Customer Reviews (3)

Homer shows you how to safely manipulate hot glass!
If you are intrigued by idea of melting glass in a torch and creating anything from little forest creatures to crystal goblets, this is the book for you.Homer lays it all out for you and gives you step by stepinstructions and diagrams to get you started. The projects in the bookbegin very simple and work there way to complex.You are led by the handin an art that has been traditionally held secret.

This book has been used by many students to learn lampwork.
I personally know many artists across the country that have taught themselves to "sculpt" glass in the torch with the aid of this book.It is a very thorough step-by-step approach to learning lampworkingof glass.

This book is about flameworking.
Title is a bit confusing.Great for those interested in flameworking.Not what I expected. ... Read more

Product Description
Islamic glassmakers were not only brilliant technicians and innovators in their own right, but they also preserved many of the methods of Late Antique Roman craftsmen, passing them on centuries later to Venetian and other European masters. This lovely book is the first comprehensive study of the accomplishments of these artisans. The volume presents glass objects from collections throughout the world—from perfume flasks to pitchers, mosque lanterns to boxes, inkwells to vases—ranging from the seventh to the nineteenth century and through many of the major artistic centers of the Muslim world.

Five introductory essays cover all facets of the subject, including historical background, archaeological excavations, issues of connoisseurship, technology, and science. The authors then discuss 150 masterworks of Islamic glass, grouped by technique or type of decoration (blown, mold-blown, hot-worked, mosaic, painted, cut, and engraved), each of which is illustrated in full color. Examples of European glass objects are also included as illuminating reference points.

The book is the catalogue of an exhibition that opens at the Corning Museum of Glass in May 2001 and at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in October 2001. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

it's a glassic
Sometimes I read books that are totally out of my area of competence and general knowledge.I often wind up learning a lot, but fear that the knowledge I thus gain will be forgotten soon because it doesn't connect with anything in my daily life---books about amber forests millions of years ago, the French horn, or Chinatown gang wars come to mind.Still, I think it's good to stretch yourself, try to stick your nose in new fields.This is such a book for me.It's basically a beautifully illustrated catalogue for an exhibition held in 2001-2002 at Corning, NY, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, and in Athens.157 color photos stud the pages accompanied by descriptions of each object in great detail.The authors have included a number of short chapters on glass production in the Islamic world, archeological excavations of glass, (it's hard to determine if buried glass comes from a local maker or was imported), on who used glass and where they got it from, and some very professional chapters on glass making, chemistry, and decoration techniques.You will pick up a lot of glass-lingo, and possibly learn plenty about the spread of techniques throughout the Muslim empires from the 8th century to the 15th ---mold-blown glass, free-blown, hot-worked, slices of mosaic glass, impressed, scratched, tooled, etc.The early Islamic glass makers preserved or expanded upon techniques developed in the Roman or Byzantine periods.Their work has been found as far away as Japan, northern China, and Scandinavia.Muslim glass craft reached new heights in some cases, but after the 1400s, production declined in the area that stretched from Istanbul and Egypt through the Middle East and Iran to India.The rulers began to rely on supplies from Europe, particularly Venice.On the other hand, glass makers in Europe produced many items which copied Muslim styles.In India, glassmakers still kept producing a large number of items for Muslim courts in the 18th and 19th centuries.The title of the book is possibly misleading.I thought it was going to be about Turkey or the glass found in Turkish museums, but no, the focus is on all parts of the Muslim world.Everyone can enjoy the beauty of the rare glass objects presented here.Even if the text is more for specialists a very good attempt is made to explain everything to the layman or, as in my case, the completely ignorant.This could be the glassical text on the subject.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Art Glass to Die for,.....
This is the most beautiful painting and sculpture- done in medium of Glass that I have ever seen- Mr. Morris draws upon pre-historyto paint upon glass the most vivid primitive paintings- I tried to place a scan of one of them - so everyone could see- but alas - could not... He also does sculptures of skeltetons - in glass -like ancient burial mounds- breathtaking- cliches dont do his work justice! ... Read more

Product Description
Nearly 100 patterns (kingfishers, toucans, butterflies, etc.) add vibrancy to stained glass projects—lightcatchers, windows, mobiles, etc. Accessible to intermediate/advanced glassworkers, careful beginners. Original Dover (1984) publication. Publisher’s Note with Sources of Supply. 94 designs.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

My first stained glass pattern book
Is a very good book! You could find right-angle and round patterns. The only thing I miss was the pictures with colours, but in general is good to start. There are basic and more complex patterns, for differents degree of difficulty. ... Read more

Product Description
South Florida is home to some of the world’s premier private collections of studio glass, collections whose abundance, diversity, and quality are celebrated in Fire and Form. This volume features more than 100 works by 31 of the best-known American and European glass artists of our time, including Jaroslava Brychtova, Dale Chihuly, Dan Dailey, Stanislav Libensky, William Morris, Tom Patti, Lino Tagliapietra, and many others.

