| Our
glass is all blown from molten glass using five foot long
hollow stainless steel tubes called "pipes". Each
piece is started with a gather of the base color. The glass
is gathered by twirling the pipe with its end submurged in
the molten glass. Layers are then added that either contain
designs, or clear glass, or colored glass. |
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The
largest "tank" in the studio contains crystal, or
clear glass. We also have a smaller furnace which melts three
smaller crucibles, or pots, full of varying colors. These
run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If they are emptied
and cooled for a vacation or repairs, it takes several days
for the glass to become ready to use again.
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| When
the piece is finished except for the lip, or top rim, it is
removed form the pipe by attaching a solid rod, or "punty"
to its bottom and then being broken loose from the pipe. The
top lip is finished, and it is placed into a special kiln,
called an annealer to hold it at 910 degrees F. for several
hours and then slowly allow it to cool. |
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