Glass Crafts Dictionary: Grow Your Vocabulary

By Blake Pieck

1st Edition of "Glass Crafts Dictionary", covering over 2300 words, and their meaning through various topics.

This dictionary covers a wide range of topics, including Stained Glass, Glass Fusing, and Sandblasting, providing detailed definitions and explanations for over 2300 terms related to these crafts. As a focused and specialized dictionary, it serves as an essential reference for understanding the terminology, techniques, and materials involved in glass crafting.

Stained Glass: This is the art of creating designs using colored glass pieces, which are joined together with lead or copper foil. Stained glass is often used in windows and decorative panels, showcasing intricate patterns or depicting scenes. This technique has historical significance, especially in church windows, and is celebrated for its vibrant play of light and color.

Glass Fusing: This process involves heating glass pieces in a kiln until they melt and fuse together. Glass fusing allows for the creation of a wide variety of objects, from jewelry to decorative bowls and plates. The technique offers immense creative flexibility, enabling artists to layer colors and textures to create unique, multi-dimensional works.

Sandblasting: Sandblasting in glass crafts refers to the technique of using a high-pressure jet of sand or other abrasive material to etch or carve designs onto the surface of glass. This process creates frosted or textured patterns, which can range from simple frosted finishes to intricate, multi-layered designs. Sandblasting is often used for decorative purposes or to create privacy screens and panels.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blake Pieck
• Release date: Dec 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223712138

Book preview

Glass Fusing Dictionary

A

Abrasion   -   Glass Surface Treatment   -   The process of scratching or wearing away the surface of glass, usually to create textures, patterns, or to prepare the surface for further treatments. 

Abstract   -   Design Style   -   A design approach that favors non-representational forms and shapes, allowing for imaginative and unique glass fusing compositions. 

Achromatic   -   Color Theory   -   Refers to a color scheme that employs neutral colors such as black, white, or grays, used in glass fusing to create designs that focus on contrast and form rather than color. 

Acid Etching   -   Glass Surface Treatment   -   Using acidic substances to create designs or textures on the surface of glass, a technique that can be employed in glass fusing to add detail and depth to pieces. 

Adhesion   -   Glass Fusion Phenomenon   -   The property that enables glass pieces to stick together when fused at high temperatures, a basic principle utilized in all glass fusing projects. 

Adhesive   -   Glass Assembly Material   -   Substance used to bond glass pieces temporarily before they are fused together permanently in the kiln. 

Aesthetic Balance   -   Design Principle   -   The harmonious arrangement of elements in a glass fusing design, considering aspects such as color, shape, and texture to create a visually pleasing result. 

Afterglow   -   Kiln Feature   -   The residual heat and light emitted by a kiln after the fusing process has been completed, can be used for slow cooling or annealing of the glass. 

Agitation   -   Technique Variation   -   A method where the glass is stirred or vibrated during the fusing process to create unique patterns and textures. 

Air Bubbles   -   Glass Fusing Defect   -   Unwanted air pockets that can form in the glass during the fusing process, often viewed as a defect but can also be used intentionally for aesthetic effects. 

Air Knife   -   Glass Fusing Tool   -   A tool that uses a stream of air to cut and shape glass, allowing for precise control and intricate designs in glass fusing projects. 

Air Trapping   -   Glass Fusing Technique   -   The intentional trapping of air between layers of glass to create bubble patterns and textures in a fused glass piece. 

Alabaster Glass   -   Glass Material   -   Glass that has a slightly opaque, whitish appearance, resembling alabaster stone, and used to create soft, subtle effects in glass fusing pieces. 

Alignment   -   Glass Assembly Process   -   Ensuring that different glass pieces are properly lined up before fusing, a critical step in achieving the desired final shape and design. 

Aluminosilicate   -   Glass Type   -   A type of glass formed from the fusion of aluminum and silica, known for its high resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion. 

Amalgamation   -   Glass Fusing Process   -   The process of combining multiple glass pieces into a single unified whole through the application of heat in a kiln. 