In his thoughtful and informative essay, curator and renowned glass scholar William Warmus identifies four prominent themes in the relatively recent development of studio glass (since 1960) that provide a framework for exploring the rich variety of works presented in this book. The first theme is what Warmus has called the particular affinity between nature and the making of glass: "Where nature creates a heart, the glass artist creates a heart-felt vessel." The second is the ability of glass, equally to that of painting and sculpture, to convey the power of abstraction and color. A third theme is the prevalent use of glass--sometimes called the new bronze--to depict the human figure and animal forms. The final section deals with the theatrical nature of installations and environmental sculptures, demonstrating the surprising capability of glass to impose itself physically and emotionally on the space we inhabit, altering our very perception of it.

Warmus also provides a brief history of glass as an art form dating back to ancient Egypt, and places contemporary glass within the context of contemporary art and theory at large. In addition, the book includes selected artists’ bibliographies and a chronological bibliography of contemporary glass that lists key historical events, general trends anddevelopments, and important publications. Fire and Form offers a unique perspective on this vital and "intoxicating" medium, and its publication is a welcome event for all lovers of glass--those who make it, those who collect it, and those who admire it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Simply Sculpture
SIMPLY SCULPTURE
Warmus writes with wit and intelligence. Glass, as an art making material, is no different from other materials.....except when it is. This very readable book makes this point well. There are some ideas that can't be expressed with any other material. Warmus doesn't discuss the craftmanship involved in using glass to make art. He contextualizes the work of artists working in this medium with other art made in the last quarter of the 20th century (ie. Dale Chihuly as a colorfield sculptor). An easy read, great images of art made from glass. ... Read more

Product Description
Written records show that Phoenix Glass Company was the major domestic manufacturer of colored and specialty glass between 1880 and the turn of the century and within this relatively short period of time, the firm made a wide variety of art glass products in a large number of colors and effects. Since it was not signed, nearly all the art glass made by Phoenix has now lost its identity. This beautifully photographed and extensively researched book identifies hundreds of Phoenix Art Glass tableware, lighting products, and novelties by matching objects to descriptions and illustrations in the trade literature. Organized by mold and optic patterns, the objects are presented in an easy-to-follow format. With values in the captions, this beautiful book will become an indispensable reference. ... Read more

Product Description
This price guide is bound into the Standard Encyclopedia of Carnival Glass, Twelfth Edition, but is also offered separately. The seventeenth edition is crammed with new additions, with virtually every known piece of carnival glass evaluated, including some of the rarest pieces on the market. Listed alphabetically by pattern name are over 25,000 price listings for this ever-poplar carnival glass, featuring updated values, company names, sizes, and prices given for ten different colors. Prices listed are based on research of major carnival glass auctions, shop taggings, internet sales, and private sales when available. ... Read more

Product Description
Of all the leading Muranese glass factories, Fratelli Toso was among the most versatile and productive, but the least well-known. Where Venini, Barovier & Toso, Aureliano Toso, Archimede Seguso, Salviati, Cenedese, Barbini, and others designed, produced, and marketed fabulous glass, Fratelli Toso focused on design and production. The first company responsible for the revival of Venetian glass, in 1854, Fratelli Toso went on to be one of the major contributors of modern glass design, especially in the 1950s. Designers like Ermanno Toso and Pollio Perelda were rewarded for their accomplishments at Venice Biennali and other international exhibitions. This is the first book devoted to the extraordinary glass produced by Fratelli Toso. With over 400 color photographs of 19th and early 20th century murrine glass, 20th century factory production, and unique art glass; history of the company, chronology, detailed captions, bibliography, index, and value guide this book will be indispensable to the collector, dealer, and researcher. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good reference with a couple faults
The photography in this book is marvelous. I did think the repeated images on pages 82 - 85 rather odd. I would have preferred much larger single images. I felt like it was wasting page space to do that. There are other pages that have blank areas that could have been filled with larger pictures.

