The Delphi Blog

Finding your perfect match can seem daunting, let us help play matchmaker by highlighting the traits that will help you fall head-over-heels for a kiln – then stay happy together for years to come. Here’s the short list of questions to ask when you’re looking for that special kiln. What size of projects do you want to make? (Leave room to grow together!) How much space do you have for a kiln? What are the electric requirements (plug type, wire gauge)? What features are important to you? What is your budget? Let’s face it – sometimes size really does matter. We’re talking kilns here people! It’s important to know where your kiln will fit in your life, creative pursuits, and space. The heartbreak of outgrowing your kiln is something we see all too often. While it’s hard to know exactly what you’ll be into a year or more down the road, it’s best to consider all your options now. Do you see something that excites you? Choose a kiln with enough room to fit the biggest mold you’re interested in, plus a few inches to spare. The next consideration is space – how will you

When it comes to the holidays, creating traditions is the best way to be creative. Traditions are certainly steeped in history, but every family has their own unique take on it, making it all the more special and beautiful.   At Delphi Glass, we introduced our iconic series of Holiday Village Molds back in 2015. We modeled them after the stunning and charming town of Harbor Springs, Michigan, a very historic place with quaint architecture that can still be seen in the quiet streets there. It makes for the perfect setting of a Christmas Village that you can create from cast glass.   Even though it comes as a mold, you can customize it the way you want it. The little details can have your own exclusive touch to them. Choose the colors you like and even try different finishes in the same mold. You can also give it a snowy look so it has that winter wonderland-feeling to it. We took care to design all the little homey touches for each mold from cobblestones to intricate old-fashioned windows so you can create a classic look that endures for all of time.   These Holiday Village Molds are made from the highest quality ceramic so that they c

It’s not yet Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t been thinking about what gifts you’ll be giving for the holidays this year. One of the brands Delphi Glass has available for your glass art needs is Aanraku , which has a fantastic selection of products to make creating glass art jewelry and other precious things absolutely perfect.   Here are some ideas for you to craft the best gifts for everyone on your list.   For the bookworm Is someone on your list an avid page-turner? Instead of chancing buying them a book they already own, get them something they can keep on using no matter how many pages they turn. You can make them their very own fused glass bookmarks.   For the home improvement enthusiast Add a touch of class and a touch of glass to any home by making these stunning glass art cabinet door knobs . Nothing could make a home look more unique!   For the jewelry lover Who doesn’t love getting jewelry for the holidays? It’s sparkly and shiny, and is sure to make them feel merry and bright. There are options for fused glass rings, necklaces, pendan

As with many things, we have Japan to thank for metal clay art. It first started there in 1990, allowing crafty jewelry makers to create gorgeous and sophisticated pieces without the involved study required to make jewelry out of precious metals.   This crafting medium binds small particles of metal like silver, gold, copper or bronze to make into jewelry, beads, or even small sculptures. It’s easy to shape into any form, just like soft clay. You can shape it by hand or with the use of molds. Once it’s dry, it can be fired by kiln, with a handheld torch, or even on your gas stove, though much of it depends on the type of clay as well as the metal that’s mixed into it. As it’s heated, the binder burns off leaving only the metal behind and revealing your beautiful artistic creation.   If you’re looking to explore a new glass art technique, Delphi Glass has everything you need to get started with metal clay art. There are books about metal clay art to provide you with creative inspiration and techniques. Plus, Delphi Glass has a huge selection of all the materials needed to start making your own metal clay art pieces. F

No matter what you’re into – mosaics, stained glass, glass fusing, or glass jewelry – Delphi always has the tools you need to be creative. Without your tools, it would be impossible to bring to life all the incredible ideas that you dream up. As our 26th Annual Art Glass Festival quickly approaches, we know our glass artists are busy fusing, firing, and cutting to create their best pieces ever by using their favorite tools.   So what are your favorite tools? Let’s explore some of our most popular tools.   Toyo Dry Wheel Supercutter Everyone loves this oil-free cutter because it’s easy to use and makes great cuts without all the clean-up. Plus, it’s very durable and the cutter head is replaceable, making this tool a prime choice for glass artists.   Creators Premium Bottle Cutter Glass artists that love to upcycle love this tool that makes cutting bottles a cinch. The rings isolate your score to make it easier to separate bottles. It even works on those thick champagne bottles. Some amazing bottle art has been created using this fantastic tool.   Frit Sifter On

There are only 52 days left until Christmas! Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, Delphi has you covered with some bright and shiny ideas for the stained glass artist in your life. Here are some we think will be very well received if you tuck them under your tree!   1. Stained Glass A stained glass artist can never have too much glass to work with. We carry a huge selection of stained glass . Why not order some new and exciting colors for your favorite stained glass artist? Try something different like the Van Gogh glass that is almost too pretty to cut. Plus with glass packs and sample sets, your recipient will get a gorgeous array of glass to work with in one fabulous package.   2. Studio Pro Caddy If you’re stained glass artist has tools all over the place in their studio, perhaps a Studio Pro Caddy will be useful. It keeps all essential tools within easy reach and has them ready to use. Plus, the bottle holder and the iron stand keep chemicals and the hot iron safe.   3. Finishing Compound For the stained glass artist, that has everything, finishing compound is always a nice gift because it’s something tha

Summer is a great time to unleash your creativity. It’s also a great time to grab a KraftyBlok or two from Delphi and bring your ideas to life. KraftyBlok is a multifaceted glass block that you can turn into pretty much anything you can dream up. Think of it as a blank canvas in glass block form .   Its smooth and clear surface is the perfect base for mosaics, etching, painting and plenty more. Plus, it has an opening where you can easily add embellishments or even lights to really make your KraftyBlok project shine. You can purchase KraftyBlok stands to display your KraftyBlok creation too.   There are endless possibilities to bring your KraftyBlok project to life on so many levels. Turn it into a piggy bank for your children or grandchildren. Make it into a stunning vase to hold your fresh-cut flowers. Night lights, picture boxes, bookends and more can all be easily made by using a KraftyBlok.   If you still need inspiration, get our free KraftyBlok eBook . There are step-by-step instructions and templates so you can recreate the projects featured in it. This free 48-page eBook brings you ideas for every season too, so you can find some in