User:Kaydix

Glass Blowing Process

When creating blown glass ornaments, a step-by-step process is meticulously followed, using centuries old glass blowing techniques. It takes several days to complete.

First, a hollow bulb of glass is heated over an open flame until it is red hot. The molten glass is put into the bottom half of a porcelain mold and covered with the top half. The glassblower blows to conform the glass into the shape of the mold. The ornament is reheated and given one final puff to temper the glass.

After the ornament cools, it is silvered using a combination of silver nitrate, ammonia, distilled water, saltpeter, and sugar. Then the ornament is allowed to rest overnight.

Color laquer is applied individually, layer by layer. Glitter and special coatings are added in the final step of the decorative process. The stem of the decorated ornament is cut off, and the ornament cap is put on.

… submitted by ornaments2remember.com