Thursday, April 18, 2013

Some Facts About Glass Carving

By Tamika Quinn


Glass carving Alberta is a form of art that has existed for several years already. Who invented the craft or who developed it remains a mystery to the general public. It is known to involve blasting sand and other materials against glassy surfaces for images to be produced. There are variations in terms of type and among the most common are shading, carving and etching. Results may look differently but the procedures employed are basically the same.

The specifics concerning the origination of this craft is unknown to the public. Nonetheless, its recognition can be dated back to early 1500s. Traditionally, blowing machines will be used to blast sand right on to finished pieces. However, the modern method does not employ the use of sand anymore. It focuses more on materials that have an abrasive nature, such as carbide.

The main point of this art is creating three-dimensional looks. This is achieved by blasting materials in particular patterns. Abrasive materials will cause glasses to get nicks on their surfaces. These cause them to appear white. Etching and blasting on varying levels will create the 3-D appearance in carvings.

There are 3 different carving methods. Etching is one form of stenciling. It is characterized as blasting materials onto glasses at one level, causing white images to appear. Cutting refers to applying the materials on varying levels, causing 3-D looks. Shading uses techniques that will allow glasses to look gray instead of white. This creates shaded appearances which are often found visually appealing.

If you are interested in the craft and would want to involve yourself in it, then it would be essential that you take into consideration some factors first. Equipment is the most important to consider. Make sure that you get yourself a compressor and a blaster. One of both will do. So your end products will remain contained, you may also need to get a blasting cabinet. Other people even get a blasting room.

When done properly, end products will surely turn out beautiful. These are taken by people as visually appealing art pieces that are carved on otherwise very ordinary surfaces. Most of these are sold off gift shops. Others are found in home improvement shops as dishes or fancy windows. Some people choose to dwell in the craft so they can make a business out of it, earning heaps.

Before starting on with the project, it is important that people ensure they will be working on flat surfaces. Preparatory steps should be taken as well. These will include spraying the surfaces with cleaners. Getting the surfaces properly cleaned will allow etching creams to properly adhere on them. It is also important to make sure that the surfaces have dried down before continuing.

Make sure that you will also decide on the design that you like. You might want to opt for the use of stencils mainly because these are pre-designed. Choose a stencil that has an adhesive backing because this type is good in adhering to surfaces.

It will also be essential to prepare the tools and necessary gears for glass carving Alberta. Crafters must always have safety goggles and latex gloves. Cream fumes are really strong and these can have different effects to people. Those with sensitive eyes will very much benefit from wearing goggles. Rubber or vinyl gloves may be used by those with latex allergies.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment