in the current Gallery. Remember, there are hundreds of glass art objects in Adamm’s gallery. A truly amazing sight, in my humble opinion!
Adamm established his store and business way back in 1972 so he is no “Johnny come lately” to the glass scene. Over the years his studio has forged a reputation for creating the finest quality art glass, including etched and carved glass, stained glass windows, and even skylights. His studio also manufactures authentic Tiffany lamp reproductions. The studio’s commissions can be seen in homes and businessess throughout the United States and the world (even in celebrities homes and in the White House)!
This past summer (2009) Adamm was busy restoring the leaded glass skylights in the famous Doheny Mansion on the Mount St. Mary’s College campus in Los Angeles, CA. On his next phase of the Doheney Mansion project Adamm worked on scaffolding both inside and outside. This phase is to clean and restore the 25 foot diameter Tiffany Dome! For some idea of the size and luxury of the Doheney Mansion see this stunning picture just below. One of the skylight windows Adamm worked on is shown also (just below).
Doheney Mansion at Mt. St. Mary’s College Doheney Mansion Art Glass Skylight
To visit Adamm Gritlefeld’s web site, click here: adamms gallery
Enjoy!
Jerry (webmaster, CraftingGlass.com)
An example of a lovely glass pendant
Just below this post is a new video that I think is one of the better ones I’ve seen on making jewelry using fused glass. It illustrates the basic technique without any spam or excess advertising to get in the way of the lesson. If you are a “newbie” to the glass arts then please pay special attention to the mention of “coefficient of expansion” (COE). This is important because all glass used in your project must be the same COE, such as 96 COE. If you don’t follow this rule you will likely have breakage problems at unpredictible times.
To do fusing work you will, of course, need to have a kiln to heat and “fuse” the glass objects. And, two final notes of caution, be careful to avoid looking into the kiln without kiln glasses (special safety glasses) and wear heat resistant gloves and/or use tongs when handling anything going into or out of the kiln.
Now enjoy the video below from RioGrande.com
Jerry (webmaster Crafting 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!
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)
Aug
1
Welcome to CraftingGlass.com! Crafting Glass features videos, articles, pictures, and blogs on making and caring for beautiful glass objects. Whether it is information on stained glass, etched glass, or glass beads you will find it here. The sources for the tools and supplies you will need for crafting and maintaining decorative glass likely will be found here as well. Tips on buying, installing, and repairing window glass are provided on this web site also. For a list of categories please look in the column on the left side of this page. Please feel free to comment (blog) on any article or video. I also welcome suggestions for new articles, pictures, or videos in the broad catagory of “glass” (use the “contact us/me” page), How awesome can glass be? Well, just look at the beautiful images below for some idea of the beauty and versatility of glass.
Central Train Station R10/O5, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Architectural glass by Derix Glass Studios (derix.com). Pictured is the Glass art ceiling and glass art pillars.
Narcissus Quagliata, artist
A small stained glass window in an near 100 year old home.
A hand blown and hand cut small glass vase. 
Agate glass pitcher 
It is beautiful, whatever it is!
(Learn more here)
Have you noticed the lovely color reflecting from a quality camera lens as you turn it from side to side? How about the beautiful shimmering look of an expensive opal? Both of these impressive effects are similar to what you see when viewing a piece of dichroic jewelry or glass art. Dichroic glass was originally developed by NASA for an, as yet, untold use. Remember the awesome reflected colors and moonscape scenes from the astronaut’s face shields? To me those “reflections” have a look similar to some dichroic glass pieces even though there is no such glass in the shields. To create dichroic glass multiple thin layers of metal or metal oxides are electronically applied to glass in a vacuum chamber. There may be as many as 30 or 40 layers of coating applied to a single piece of glass for the desired result. Yet all of these layers together are only about 1/45th the thickness of a piece of computer printer paper! Dichroic glass is now available for use by artists from dichroic coating manufacturers. Recently dichroic glass art is becoming highly popular because of its near gem-like appearance and the fact that no two pieces, even those make by the same artist, are ever totally alike. You can, for instance, have a “one of a kind” set of dichroic earrings for a quite reasonable price compared to almost any other one of a kind item (compared, say, to a designer dress).
Artists who craft glass love dichroic because they can create different looks by using more or fewer dichroic glass pieces added to the base glass. Also, the layers can be selectively removed in places, down to the base glass, by a laser or other tool. This removal of dichroic layers only in areas chosen by the artist creates images of great variety. Pictures of faces, animals, or abstract art can be achieved by careful use of this technique by the glass artist. Dichroic glass is usually added in layers to a piece of glass (plain or colored) called the base glass. The method used is called “hotworking” or glass fusing (see my fused glass category). A dichroic glass piece can be used in art directly, without fusing, but isn’t often used that way because of cost and other factors. To see the awesome beauty of dichroic glass art please view the pictures below. Remember that the dichroic art pieces are more striking in person than the pictures because as you turn the dichroic art in your hand the colors change in dramatic ways. For more information about dichroic glass (often called “dicro” please see the following site(s)
Artist Linda Abbott at: http://www.dichroicglass.net/index.asp
Thanks for looking! Jerry (webmaster Crafting Glass)
First two pictures courtesy of Linda Abbott http://www.dichroicglass.net/
Opal-like Dichroic
Turquoise Dichroic
Photographer Zygzee Artist Milton Jacobson (from: http://everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=3375443)
Dichroic Pendant or Earring
I believe this is the most awesome, unique use of glass I’ve ever seen. This work is by the artist Walter Gordinier with glass materials mostly (all?) from the great glass company Uroboros.
Please look here (below) to be inspired!
http://www.uroboros.com/images/artist_gallery/Walter_Gordanier/full_images/image1.jpg
Thanks for visiting my web site!
Jerry (webmaster, Crafting Glass)
These images are incredible, IMHO. They are all by microscopic photography. I have selected the pictures below because they are of glass or are of substances on glass. There are many more stunning images from this web site created by Nikon. Most of the images are not of glass (sadly)but it is fun just to browse them anyway. I believe those of you with artistic talent will find at least one image that will inspire your creative juices. Enjoy!
Jerry (webmaster. Crafting Glass) All pictures from Nikon small world
Carborundum….In Glass,
The web site is http://www.nikonsmallworld.com