SOME IDEAS HOW TO UTILIZE OUR GLASS PIECES

A few weeks ago we got in touch with a company called Kozzi Images and got the opportunity to have some of our products professionally photographed. The pictures are available at www.kozzi.com so check it out for more of great photographs. The Company offers free downloads of professionally taken pictures of things, landscapes, natures, pets and so on. It's a great source of wonderful photographs.

Here are some examples of how you can use our glass vases and glass bowls. Pictures were taken by Kozzi Images. Tell us what you think.

BEST HOUSEWARMING GIFT IDEAS

How many times we all were facing a problem of finding appropriate housewarming gifts for our friends and family. Buying an apartment or a house is an enormous step for them, and we want to contribute and make it an unforgettable event. We can do it with a unique housewarming gift.

There’s no doubt that there is a great variety of home décor products in the market which can serve as housewarming gifts. However, only some of them are unique enough so they can stand out among other gifts of this kind. Fine glass art is a great choice when deciding on housewarming gifts. The best thing is that glass art works come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and functions so you will find some excellent pieces for any home decor.

Glass Artworks as Centerpieces

When it comes to centerpieces, a unique, hand-made glass piece can become a focal point of any room. A new host will be grateful for getting a high-quality blown glass vase or other centerpiece which will dress up their room or office.

Home Décor Glass Pieces Ideas

A glass vase is one of the ideas for housewarming gifts. You will find a huge variety of glass vases that you can choose from. However, only some of them can be called a piece of art and constitute an original way of decorating a new home. A glass vase in its best will make a statement about uniqueness of your host, so while choosing a housewarming gift, pick the one which will match personality of a new home owner. Also, bear in mind that a glass vase will not be necessarily utilized by the owner to hold flowers. Therefore, select the piece which is a decoration in itself.

Glass bowls are excellent housewarming gift ideas. They can not only be a piece of home décor but also be utilized to serve food or hold small decorating items. Possibilities are endless. Hand-made glass bowls are underutilized as centerpieces. However, properly displayed, they can wonderfully complement home décor.

Glass art candle holders are truly exceptional in home décor. They are loved by new home owners as they are a wonderful way of warming, often still unorganized and under decorated rooms of a new house.

Colour and Type of Glass Housewarming Gifts

While picking a glass housewarming gift, the type of glass, its colour as well as size need to be taken into consideration. However, very often we do not have the knowledge of what the new house owner’s ultimate décor idea is, and what each room’s style will be. That is why it is recommended to either enquire about the colours and décor which will dominate in the rooms, or simply choose the pieces which are neutral in its colour and style, such as a beige vase or a greyish bowl.

If none of these are possible, take your glass housewarming ideas a little further and simply decide on getting a dinner set. There is no doubt that a couple of hand-blown glasses or/ and fused plates will make the host happy. Also, it is easier not to make a wrong choice when picking the plates or glasses as their colour and style can be easily accommodated by the host through matching the set with an appropriate style and colour of the table cloth.

When it comes to http://www.glamorous-glass.com/Galicjan-Poland/">housewarming gifts , glassware and glass homes décor pieces will surely be a winner at the housewarming party.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK...

A few days ago we came back from our first trip to New York City. And we must say we fell in love with this city. So majestic and classy...at least Manhattan where we spent most of our time:) Three days in NYC resulted in painful feet. After all we were walking around for 12 hours straight three days in a row as we wanted to get as much as possible from this trip. And we did. Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the New York Public Library, Broadway, Time Square...And our favourite-Central Park.

We also decided to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET) where we spent a couple of hours admiring ancient and contemporary art. We could not resist to spend a lot of time looking at ancient and medieval pieces of functional and artistic glass and ceramics. It is amazing that such fragile material like glass survived hundreds 0r even thousands of years. A number of pieces are examples of Roman and Greek art, and are dated to even the Hellenistic era. There was a lot of large footed bowls, possibly used for mixing wine, often belonging to a small group of luxury glass vessels. Some of the glass bowls represent masterpieces of glassmaking from the period when cast glass was beginning to be supplanted by vessels made using the newly invented technique of glassblowing. There was a number of pieces with engraved scenes from Greek or Roman mythology. Besides art glasswork coming from early centuries of human civilization, there are also vessels representing trends in the XIXth or early XXth centuries. One of the examples are beautiful glass vases designed by Loui Confort Tiffany. The shapes, colors, and finishes of Tiffany's vases and plaques were inspired by the natural world and by ancient glass.

