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Looking to expand the scope of your bottle cutting projects? Listen up. Diamond Tech International has just created a new bottle cutter, the Generation Green (G 2 ) bottle cutter. Its clever design allows users to cut anywhere along the bottles curved body and to cut rings of various sizes. The tool is adapted to cut almost any size glass container including wide-mouth jar and oversize wine bottles, a feature customers have been specifically asking for. And its lightweight frame allows users to cut bottles in a few quick steps. Sturdy construction and a 6-wheeled turret cutting head helps ensure long product life. The G 2 can be used for creating a variety of projects, ranging from hanging pots and votive holders to glass jewelry. It earns Delphis title of Earth Friendly because it allows artists to repurpose used bottles into components for glass art. In addition, it is constructed entirely from recycled materials.

By now, you're probably aware of Delphi's partnership with the Beads of Courage program. For those of you who aren't, here's a quick overview. Beads of Courage brings handmade beads to children receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses. A bead is awarded by the child's healthcare provider for treatment milestones like blood transfusions, chemotherapy treatments and surgeries to document the child's treatment journey. The success of Beads of Courage is completely reliant on artists and volunteers. Since 2004, more than 500,000 beads have been donated by lampworkers, clay workers, woodworkers and other bead artists, and we want YOU to get in on the action! We're so passionate about this cause, we've pledged to donate 100,000 beads to Beads of Courage, and we need your help. We're asking you to make a few extra glass beads the next time you're in your studio. Send them to Delphi and in return, we'll give you $5 off your next order of $40 or more*. One-hundred percent of the beads donated will be given to Beads of Courage. If you have friends that are bead artists, tell them about our cause and plan a bead making party! Make beads of every color to represent diff

At the height of an undefeated season for MSU (and a big win over University of Michigan) Delphi’s new Licensed Pre-cut Glass Emblems  couldn’t come at a better time.  For the past 38 years, the Lansing-based company has supplied glass artists with high quality art glass supplies and education. But they haven’t been able to offer pre-cut glass mascots and logos until now. These exclusive pre-cuts are designed to make it easy for people, even those with no previous art glass experience, to create MSU-themed projects like garden stepping stones, serving platters, wall art and fashion accessories. Delphi currently carries two designs, the MSU Spartan “S” logo and Spartan Helmet mascot emblem. Sizes range from 1/2 inch to 6 inches. Pre-cuts are available in either aventurine green, a dark green with metallic sparkle, or solid white. Both colors are lead-free and food safe. All glass is tested 96 COE compatible for fusing. Pre-cuts are made using a high-powered water saw allowing for precision detail, including interior cuts that would be impossible to do by hand. “We are very excited about our new line of licensed collegiate p

I really enjoy stained glass, but after I work on a project for a while, I get stiff and sore. What am I doing wrong? We all enjoy stained glass and most of us find it to be a relaxing hobby. But did you ever finish a project, step back to look at it and realize that your back hurt, or your hands feel tight, or you have a splitting headache? Did you know that many of these symptoms can be avoided by applying a few simple rules of ergonomics. You most likely have heard the word, but did you know that it’s just a fancy way of saying, “fit the task to the person?” There are many ways to accomplish just that, and you’d be surprised how simple it really is. Most people are so intent on what they are doing (enjoying our favorite hobby!) that they don’t pay attention to how they are doing it. Let’s explore some things that you can do to make your glass hobby even more enjoyable. Here are some general guidelines: • Practice correct posture at all times. We know it’s easier said than done, but you’ll feel better and be able to work longer if you do. • Any time you hold or repeat a position for an extended period of ti

I am about to set up my new workshop. I was just wondering what you think are the most important things to include? Since every situation is different, we cant give you specific answers, but here are some things that you should give some thought to. We think that the two most important things in a workshop are safety and comfort. You obviously want everything in your workshop to be as safe as possible. Ideally, you will want to have: proper ventilation, plenty of lighting, safe storage areas for glass and chemicals (do you have children?), grounded electrical connections, no extension cords, safe disposal for glass and supplies (trash cans as opposed to plastic bags), and easy to clean surfaces (no carpet on the floor). Comfort is the next most important consideration. The height of your work surface is very important. If you arent comfortable, you wont be able to work as long as youd like. If you arent sure of the most comfortable height for you, use your house as a guide. You know whether you prefer to work standing up or sitting down. If you like to work sitting down, measure the height of the tables in your house where you like to work. If you always pay your bi

