Blown Glass
Description
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Blown glass is a glass making process in which molten glass is manually blown into a bubble. This is done through first, melting the elements that make up the composition of glass. This includes but is not limited to sand, limestone, and soda ash. Other elements can be added to change the color of the glass. Next, after the elements are melted down, it is gathered on the end of a hollow pipe. On the other end, someone blows air into the tube making the glass inflate into a bubble. The glass is then shaped by the blowing, sagging, and rolling on an iron surface.
Hand blown glass is very unique in the way that every piece is unique. No two pieces have the exact same color pattern or the exact same shape. Hand blown glass is also very thick in comparison to industrially produced glass because of the process in which it is made. Another quality of this glasses uniqueness is how tiny bubbles may form as a result of the blowing process making it even more distinguishable.
Environmental Impact
Overall, glass is not very environmentally friendly, especially when it comes to the initial production of the glass. The mining process to get the raw materials causes erosion, habitat degradation, air pollution, and energy. After the material is gathered the firing and melting of the glass also leeches pollutants into the air as well as consumes a great amount of energy to get to high temperatures. In a more positive light, glass is recyclable and can be recycled an infinite amount of times.
Interior Uses
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Vases & Decor - Vases and other blown glass decor adds a pop of color and intriguing shapes to a space. These can take the form of nearly anything with any color combination or variation.
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Table Lamps - Blown glass table lamps make for an interesting and unique piece of furniture. The light that shines through them can be mesmerizing as it distorts the light slightly to the hand formed glass.
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Wall art - Blown glass wall art and installations can create a dynamic and visually interesting work of art that will shine when light is cast on it.
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Glassware - Glassware dishes are a amazing way to incorporate color and interest to something otherwise common and fairly plain. These glasses can also take any shape and or combinations of colors making them very unique.
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Light Fixtures - Hanging light fixtures are one of the most common uses for blown glass. In many applications, wild designs are made from the glass in extravagant colors to create a hanging, glowing work of art.
Hanging Light Fixtures
Blown glass light fixtures can take many shapes, colors, and sizes. Depending on the combination of those, blown glass light fixtures can completely change the space by adding color and/ or a beautiful focal point. The most amazing thing about blown glass light fixtures is the individuality of them. Knowing that the fixture is hand made and one of a kind makes it that much more special. To upkeep blown glass, all that is needed is to dust the glass and clean it with a glass cleaner to keep it clean and shiny.
ASTM standards: ASTM C162-05(2015) - ASTM C162-05(2015)
Sources
https://rtaoutdoorliving.com/outdoor-kitchen-tile/
https://mercurymosaics.com/blogs/news/glossy-green-glazes
https://digitalfire.com/glossary/leaching
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elevate-your-interiors-tieic-unveiling-exquisite-glazed-porcelain/
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/hand-painted-tile-is-having-a-moment
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Jill Ghilardi