There is one fault in this book that gives me pause: On page 202 is pictured an egg shaped latticino paperweight with scattered millefiori. That paperweight is not Fratelli Toso. It's a Chinese imitation. Fratelli's eggs have a different profile being more bullet shaped and less 'eggy.' The canes in that paperweight are very commonly found in Chinese paperweights, the spade cane being the most distinctive.

If I knew what I know now about the book, I still would have bought it. The photos of the murrine vases make the book worth it to me.

awesome murano art glass book
I spent a month reading books about Murano art glass from libraries in my area, and after looking at at least 6 different books, this was my favorite. The pictures are beautiful, and divided by vases/paperweights/ bowls etc.The murrine examples are terrific!The writing is well done and there are lots of examples in color.I highly recommend this book.It was a worthwhile purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
For this original collection of designs, stained glass artist Carolyn Relei has created scores of beautiful patterns inspired by the style of the Arts and Crafts era. Included are florals, sprays of blossoms and single buds, run-on patterns of flowering vines, stately tulips, fish, and a charming swan. Framed by oval, rectangular, square, round, and half-round borders, these easily adaptable and highly versatile designs will appeal to artists and artisans who admire the creations from this late-nineteenth- and early- twentieth-century movement. Dover Original. 73 black-and-white designs and 6 designs shown in full color on covers.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not for beginners
I recently started taking a stained glass course and bought this book. This book is not for someone just starting out.Some of the designs have over 100 pieces and the book doesn't tell you that. This book is for someone who has a lot of time and experience. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an English-language study on the architecture and art of medieval France of the Romanesque and Gothic periods, approximately 1000 - 1500. In addition to essays on individual monuments there are general discussions of given periods and specific problems such as: why did Gothic come into being? Whitney Stoddard explores the interrelationship between all forms of medieval ecclesiastical art and characterization of the Gothic cathedral, which he believes to have an almost metaphysical basis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Readable but hopelessly outdated
Stoddard's text, culled mainly from early to mid-20th century monographs, is a highly readable and well-illustrated account of some of the major Gothic edifices of France but it should be treated with caution. Most of the scholarship is hopelessly out of date (and much of it already was when he wrote it) and he is too uncritical of the grand theorising of Simson & Panofsky et al. If it is to be used, it should be read in conjunction with Paul Crossley's footnotes to Frankl. I teach French Gothic architecture at undergraduate level and I always advise my students to steer clear of Stoddard. Suitable for a keen amateur but not for art history majors.

Comprehensive and Well Written Text
Stoddard's book, written in the very early 1970's, remains a highly informative and generally comprehensive introduction to French Gothic architecture. In spite of its age, it can be easily recommended to any person with a more than passing interest in the subject due to its extensive detail and coverage. At nearly 400 pages in relatively small print, this book may take some time and effort to complete, but it is simply one of the best single-volume treatments of the topic in print today. As implied by the title, the book does not focus solely on architectural forms, but also includes extensive descriptions of the art forms (sculptures, stained glass, manuscripts, and other church art forms), and so each historical section finds individual treatment of cathedral and church designs throughout the gothic period as well as the art forms that adorned these structures. The book is thoroughly illustrated with over 400 black-and-white photos and drawings.

The book is divided into periods by chronological order: Romanesque France, Early Gothic of the 12th Century, High Gothic of the Early 13th Century, From Rayonnant to Flamboyant, and a final section on The Treasuries of Monasteries and Cathedrals.Each section starts with a historical background piece and a map listing the primary sites to be discussed before the main content of the text is presented, giving a good foundation to place that content into the proper historical and geographical context. Once establishing the forms (and shortcomings) of Romanesque architectural design, we are chronologically introduced to the aims and goals of the emerging Gothic style, and this lofty style begins to make sense to us, not only as a stylistic form, but a series of specific reactions to "deficiencies" in the Romanesque form. In fact, one of the strengths of Stoddard's approach is that the reader moves through this entire period in relatively strict chronological form, and it is not all that difficult of a task to visualize the chronology of the specific Gothic construction projects as they are undertaken across the Ile-de-France from the 12th through the 13th centuries. Supplemental drawings highlight specific architectural designs, and numerous floor plans help the reader visualize the similarities and differences between specific buildings.