According to historian Paul Crist who wrote An Early History of Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company in 1998 , the stories behind the company sound more like the makings of a soap opera than a business plan. But despite the companys somewhat fractured past, Kokomo has upheld its reputation for exceptional glass products. Since 1888, it has been producing some of the finest glass in the world, and remains the oldest manufactory in America of its kind. Charles Edward Henry opened Kokomo Glass Factory in Kokomo, Indiana after he managed to negotiate a free factory site and cheap gas rates with community leaders. The once agriculturally based town was booming with business opportunities thanks to the discovery of natural gas. Glass production began on Nov. 13, 1888. The company specialized in colored opalescent glass, which at the time was a relatively new product. The superintendent and chemist of the company, Henrys business partner, worked tirelessly to perfect the formulas and processes needed to make the unique glass. Journal archives show that Kokomos first order was for Tiffany Glass Co. It was six cases of mixed blue and white opalescent glass. At this time glass was sold b

The first week in July, Delphis Executive Director, Lisa Parks, Director of Curriculum, Roy Kapp and Sales Associate, Suzanna Fung traveled to Taipei, Taiwan to teach glass fusing. Delphi Elite Dealer Anguse International hosted the group and set up a classroom for Roy and Suzanna and 15 students. Over the course of five days, the enthusiastic group created multiple projects and shared numerous tips and techniques. Suzanna, who speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and English proved to be an invaluable asset to the team. Her creative abilities are exceptional and the students commented more than once on her flawless, accent-free Mandarin. As a glass artist, Suzanna not only translated for the class, but also helped with technical issues. All of the participants had a wonderful time and enjoyed sharing in the universal language of creativity. To find out about other Delphi events like this one, visit our class calendar.

The official answer from the glass manufacturers is, All tested compatible glasses have been tested by the FDA for food bearing surfaces and were determined to be suitable. However, if you add other processes or compounds to the items, for example paint, stains, decals, glazes, etc. it is important to check that these items are also approved for food bearing surfaces. In addition it is of the utmost importance that dinnerware items be properly annealed, especially if youre going to place hot food on them - the thermal shock could cause a break in poorly annealed items. This Randys ProTip brought to you from the book Introduction to Glass Fusing by Petra Kaiser. Visit Wardell Publications. Also, at Delphi we take food safety and dinnerware very seriously. We always recommend that certain glasses are capped with clear. These are usually irids, dichro and glass with texture, since these can also trap food particles. Please see this Bullseye link for more information: http://www.bullseyeglass.com/products/faq/#faq_011

My second day in Lansing was the day Id been waiting for. Classes. I met instructors Val Oswalt and Roy Kapp. When I say experts, Im not kidding. (Those of you whove taken classes with them know what I mean.) Online marketing expert Stacy Daniels joined me for the fusing portion of instruction. After much discussion over terms and techniques, we created small glass tiles for firing. These would eventually be slumped into small jewelry dishes. Here are a few beginner fusing tips I wrote down: 1. Theres no real benefit to using 90 COE over 96 COE (or vice versa) 2. Never fuse more than one layer of glass over your mold (create your layered effect first if you so choose) 3. Molten glass wants to be inch thick. Plan your piece accordingly. 4. All kilns are different. Dont be surprised if you have to adjust your firing schedule. 5. Take notes to keep from repeating mistakes in the future. Next on the docket was flameworking. The whole thing appeared so intimidating with the torch billowing out fiery blue and orange gas. Watching Vals hands move with such precision and coordination amazed me. Flameworking is a delicate dance - moving the glass rod and ma

I was 22 weeks pregnant and already humongous , if that's not too much information. I boarded the plane hoping that I would have a somewhat comfortable flight from Tampa to Flint. After getting settled, I make a To-Do list for my trip. 1. Try not to knock over anything breakable with enormous belly. 2. Try to keep emotional outbursts to a minimum even if first few lampworking beads are lumpy piles of goo. 3. Remember to wear protective clothing so as not to light body parts on fire. 4. Arrive a novice, leave an expert.

I admit it. Im a fake. When Delphi hired me to be the Social Media/PR Specialist, I was looking for a reprieve from my graphic design job at a small local magazine. I longed for a more creative outlet. A place where I could learn new things, write about them and interact with others. Delphi was a perfect fit. Only problem was I didnt know a thing about art glass. Id witnessed my mother, a botanical illustrator and painter, create a few large-scale stained glass patterns for her friend (a real stained glass artist), and that was the extent of my experience with the craft. I knew nothing of fusing or sandblasting or lampworking. My experience with mosaics extended no further than my fifth-grade Tessellation project. I felt worthless. I started researching online, talking to Delphi experts and interacting with artists on Facebook and Twitter. I was learning a lot, but I still felt like a phony among glass geniuses. What I needed was complete immersion. That finally came in the form of a trip to the Delphi Creativity Center in Lansing. And herein begins my journey. Stay tuned for Part II...