Flameworking with Recycled Glass

Not all glass is created equal.
Therefore, melting recycled glass to make jewelry and functional art out of one color takes imagination to make it look beautiful and interesting. In the glass world, we have to deal with what we call compatibility and coefficiency of expansion. Big words that can easily be explained: glass cools down at different rates. Melting mixed types of glass can cause the glass to crack as it cools down if the glass is not compatible.

In dealing with bottles used for glass blowing, the rule of thumb is to melt down the same colors together, however, from experience I have found that its not a fool proof way to stay away from compatibility issues. Rather than have the probability of ending with a broken piece, I just eliminate the problem by using one bottle and coming up with creative techniques to enhance the color of the glass. This can be challenging but great fun.

I introduce my “earth-friendly” line of lampwork glass bead jewelry and functional art. All the jewelry is finished in sterling silver, and the functional art is finished in chrome or stainless steel.

..................Sharing knowledge & creativity is a passion!
......................................................- Nancy Sala