Here is a couple of pictures of the pieces we had a chance to admire, as well as a wonderful panorama of New York City.

END OF SUMMER AT GLAMOROUS GLASS

Our autumn leaf collection of bowls, glass vases and table centerpieces are perfect as part of your fall home decor. Check them out at http://www.glamorous-glass.com/Deco-Glass-Poland/ . Although we can't believe the summer is over, this year's fall is expected to be even more fun and exciting for us, at Glamorous Glass.

We kicked off a new season with some great people at the Milton Tweet-up which took place on a first Friday of the fall. We have finally met some of the Glamorous Glass twitter followers and those who are followed by us. This event was an excellent opportunity to put a face into our twitter profiles, and to finally meet each other outside of the virtual world. We were able to present Glamorous Glass as a real thing, with real us :) as the owners. We met some wonderful people, got a lot of advice and hopefully, established meaningful business relations.

Glamorous Glass became a member of the Women Who Excel networking group in Burlington. The group has been operating for over 20 years, and is led by a charismatic business person, Christine. Being a member let us participate in monthly dinners which are often combined with mini trade shows. This month dinner took place on September 28th. Not only did we have great meal at the Mandarin Buffet, but also had an opportunity to present our products during the trade show organized for the members of the group. We got some great feedback on our products, as well as on the idea standing behind Glamorous Glass. We had a chance to speak with retailers, real estate agents and beauty consultants. Overall, it was a fun evening.

The highly anticipated by us (and not only us) International Home Show begins on October 1st (Convention Centre in Mississauga, ON). Remember to visit our booth (#364). We hope you'll like our glass vases, table centerpieces, candle holders etc. which are wonderful as... Christmas presents. Yes, this time of year will soon be here, so go ahead and start shopping for special gifts at the International Home Show and of course, at Glamorous Glass :) Hope to see you there.

Traditions of Murano Glass

The world capital of decorative glass is located in beautiful Venice, on the island called Murano. For ages, Murano has been a place of origin for most famous and most beautiful glass vases, bowls, figurines, etc. When you possess an original piece from Murnao, you are a real connoisseur.

The beginnings

In 1960 the oldest furnace for glass, dated for the 8th century, was discovered on a Venetian island. The 8th century established Venice as a prominent center for glass-manufacturing. The origins of glass making in this region are traced back even to the times of the Roman Empire, when glass was used to illuminate bathhouses.

In the 13th century, producing highest-quality glass items became the main industry of Venice. It led to creation of the Glassmakers Guild which was responsible for shaping and voicing rules and regulations which the Venice craftsmen were supposed to follow. The Guild was serving two purposes. Firstly, it was supposed to stand on guard of the secrets of glass making trade. Secondly, the aim was to make sure that the industry brings profit. In order to meet the above mentioned objectives, in 1271 a law was introduced that prohibited importation of foreign glass as well as employment of foreign glass workers.

One of the most significant events in Murano glass making history is the 1291 move of all furnaces used in this trade from Venice to Murano. The law triggering this event laid the ground for establishing Murano as a center of glass manufacturing. Several theories exist which try to explain why Venice wanted to move its craftsmen. One of them states that Venice was afraid of fire from the furnaces spreading over the city. It could lead to a complete destruction of Venice as the city`s building were primarily made of wood. What is more, such a fire would greatly endanger enormous in size population of Venice. However, other sources claim that the real reason behind the 1291 law was related to making the craftsmen isolated so they would not be able to share their trade secrets with foreigners. Locating them on the island in close proximity to Venice would serve the purpose: it would reduce the craftsmen contacts with outsiders, but on the other hand would let them sell their products on markets in Venice. What is interesting, in 1295 the law which forbade the glassmakers to leave the city was passed.

Venetian government was also undertaking less direct steps in order to keep glass making secluded and make Venice a leader in this industry. It was providing glass makers and their families with special treatment and high location in the Venetian social ladder. Privileged status and related to this perks were a great incentive for glass makers who encouraged their offspring to stay in the trade and carry the tradition on. Internal politics as well as convenient location of Venice as a city on a path of trade between East and West allowed it to flourish as a European monopolist in making and selling high quality glass products, such as glass vases, bowls or figurines.