Art and Architecture in Medieval France is not only highly detailed, it is immensely enjoyable to read. If there are any shortcomings in the book at all, it is that the text is somewhat small, and one finds that "reach" to the reading glasses occurring on a regular basis. It would also have been nice to find this text with color photos on glossy paper. But to be honest, such a change would significantly increase the price of the volume, and the true value in this text lies not in the photos (which are good enough to visualize the discussion) but in Stoddard's research and written presentation, which is solid, informative, and often thought-provoking. If you are looking for a single-volume introduction to Gothic art and architecture, and have more than a passing interest in doing so, this book remains one of the best choices you could make to do so. Supplement it with any of the lavishly illustrated full-color photo coffee table books to get a better sense of the visual format of these buildings and art forms, and better yet, use it as research for making your own visits to the Gothic cathedrals of northern and central France.

Best Book on the French Gothic Church
I've now slogged through four books on Middle Age church architecture and this one is by far the best. The book is written clearly and not unnecessarily burdened with "professor-speak." At the same time, it provided more information, and more interesting information, than the other three books combined.

A couple of cautions: the book focuses on Gothic architecture; Romanesque architecture is discussed more as an introduction to Gothic architecture. And it doesn't have a glossary, which is a downside for readers not familiar with architectural terms.

Informative and useful:still valid though published 1972
I have used _Monastery and Cathedral_ as a teaching text and as a guidebook.It's worth lugging through France, even by train: photos are b/w but well chosen & informative, and follow the text well.Stoddardgives good contextual background and is clear in his description andexplication of the most important medieval churches in France. Could domore with sculpture and symbolism: the main focus is architecture. But hissection on treasures, manuscripts & stained glass is a good start. I'mabout to use it as a text for an on-site summer course:it's a tried andtrue old friend.

Sets the Standard
Professor Stoddard's opus Art and Architecture in Medieval France : Medieval Architecture, Sculpture, Stained Glass, Manuscripts, the Art of the Church Treasuries is still a viable and valuable work to study for anystudent of the Gothic era. The information provided allowed me tounderstand the cathedrals of France clearly and was an indispensible aidwhen I was lucky enough to visit several of the cathedrals addressed. While not a "light" read, Dr. Stoddard is the standard for theera. I envy any student of his, those lucky gargoyles!!! ... Read more

Product Description
engaging designs, meticulously adapted from patterns created by influential Victorian artist and craftsman for fabrics, wall hangings, carpets, and other decorative projects, depict lovely florals and vines, exotic birds amid displays of lush garden flowers, perky daffodils and much more—all artfully displayed in circular, oval, and rectangular frames and easily adaptable as templates.
... Read more

Product Description
Innovative Adornments from Wardell Publications fused art glass presents artist and instructor Jayne Persico revealing important techniques for new students while providing enhanced instruction, practical guidance, motivational hints and refreshers for established jewelry crafters. Jayne has been creating art glass masterpieces since 1972 and has practical experience in a wide range of methods and traditions. The techniques presented in Innovative Adornments have been tried, tested and enjoyed in her workshops for more than 20 years in the USA and Internationally. Innovative Adornments is her way of sharing many important techniques with new students while providing inspirtaional guidance and motivation for established crafters. Jewelry making is the perfect place to get started on the glass fusing process. Kiln working is very forgiving on this smaller scale allowing crafters to gain experience and confidence while building a solid foundation for progressing to new levels. Experienced fusers will find Innovative Adornments a resource to enhance their options by adding a new creative outlet for their craft. This how to instruction format allows any crafter to follow along at their own pace, on their schedule, and in the comfort of their own creative environment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Innovative Adornments
Nice booklet but it was for working with wire in jewelry making.I thought it was dealing with glass fusing to creat the glass effects.So for me it was a waste of funds.

Inspirational and Enjoyable Book
This is one of my favorite books; informational, inspirational
and excellent.It arrived in a timely manner, in wonderful
condition.It is perfect for those beginning in the field.

Not as thrilled as I had hoped
Since I do mainly jewelry, this book for me was not what I was looking for.. It does contain a lot of good information,fusing times, tools and projects.
Pluses is that the photos are in color.
Good book if you want to do larger type pieces and slumping.

Don't Waste Your Money
This book was a waste of my money.I was looking forward to getting this and I was VERY disappointed.I'm new to glass fusing and I was hoping to have a good reference and some pictures showing the placement of the fiber paper to make a channel in my fused pendants for stringing the chain, buna, etc.There was no such thing here.In fact, there are only a couple of pages that actually talk about fusing, the rest are wire working techniques, which I already know how to do!!

