Glass figurines review

Lampwork is an amazing, challenging creative activity... Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the figures made by human hands (such operations cannot be done by a machine), shining in the sun, amaze with their beauty and grace. In this article, we will look at the features of making glass figurines, as well as admire the work of masters from plexiglass, Murano glass and others.

There are several options for making glass figurines. It's a pretty tricky process, but with proper practice, you can learn how to create beautiful objects.

Glass (glass fiber) as a base melts under the influence of high temperature. The method is somewhat reminiscent of working with clay or plasticine. Actually, the term lampwork stands for "lamp" ("burner") and "work" from English.

A gas burner also uses oxygen and compressed air, which are supplied to the tool with separate hoses.... Before working with a gas burner, the work surface is covered with a fire-resistant material.

The glass mass is heated (in an oven) and pushed onto a special long tool with a hole into which air enters. Blown from the side of the product, it "moves" the glass, changing its shape. And also the model is formed by scrolling the tool, attaching other elements. Unnecessary parts are also removed with tongs while the glass is movable. There is even such a profession - a glassblower.

In the production of glass products, the following stages are distinguished:

• work on the sketch - from idea to elaboration in different angles and detail;

• base heating using gas or tungsten wire, while the flame reaches a temperature of 800-1200 degrees Celsius;

• transforming its shape to the desired one using tweezers, wide forceps;

• elaboration of details;

• cooling process finished product.

A complex product can be made for several hours, simple figures - from a quarter of an hour. Moreover, failures occur when models fall or break.

Many objects are made from glass. Animal figurines are very popular - they are especially relevant at the time of the onset of a particular year according to the Chinese calendar. Figurines of zodiac signs or human figures can also serve as a good gift or home decoration. Girls love these funny and cute little figures of birds, fish and animals.

In Russia, glass figurines first became widely known during the Soviet era. They are now considered antiques and are quite expensive.... You can often find colored, transparent and translucent animal figures or cute shoes.

Glass as a decoration is actively used in the field of design; fillers made of glass stones of various shapes and colors are popular. Such stones are also used to decorate aquariums, which looks simply gorgeous with backlighting.

Figurines Chinese masters quite interesting and varied. Among them there is a huge selection of horses, owls, turtles, sailboats and other figurines.

Famous for its glass and Czech... Good glass beads are also produced here. Czech products in the form of Christmas tree decorations are splendidly sold out around Christmas.

There is a separate demand for glass in jewelrywhere a small bead can become a real masterpiece.

An alternative to glass products is plexiglass... Light, but no less beautiful, commemorative or prize-winning products look interesting with engraving - a wonderful gift item with exactly the message or wish that you want to convey.

One of the most expensive options is Murano glass. It is made in special workshops using old technologies, and is named after its place of origin - the island of Murano, Venice. Manufacturing goes from sand processing to product creation.

Here are some interesting examples. They can inspire a gift or purchase for your home.

• Murano glass. A characteristic feature of the figurines is the use of colored inserts and blotches.

• Works of masters Of China.

• An interesting, beautiful gift for a girl - the Rose... The size of such a product is from miniature to 15 cm and more.

• Figurines Czech glass blowers.

• Many interesting and original works can be found in the Russian "Fair of Masters".

• Complex, multicolor work.

• The photo shows a whole collection of rocks.

• Interesting idea. Figures can be used to assemble a whole company!

• Horses - some of the favorite models of the masters.

• Work for an amateur Star Wars.