Time of booming

The 15th century brought another innovation into the world of Murano glass when Master Angelo Barovier discovered the process for producing clear glass, called cristallo. Furthermore, another innovation was a discovery of lattimo which was the white glass reminding popular that time Chinese porcelain. The greatest times in Murano history also made glassmakers experiment with new techniques in production more sophisticated pieces of art. By using glass rods with inner threads of white, golden or coloured glass which twisted or intersected, they were creating filigrana glass. They also started enamelling and gilding glass as well as creating ice glass which appears as it is finely crackled.

Twilight

The 17th was not too lucrative for Murano glass and its makers. Decline of Venetia’s influence as a centre of commerce as well as emergence of other glass centres in Europe, specifically located in Bohemia, England and France, led to a decrease of influence of Murano in the industry. However, it did not stop the glass makers from inventing new techniques in glass making such as avventurina which is embedding metal flecks in glass so it looks very sparkly or calcedonio which bring illusion of an item made of semiprecious stone. Murano glass was popular for its bright colours and complex floral and animal motives as decorations.

Turmoil of the 18th and 19th century

The 18th century was definitely not the best time for glass makers in Murano. Competition located in Bohemia and France and later Napoleon’s conquest of Venice, which led to abolishment of the Glassmakers’ Guild, put the industry in jeopardy. Even worse for the condition of Murano glass making was overtaking of Venice by the Habsburg Empire. The rulers, preferring their own glassmaking centre in Bohemia passed the law which led to virtual impossibility of bringing necessary raw material into Murano as well as exporting ready products due to the cost introduced by the law. Only 5 furnaces stayed alive and kept blowing glass.

However, the tradition still lived. The breakthrough came with arrival to the city of Antonio Salviati who opened a factory producing traditional Murano glass. Soon he was granted a fifteen-year contract for restoration of the mosaics in St. Mark’s basilica. At the same time interest in old traditions of glass making in Murano came from Venice government which embodied in establishment of school for glassmakers who were taught the forgotten techniques of the craft. For the next few years, recent glass works were displayed in various exhibitions on the Italian, as well as international level. Following multiple successes, Murano regained its reputation as a centre of glass making and again became a booming economy.

Modern history

The end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th can be characterized as years of reproduction of classical styles and rediscovering ancient techniques of glassmaking. These pieces were greatly appreciated by international collectors and admirers of beauty of glass. However, modern times brought new European works of art in avant-garde and art nouveau style, which showed a gap that existed between pieces offered by modern artists and Murano artisans still deeply attached to the past.

The first Murano artisan who started adopting new trends was Vittorio Toso Borella. Although his first products did not completely satisfy glass connoisseurs, his later pieces became appreciated masterpieces. Borella was later accompanied in new style by Gino Rossi, Arturo Martini and Guido Marussig.

Later, art deco came. In Murano glass craft, it was represented by less decorated pieces of Vittorio Zecchin. In the 1920s-1940s, Murano glassmakers became famous of producing glass animals, glass statues of female nudes, engraving on glass, modern lighting fixtures, glass tableware and glass vases. An innovative glass making technique was introduced called vetro sommerso which let the makers produce thick glassware, which showcase one colour on the inside and another on the outside.

Minimalism, functionality and simplicity were the trends present in Murano glass making after the World War II. Such techniques as filigree, murrino and lattimo saw their come back and produced pieces which harmonized outline with colour and decoration of the pieces.

Today, Murano is again considered a capital of glass art of the world. It creates trends in glass blowing and becomes a destination for those who appreciate beauty of glass.

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DELIBERATIONS ON DECORATIVE GLASS

Glass does not only have industrial and practical value. Its characteristics are widely used by glassworks and artists who make original pieces of art-highly valued collectibles.

The artistic decorative glass products are shaped of liquid glass. This liquidity allows an artist to create various, rich in shape products-real pieces of art. Glass can be called a medium for artists.

It is impossible to talk about decorative art glass without mentioning the Murano glassmaking history. Their tradition of precision in glassworks is maintained since the 13th century. Due to its uniqueness Murano glass is often referred to as “cristallo”.