Amber Glass   -   Glass Material   -   A type of glass with a warm, yellow-brown color, used in glass fusing to create earthy, naturalistic designs. 

Analogous Colors   -   Color Theory   -   Colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, used in glass fusing to create harmonious and pleasing color combinations. 

Angular Momentum   -   Physical Property   -   The rotational analog of linear momentum, sometimes considered in intricate glass fusing designs where balance and stability are crucial. 

Annealing   -   Glass Fusing Process   -   Controlled cooling of fused glass in a kiln to relieve internal stresses, critical for ensuring the durability and structural integrity of the finished piece. 

Antique Glass   -   Glass Material   -   Older or vintage glass materials, which can be reused or repurposed in modern glass fusing projects to add a touch of history and uniqueness. 

Aperture   -   Kiln Feature   -   A small opening in the kiln through which temperature can be measured or observations can be made during the glass fusing process. 

Apothecary Glass   -   Glass Type   -   Traditionally used to store medicines, this glass can be fused to create artistic pieces with a nod to historical design and function. 

Aqua Vitrum   -   Artistic Concept   -   Latin for water of glass, a phrase sometimes used to describe glass artworks that evoke the fluidity and transparency of water. 

Aquamarine   -   Glass Color   -   A blue-green shade resembling the color of seawater, used in glass fusing to create pieces with a calming, aquatic aesthetic. 

Art Glass   -   Glass Material   -   Glass that is used for artistic applications, often featuring vibrant colors, patterns, and textures which are utilized in the creation of glass art pieces. 

Artifact   -   Glass Fusing Outcome   -   An unintentional product or residue resulting from the fusing process, which can sometimes add a unique touch to a project. 

Ashet   -   Glass Fusing Tool   -   A large plate or shallow dish used to hold and shape glass pieces during the fusing process in the kiln. 

Assortment Packs   -   Supply Category   -   Collections of glass sheets or pieces in various colors and textures, allowing artists to have a wide variety of materials at hand for their projects. 

Asymmetry   -   Design Principle   -   A design approach where elements are arranged unequally or irregularly, creating a sense of dynamism and interest in glass fusing creations. 

Atmospheric Fusing   -   Glass Fusing Technique   -   Fusing glass in a kiln with varying atmospheric conditions, such as changes in oxygen levels, to achieve unique effects and colors in the glass. 

Attrition   -   Glass Fusing Effect   -   The gradual reduction or wearing away of glass material over repeated fusing and heating cycles, sometimes resulting in a unique weathered texture. 

Augmented Reality   -   Technological Aid   -   A technology that superimposes digital information onto the physical world, sometimes used in glass crafting to visualize designs before they are created. 

Aventurine   -   Glass Material   -   A type of glass that has a sparkling appearance due to the inclusion of metallic particles, used to add shimmering effects in glass fusing projects. 

B

Baffle   -   Kiln Component   -   A structure in a kiln that directs the flow of heat, ensuring even temperature distribution during the fusing process, which is vital for uniform results. 

Band Saw   -   Glass Cutting Tool   -   A saw equipped with a blade made of a continuous band of metal, used to cut intricate shapes and curves in glass sheets with precision before fusing. 

Banding Wheel   -   Artist Tool   -   A rotating platform used to facilitate the even application of design elements or treatments on a glass piece, aiding in creating symmetrical designs. 

Basket Mold   -   Mold Type   -   A mold shaped like a basket, used in glass fusing to create pieces with a basket shape, adding a structured and functional element to artworks. 

Bas-Relief   -   Artistic Technique   -   Creating a low-relief sculpture in glass through methods such as casting, creating visual interest through subtle three-dimensional effects. 

Batch Glass   -   Glass Type   -   Glass made from a batch of raw materials, allowing for customization of the glass’s properties and colors for unique glass fusing projects. 

Batching   -   Glass Production, Glass Fusing Process   -   The process of mixing raw materials like sand, soda, and lime to create a batch of glass which is then melted to form glass sheets for fusing. 

Battledore   -   Glassworking Tool   -   A paddle-shaped tool used in glassworking for shaping, smoothing, or moving glass while it is in a molten state, facilitating the creation of intricate shapes and designs. 