If you don't yet have a grinder with various bits and a ring saw, you will only be able to do two of the projects, a ring and a bracelet.Since I'm just starting out with the kiln, I don't have either of those pieces of equipment yet.

The first 25 out of this 77 page book is just very general information about glass, equipment and kilns.You can get that info at any good glass related web site.There are 20 pages with only pictures, all of the author's jewelry creations.This is more of a brag book than an instructional guide.

If you want inspiration or just want to look at "pretty pictures"go to the many on-line artists' wonderful web sites and enjoy their beautiful and varied creations.Save your money to buy more glass or get this book, which you can use for years as you increase your kiln working skills:Contemporary Warm Glass: A Guide to Fusing, Slumping & Kiln-Forming Techniques

Innovative Adornments: An Introduction to Fused Glass and Wire Jewelry
Love this book.Great ideas with excellent instructions.

Certainly a good inspirational book for any jewelry artist. ... Read more

Product Description
Comprehensive archive of motifs—easily adaptable as templates for stained glass work—offers a magnificent array of designs: landscapes, florals, geometric shapes, birds and wildlife, much more. Varied shapes and sizes make these designs ideal for windows, mirrors, panels, sidelights, other uses. Immediately usable and copyright-free.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

DISAPPONTED!
Cost for shipping does not match the time for delivery for one. Secondly, no color choices exists except on covers. Thirdly, patterns are very small. Fourthly, you would have to be a professional with tons of equipment/resources to accomplish any completed project. All patterns require technical resizing. 99% of patterns too complex for the novice or intermediate hobbyist.

awesome
I bought this as a gift for my mom, she loved it, it was on perfect condition

Author is a Murderer
I just returned from Joel Wallach's parole hearing.He has been in prison for 26 years for killing my father over the prints used in this book.The police never recovered the prints that my father sent to Wallach's wife.Wallach went on to have the book published while he was in prison.I view any money collected from the sale of this book as blood money.PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!!!You can verify this information through the San Diego District Attorney's office.I also hold the publisher morally responsible, too.I'm sure they are aware of the circumstances.

Excellent pattern book
I have this book and have referred to it many times and have used several of the patterns.There is a nice variety and the patterns cover a broad collection of interests and tastes.Excellent book and a must have in the stained glass studio.

It is Ok but...
The designs are wonderful;however, they are all in black and white.. I expected more... ... Read more

Product Description
Lucy Lippard is one of the most provocative and groundbreaking art critics of the last two decades. A catalyst for social and artistic change, Lippard's writings show the impact of feminism on art, and art on feminism. The Pink Glass Swan brings together Lippard's essays and articles from various magazines, catalogs, and newspapers from the last ten years. Through the eyes of this influential and important critic, The Pink Glass Swan chronicles the sweeping changes in women's art over the last thirty years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Acknowledging a Feminist Art Practice
Lucy Lippard's text is written in what is now labeled a 'feminist' narrative because it intertwines art world events alongside the author's awakening to her own liberation. That is, to examine the work of the women artists that were working on their own art- to the side of the men in their lives, in their studios, and in their schools.
'The Pink Glass Swan' works wonderfully as an introduction to the historical importance of this paradigm shift in the 1980's. Lippard uses language that strives to include the reader, as opposed to throwing tons of art theory and insider references. And, as you read the text, (in my case along with a class of college students) it becomes clear that this was largely the intention of feminist criticism-- to make it available to everyone to understand and to put into practice. I can highly recommend it.

Great Feminist and Art theory
This is an excellent anthology of Lippard's essays. I found it especially helpful as I am writing a thesis on "third wave" feminist art. Her essays are thoughtful and insightful without being full of jargon, so even those with no background in feminist theory can get the gist of the writing. Its great to be able to read the oldies and see how much has- and sadly, hasn't- changed. Most interesting are Lippard's updates and introductions to the older essays, in which she prefaces them with how her thoughts on the topics have changed or shifted since the essays were written.
This is a really thorough and broad reaching book on art and feminism.I highly suggest it for all feminist artists (especially younger ones who missed the first wave) and those who study feminism and/or art.

A powerful work
This book is must for women artists, either young or firmly established.Originally published as From The Center, it helped me to understand my relationship to my artwork and my work's relationship to the various aspects of the larger art world.When I was attending art school, all my fellow women grad students read this book and, interestingly, responded enthusiastically to different sections.Lippard is a grounded, intelligent writer with a wry sense of humor and has a keen sense of observation.Her other books are also excellent, especially Overlay:Contemporary Art and the Art of Prehistory and Sense of Place.

