The Delphi Blog

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

Step 1 Cut a piece of glass in any wild shape or size you like. (This piece was just a leftover piece of glass from a stained glass window.) Step 2 Place a drape mold in the kiln. Since the piece of glass may run down to the shelf, it is best to have a piece of Fiber Paper under the mold. (I have used a bisque fired coffee mug for my mold. The glass will melt down around this mold so be sure to pick something were the sides go straight down or flare out, or the glass will break removing it from the mold.) Step 3 Drape a thin piece of Fiber Paper over the drape mold that is about the same size as the piece of glass. Step 4 Fire the glass at cone 017. Step 5 Wash the piece using a soft brush to remove Fiber Paper. This project courtesy of Fired Arts and Crafts Magazine. For more great projects like these, consider subscribing to FAC! Materials Glass : Brand of Choice-any scrap glass Mold/Bisque: You can choose from one of these to use as your mold. 12 oz Bisque Mug Large Floral Vase Slumper Small Floral Vase Slumper Tools: Brand of Choice Glass Scorer Mosaic Nippers Glass Running Pliers Glass Grozers Soft Br

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.

I want to make some copper foil and lead projects for use outside. How do I protect them from the elements? If you construct your project using the lead technique, there isnt anything else you need to do. The cementing process weatherproofs the project. If you use the copper foil technique, you will want to make sure that there is something to prevent the copper foil from pulling away from the outer edges of the project when it gets wet. This can be accomplished by using a rigid metal channel (zinc, copper or brass) or by soldering a reinforcing wire around the perimeter of the piece. Another thing you should consider is using mosaic techniques. Either the direct or indirect methods are great for outdoor projects. Your supplier will have information on these techniques if you are unfamiliar with them. Whatever technique you choose to employ, it is best to bring your projects indoors for the winter if it gets cold enough to freeze in your area. While some projects may survive freezing, its better to be safe than sorry. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News . All rights reserved.

Most of us have the perception that great art can only be created by mastering intricate and complicated procedures. However when you listen and learn from really creative people very often you will find the most effective touches are added using straightforward and uncomplicated techniques. Master teacher Jayne Persico uses a simple technique called Notch and Fire Polish to add dramatic designs to her jewelry creations. Jayne uses a diamond wiresaw to cut notches and scroll work into her glass jewelry blanks. Then she fire polishes these scroll-notches allowing them to take on a lace-like appearance. The effect is beautiful on its own but the addition of wire wrapping and glass beads will take the work to a whole new level of sophistication. Discover how you can create masterworks like these in Jaynes jewelry book Innovative Adornments. This Randys ProTip brought to you from the book Innovative Adornments by Jayne Persico. Visit Wardell Publications .

No oneknowstheexactorigins of glass fusing although there is evidence that the Egyptians were familiar withrudimentary techniques. The Romans however arenoted by scholars for developingrefined glass fusing skills. Although technology has changed the way modern glass fuserswork,the technique isessentially the same as those developed by the Romans centuries ago. The basic technique involvesstacking two or morelayers of fusible glass, which are then placed in a kiln and gradually heated to between 1450-1500 Fahrenheit.At these temperatures the layers of glass fuse, or melt together and become one. Unfortunately, glass kilnsare large andexpensive,whichkeeps most Hobbyists from pursuing this art form. Now there are new kiln options, including the The Fuseworks Microwave Kiln . This device works in most household microwaves and can fuse glass in about 3 minutes. Here are some common questions we get on fusing in this modern-day kiln. The following are Q A complied by Diamond Tech , the manufacturer of Fuseworks Microwave Kiln for the purpose of helping current users be successful, and to aid in the decision making of those considering the purchase of a microwave kiln.