Bead Annealer   -   Equipment   -   A specific type of kiln used to slowly cool beads after they are formed, preventing internal stresses and ensuring the durability of the beads. 

Bead Door   -   Kiln Feature   -   A small door on a kiln that allows for the easy insertion and removal of mandrels when making glass beads, facilitating the beadmaking process in fused glass projects. 

Bead Kiln   -   Kiln Type   -   A type of kiln specifically designed for bead annealing, facilitating the controlled cooling of beads to prevent cracking and ensure durability. 

Bead Molds   -   Tool   -   Molds specifically designed for creating glass beads, assisting artists in achieving consistent shapes and sizes in their bead creations. 

Bead Release   -   Tool Preparation   -   A material applied to mandrels to prevent glass beads from sticking to them during the beadmaking process, essential for forming glass beads in fusing projects. 

Bead Separator   -   Bead Making Tool   -   A material applied to bead molds or mandrels to prevent glass beads from sticking to them during the bead making process, essential for forming individual beads. 

Beadwork   -   Artistic Technique   -   The technique of creating artworks using glass beads, which can be incorporated into fused glass pieces to add texture, color, and detail. 

Beaker   -   Glass Form   -   A type of glassware often used in scientific settings, sometimes used in glass fusing as a form or mold to create pieces with a functional or decorative purpose. 

Bevel   -   Glass Edge Finish   -   A type of edge finish created by cutting glass at an angle other than 90 degrees, often used to add decorative borders or facilitate joining pieces at various angles. 

Beveled Glass   -   Glass Type   -   Glass that has been cut and polished at an angle to create a decorative edge, often used in fused glass artworks to add depth and reflect light in interesting ways. 

Beveling   -   Glass Edge Finishing   -   The process of cutting and polishing the edges of a glass piece to a specific angle, creating a framed, elegant look and facilitating the joining of pieces at various angles. 

Bicolor Glass   -   Glass Material   -   Glass that features two distinct colors, offering opportunities to create vibrant and contrasting designs in fused glass artworks. 

Billet   -   Glass Form   -   A chunk or block of glass used in casting and fusing processes, providing a way to create substantial and sculptural glass artworks. 

Birefringence   -   Optical Property   -   An optical property where the refractive index varies depending on the polarization and propagation direction of light, sometimes explored in glass artworks to create unique visual effects. 

Biscuit Kiln   -   Kiln Type   -   A type of kiln used for the initial firing of glass pieces, typically operating at lower temperatures compared to glaze kilns. 

Black Annealing   -   Glass Cooling Process   -   A process where the glass is cooled slowly under a reduced light setting in the kiln to control internal stresses, a technique sometimes employed in glass fusing. 

Blank   -   Glass Preform   -   A piece of glass cut to a specific shape and size to be used as the starting point in a glass fusing project, often a crucial step in the preparatory phase of creating a fused glass artwork. 

Blank Mold   -   Mold Type   -   A mold used to create basic shapes or blanks which will undergo further working and shaping in the glass fusing process. 

Blanking   -   Glass Shaping Process   -   The process of cutting out shapes from a sheet of glass, often a preparatory step before the fusing process begins. 

Blown Glass Inclusions   -   Fusing Technique   -   Incorporating elements of blown glass into a fused glass project to add three-dimensional forms and textures, bringing a fluid and dynamic aspect to the artwork. 

Boro   -   Glass Material   -   Short for borosilicate glass, known for its strength and resistance to thermal shock, a preferred material for certain types of glass fusing projects. 

Boro Color   -   Color Material   -   Colored borosilicate glass, which is utilized in glass fusing to introduce vibrant and diverse hues into the artwork. 

Boron Nitride   -   Kiln Wash   -   A type of kiln wash that prevents glass from sticking to the kiln shelf during firing, essential for protecting both the kiln and the glass piece. 

Borosilicate Glass   -   Glass Material   -   A type of glass with high resistance to thermal shock, made with a substantial amount of boric oxide, allowing for unique applications in glass fusing. 