There are two opinions on how Murano, the island in the Venetian Lagoon became a centre of glassmaking. It is being said that in 1291 the Venetian Republic, fearing that fire used by glassmakers might burn down Venice’s wood buildings, ordered its glass artists to move their foundries to Murano. This way the glassmakers became the noblest citizens of this island. Another, more frequently suggested opinion, is that the move was made to isolate the glassblowing masters and prevent them from sharing their knowledge with foreigners. Glass making became a trade exclusively for those born on the island of Murano, and whoever glassmaker left the Venetian State was condemned to death as a traitor.

In the 1400s, the Italian island of Murano became the centre of glass luxury. Many new glass making techniques were developed there and Murano played a main role in the export trade of dinnerware, glass vases, mirrors and other luxurious items. A distinguishing feature of glass pieces made by Venetians was their content and a technique of making. Local quartz pebbles were almost pure silica ground into clear sand and combined with soda ash obtained from the Levant.

The contemporary Venetian glass art flourished in the 50ths and 60ths of the 20th century. Murano is still a Mecca for artists and glass lovers. The Murano School remains one of the most important in the world, and the art of glassmaking, just like centuries ago is still handed down from father to son.

However, not only the Italians became famous of their glass making skills. It is worth to mention that the Czech Republic Region of Bohemia and Moravia is a significant source of European glass making traditions. From the earliest days, the Czechs were setting tone in European and world art of glass making.

The United States are famous for making artistic glass items as well. The American glassworks tradition comes from the colonial times, when green glass house ware was produced. Currently, there are a lot of individual artists, and the art in glass is practiced and taught in the universities.

Beginning in the 19th century, a variety of extravagant glass items, such as glass vases started to become an important part of the decorative art. Particularly significant impact on development of decorative glass had the Art Nouveau movement. The members produced coloured pieces, often in cameo glass (a form of glass art involving etching and carving through fused layers of differently coloured glass; the main characteristic are white figures carved on black background), as well as using the lustre technique.

With the 20th century came an era of revolutionary technology. Machines were developed which replaced traditional mouth blowing with a semi-automatic process, and transformed the craft into an industry. A new mould-etch process was invented which allowed to reduce manufacturing costs. This led to cheap glassware in the 1930s, later called “Depression glass”.

Classical man-made glassblowing maintaining the tradition and knowledge of ancient glassblowers became an art. Today's glassblower still utilizes the basic blowpipe, but now they have a vast number of supplementary tools to aid in working the material.

Here are the most common techniques to produce glass art:

• blowing: a glassblower works at a furnace full of molten glass using metal rods and hand tools to blow and shape almost any form of glass;
• kiln-casting: can be done at the furnace at the torch or in a kiln; generally the artist makes a mould out of refractory, sand, or plaster and silica which can be filled with either clear glass or coloured or patterned glass;
• fusing, slumping: usually glass is only heated enough to impress a shape or a texture onto the piece, or to stick several pieces of glass together without glue;
• flame working: the artist generally works at a bench using rods and tubes of glass, shaping with hand tools to create their work;
• hot sculpting;
• cold-working;

The most common glass objects include vessels such as bowls, glass vases, bottles, etc. as well as paperweights, beads, sculptures and installation art.

SOME EXAMPLES FROM THE GREEK COLLECTION

As promised, here is a sample of Greek glass products that Glamorous Glass offers. You can view a full collection in our store. What distinguishes Greek glass items from other pieces available at Glamorous Glass are their lively colours, often elaborate shape, and abstract decor with small contemporary images as a main element. If you are looking for a quality gift or a functional or decorative home/ office piece in a reasonable price, you definitely should review the Greek collection at Glamorous Glass. You will find there a variety of glass vases, plates, candle holders, trays, bowls, clocks and platters.

THE ITALIANS HAVE ARRIVED

Highly anticipated inventory from the island of Murano (Italy), often said to be the capital of glass, has arrived. The products come from Yalos Murano, a leading trademark in the traditional production of glass. Style and design of their products make them great for decor of contemporary as well as traditional homes. What is amazing are the colours as well as specific texture of glass their bowls and vases are made of. All who are interested in glass products are aware of an exceptional quality of silica items originating from Murano. Lovers of decorative, as well as functional glass vases, bowls, plates, figurines, centerpieces, etc. should definitely consider complementing their collections with the Murano glass. Indeed, they are not the least expensive, but the connoisseurs of glass know that they are worth their price. Here is a peak of what we will be offering in the Glamorous Glass web store, and later, in our boutique. Enjoy!