Who says that learning cant be fun? The Kay Bain Weiner Foundation, which is dedicated to sharing information about glass art, recently proved that its certainly possible when it sponsored a fun and successful cruise to the western Caribbean to help support its educational goals. Glass Enthusiasts Coming Together On January 10, 2010, the KBW Foundation sponsored a cruise on Celebrity Solstice that set sail for the western Caribbean. This was the Foundations first glass art conference cruise. There were over 148 glass enthusiasts on boardbeginners to experts from Alaska to Florida, from California to New Hampshire to Israelto participate in this inaugural event. Workshops, lectures, and demonstrations devoted to the various types of glass art, the business of glass, and the beauty of glass made up a large part of the experience. The theme of the event, Accelerate Your Creativity, rang true for all of the attendees as they participated in this great chance to improve their techniques and learn new ones. The cruise was a resounding success, with nearly twice the number of expected glass enthusiasts signing on to participate in the cruise, demonstrations, workshop

I had received an e-mail inviting me to Kenya , and a lifelong dream of mine, going to Africa, was about to be fulfilled. My hosts were sharing their latest adventure: Weve been away and something is tearing up the roofs again, probably bush babies (lemurs), certainly baboons, and probably leopards as well! Id heard that Laurel True had just visited Kitengela Glass Research outside Nairobi, and I called on her for advice. You should go. Another friend who had recently visited Kitengela had advised me to get in touch with Nani Croze. I had thoroughly reviewed www.kitengela-glass.com, but there was no way possible- that I could ever have conceived the journey I was about to take. And now, Id like to take you with me! Necessity, the Mother of Invention Thirty years ago on the Maasai Mara in Kenya, Nani Croze, looking for a way to support her three children, started Kitengela Glass. Struggling to make a living as a skilled muralist, Nanis friends suggested that she work in stained glass. (There is a preponderance of churches in Kenya and, thus, a built-in market.) Nani, a multitalented designer, found that there was no glass available. Indeed, it had to be imported from Eur

Here are a few rules to follow when creating your custom booth: 1. Your vehicle size determines your booth dimensions when it is broken down . I cannot tell you how common it is that someone creates a booth that will not fit into their car or van! 2. Keep it simple smooth, clean lines in all wall coverings and table treatments is the current look. Simplicity is key. 3. Dont use materials for your display that will distract from your product line. 4. Keep the opening of your booth at least 6 feet wide (7 to 8 feet is even better). You need people to enter your booth before they will buy. Narrowed-down openings say, dont come in! resulting in less customers entering your booth. 5. Use multiple levels in your display . The more levels you create and display your work on, the more interest you create from the aisleprompting customers to enter your space. 6. Remember, a picture says a thousand words. Put this adage to work for you. Show with large photos in your booth what you dont always get a chance to say. For example, how your functional pottery will look on the Thanksgiving Day table. 7. Use lots of light. Make sure that your booth is we

When youre in a creative slump, try slumping with a new mold! Delphi just added three new molds from Creative Paradise to its selection. Ive attached information on each of these molds, along with project ideas to get you inspired. These fusing molds are made from ceramic clay and are highly durable. But be sure to cover them well with kiln wash before use to prevent cracking. Four coats of kiln wash is recommended. Slumping 3-D Sunflowers Step 1 . Trace the slumping mold onto a piece of paper, so you know how large your glass can be. Begin arranging glass on this pattern, starting with the flower base glass. Step 2 . Arrange flower petal glass in layers and fuse. Step 3. Arrange the fused flower on top of the mold and slump. Slumping Pattern Bar Plates (pictured top left) This unique dam mold makes it easy to make pattern bars or thick fused glass. Interior measures 2-1/2 x 6. Step 1 . Cut up small pieces of your favorite glass or use scrap glass to create a base layer. Step 2. Use long strips of fiber felt (item#4824) to create the channels. Fill around the fiber with scrap glass. Step 3 .

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time in my backyard. My father (a retired horticulture professor and perpetual gardener) has been preparing my quarter-acre lot for a vegetable garden. As soon as I saw this project guide, I could envision stained glass dragonflies peeking out amidst my beans and greens. They are perfect for adding a little sparkle to your summer landscape!  DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN HERE Materials: Wissmach Sky Blue and Crystal Stream X for Wings, 1/2 Sq. Ft. (or other glass color of choice) Wissmach Dark Blue/Medium Green Opal for Body, 1/3 Sq. Ft. (or other glass color of choice) Flux Solder 7/32" Copper Foil 20-, 22-, and 16-Gauge Copper Wire 2 Small Green Nuggets 1/8" Copper or Brass Rod Black Patina Directions: This is one of many of the garden stake designs in Leslie Gibbs' book , Garden Art in Glass . There is a lot more information in her book about wire, rods, and other hardware used in building the garden stakes. Always wear eye protection, keep a clean work surface, and solder in a well ventilated area. When you’re ready to begin, make two copies of the original pattern provided. Number each pattern piece