Bottle Glass   -   Recycled Material   -   Glass sourced from used bottles, which can be reused in glass fusing projects as an eco-friendly material option, bringing a unique texture and color to artworks. 

Breaking Grozier Pliers   -   Glass Tool   -   A type of pliers used in glass cutting that has a curved jaw, assisting in breaking glass along score lines by applying even pressure. 

Breaking Knife   -   Glass Tool   -   A tool used to apply pressure to scored lines on glass to encourage a controlled break, a vital tool in the glass cutting process preceding fusing. 

Breaking Pliers   -   Glass Tool   -   A tool used to break glass along a score line, essential for shaping glass pieces before fusing. 

Breaking Run   -   Glass Cutting Term   -   The act of applying pressure to a score line to encourage the glass to break along it, a common step in the process of cutting and shaping glass for fusing. 

Bridging   -   Fusing Phenomenon   -   The occurrence where separate pieces of glass fuse together to form bridges or connections, sometimes used intentionally in designs to create linked structures. 

Brilliant Cut   -   Glass Cutting Technique   -   A method of cutting glass that creates highly polished, faceted surfaces, often used in decorative glasswork to create sparkling, jewel-like effects. 

Bubble Squeeze   -   Fusing Schedule   -   A specific firing schedule designed to minimize the formation of unwanted bubbles during the fusing process, aiding in creating clear, bubble-free pieces. 

Bubbles   -   Glass Fusing Effect   -   Intentional or unintentional air pockets that form during fusing, creating a distinct texture and aesthetic in the fused glass piece. 

Bubbly Glass   -   Glass Type   -   Glass characterized by a high number of bubbles, used to create textures and patterns in fused glass artworks, bringing a light and airy quality to the pieces. 

Bullseye Glass   -   Glass Material   -   A popular brand of compatible glass products that are widely used in glass fusing for creating high-quality art pieces. 

Bullseye Shelf Primer   -   Kiln Material   -   A specific brand of kiln shelf primer used to prevent glass from sticking to the kiln shelf during firing, helping to protect the kiln and facilitate glass removal after fusing. 

Burnishing   -   Surface Treatment   -   The process of polishing the surface of a glass piece to create a smooth and shiny surface, enhancing the visual appeal of the fused glass. 

Burnout   -   Kiln Process   -   The process of burning away organic materials in a kiln, sometimes used in glass casting to create molds or to remove inclusions from a glass piece. 

Butterfly Mold   -   Mold Type   -   A mold shaped like a butterfly, used in glass fusing to create pieces with a butterfly shape, adding a naturalistic and delicate element to artworks. 

Butterscotch Glass   -   Glass Color   -   Glass characterized by a warm yellow-brown color, similar to that of butterscotch candy, used to add a warm and comforting hue to fused glass artworks. 

Button Melt   -   Fusing Technique   -   A technique where small pieces of glass are fused into a round button shape, which can then be further worked into various forms. 

C

Cane   -   Material Form   -   Rods of glass that can be used as structural elements in fused glass artworks, providing opportunities to create linear designs and patterns. 

Carbon Trap   -   Technique   -   A technique involving trapping carbon during the glass fusing process to create visual effects, utilized deliberately to introduce variations in color and pattern. 

Carving   -   Surface Technique   -   The process of removing material from the surface of a glass piece to create decorative patterns or textures, often done through cold working techniques before fusing. 

Casting   -   Technique   -   The method of forming glass objects by pouring molten glass into a mold, a foundational technique in glass fusing for creating three-dimensional forms. 

Casting Billet   -   Material Form   -   Large blocks of glass used for casting, which are melted down to create thick, substantial glass objects through casting processes in glass fusing. 

Casting Lap   -   Technique   -   The use of a lap wheel in the casting process to grind and polish cast glass objects, refining the surface and bringing out the beauty of the material. 

Casting Ring   -   Mold Accessory   -   A ring used to contain a mold during casting, helping to maintain the shape of the mold and prevent leaks of molten glass during the fusing process. 

Ceramic Fiber Blanket   -   Kiln Accessory   -   A type of blanket used in kiln processes to control cooling rates and protect glass pieces during firing, facilitating successful outcomes in glass fusing projects. 

Ceramic Fiber Paper   -   Kiln Supply   -   A type of paper made from ceramic fibers used in kiln forming processes, providing a barrier between the glass and the kiln shelf and allowing for easier removal of the glass after firing. 

Ceramic Mold   -   Mold Type   -   Molds made from ceramics used to give shape to molten glass during the fusing process, offering a variety of shape options and reusability. 

Chalcedony Glass   -   Material Type   -   A type of glass characterized by multicolored swirls and patterns, offering a decorative and dynamic material choice for fused glass artworks. 

Chamber Kiln   -   Equipment   -   A type of kiln featuring a chamber for fusing glass, offering precise temperature control and versatility in the glass fusing process. 

Channel Bending   -   Technique   -   The process of heating glass rods or strips to a malleable state and bending them into desired shapes, used in creating structured forms or decorative elements in fused glass artworks. 

Chaplet   -   Kiln Accessory   -   A small piece of ceramic used to support glass or ceramic objects during firing, preventing deformation and sticking to the kiln shelf. 

Checkerboard Dichroic Glass   -   Material Type   -   Dichroic glass featuring a checkerboard pattern, offering a geometric and reflective material option for creating vibrant and patterned fused glass artworks. 

Chevron Bead   -   Bead Type   -   A bead characterized by a series of V or arrow shapes, often made by layering different colors of glass, offering a decorative element in glass fusing and bead making. 

Chill Marks   -   Glass Defect   -   Marks or lines formed on the glass surface as a result of rapid cooling, a phenomenon to be avoided or used deliberately for artistic effects in fused glass projects. 

Chip & Break   -   Glass Cutting   -   A method of cutting glass where a small chip is created to initiate a controlled break along a score line, facilitating more accurate cuts in glass preparation for fusing. 

Chip Carving   -   Technique   -   Carving away small chips of glass to create designs or textures on the surface of a glass piece, a form of cold working used to create intricate details before fusing. 

Circle Cutter   -   Tool   -   A tool designed to cut circular shapes out of glass sheets, facilitating the creation of round elements in fused glass artworks. 

Coefficient Of Expansion (Coe)   -   Material Property   -   Indicates how much a material expands and contracts during heating and cooling, essential knowledge in glass fusing to ensure compatibility between different glasses. 

Cold Colors   -   Color Theory   -   Colors perceived as cold, like blues and greens, used in glass fusing to evoke specific moods or atmospheric effects in a piece of artwork. 

Cold Combing   -   Technique   -   The process of manipulating glass in its solid state, often using tools to carve, engrave, or otherwise alter the surface of a glass piece before it is fused. 

Cold Fusion   -   Art Technique   -   A method of joining glass pieces without heat, using adhesives or mechanical methods, sometimes used in conjunction with traditional fusing techniques to create mixed-media artworks. 

Cold Painting   -   Decorative Technique   -   The application of cold paints to the surface of glass, used to add decorative elements to fused glass artworks, often sealed with a layer of clear glass or a protective coating. 

Cold Polish   -   Finishing Technique   -   The process of polishing fused glass pieces after they have cooled to room temperature, utilizing various polishing agents to achieve a shiny and smooth finish. 

Coldworking   -   Technique   -   Any method of shaping or finishing glass that occurs at room temperature, including grinding, polishing, and etching, essential in refining fused glass pieces after they come out of the kiln. 

Collage Glass   -   Technique   -   Creating a fused glass artwork through the assembly of various glass pieces and other materials, including metals or decals, to create a collage effect with depth and visual interest. 

Color Bar   -   Material Form   -   A form of colored glass supplied in bars, allowing artists to slice off sections to create consistent, vibrant hues in their fused glass artworks. 

Color Reactions   -   Chemical Process   -   Phenomena where different colored glasses react with each other during the fusing process to create new colors or effects, offering a complex layer of artistic potential. 

Compatibility Testing   -   Technique   -   Testing different glasses before fusing to ensure they have compatible coefficients of expansion,