Excellent for the begginning feminist
As a young college student and newly marked feminist this book filled in important gaps surrounding women's art and feminism that was lacking in my male-dominated art history classes. It gave me a sense of history andbrought up many issues in feminist art I had not yet discovered.It alsosent me to library to look up many female artists in hope to find moreinformation.The book was very easy to read and wasn't weighted down withto much academia. ... Read more

Product Description
Aimed at novices, students, and enthusiasts, and featuring 200 color photos and drawings, this stunning work reveals the secrets of the glass blower’s art.

This lavish volume celebrates the art of glass blowing by explaining the processes and illustrating the techniques with a dazzling array of finished pieces. Beginning with tools and equipment, it offers a practical overview of the basic techniques—how to gather molten glass from the furnace, shape glass, and use jacks—while making a variety of solid glass objects. Glass Blowing goes on to explain the importance of the punty iron and instructs on how to blow a tumbler, vase, bowl, and plate before advancing to the techniques needed to make stemware and handles. The use of color is one of the defining qualities of studio glass, and the author encourages the artist to experiment with a range of techniques to introduce color and originality to their work.

Written by a professional glass blower and illustrated with 200 color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

something fo all
I have been playing with hot glass for some time now. I found this book like the many instructors I have been taught by very helpful. One book can not be all to all. Pratt school of fine art in Seattle Washington suggest that we learn from many teachers. If you only have 3 books on glass blowing Ed Schmids two books are great and James Mckelvey The Art of Fire is a third. I have many books and like this one and am glad to have it.

Dave

Hidden in the book....
Agreed.This isn't everything for everyone.There is information for building a hot shop.The scope is beyond most people, but there is good information on the components required and the basic fabrication and assembly techniques. I you can afford a hot shop, you can afford assistance in fabrication and installing the gas system.Good luck.

A reference book for the coffee table
After retiring from a long teaching career, I began a glass blowingapprenticeship.I learned from and am inspired by the technical information and photographs in this book, comprehensive in its brief history of glassblowing, descriptions of equipment and studio layout, step by step directions for making blown obects both for beginner objects and for advanced stemware. I found it easy to read as a beginner, and it remains a reliable resource as I grow in skill and understanding.

A disappointment for me.
The sub-title on this book is "a technical manual" which is just not accurate.This book is an excellent overview of some of the techniques and tools used in furnace type glass blowing.It is not a technical or instructional manual, or a least not a good one.Anyone who wants to learn how to blow glass should go buy a copy of Edward T. Schmid's books and work from them.
This book is written in a narrative style as if it were a complete set of instructions as to the glass blowing process but it tends to make some big assumptions as to the students pre-existing knowledge and glosses over the details of the process.Worst of all it give some very bad advice as to eye protection, instructing beginning glassblowers to utilize didymium eyeglasses for safety.Didymium's are intended to protect the lampworkers eyes from the sodium flare created when working soft glass at the torch.They offer little or no protection from infra-red radiation which is the greatest danger to the eyes of the furnace glassblower.The false sense of security is worse than no protection at all since the dark tint of didymiums will open the pupil and allow even greater amounts infra-red to reach the retina than would if the didymiums were not there.At least the person without any eye protection will not stare into the glory hole for prolonged periods.
I also find the sequence of instruction to be very inappropriate.Immediately after the author introduces the student to the basic use of color rod and powdered color he jumps ahead to one of the most difficult techniques to master, incalmo (encalmo), the joining of two separately blown vessels in to a single vessel while still hot on the blowpipe.
My last complaint is less important but bothersome to me.The author assumes that all students working out of the book will have an assistant at all times.This may be the case in the UK but certainly is not the case here in North America.
Overall a fair overview of glassblowing for the glass collector or the curious but not a textbook, nor a "technical manual". ... Read more

Product Description
Our largest and most comprehensive book about paperweights. Covers in detail; history, varieties and methods, the classic period, identification, contemporary makers and the art of collecting. This beautifully illustrated book takes you step by step through the facinating world of paperweights. Full-color illustrations, luxuriously bound in gold-stamped linen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Crowning Jewell
The 'Bible' for the paper weight enthusiast.Awesome images and filled with the detailed information one needs to feel confident in collecting the old and new.

Wonderful resource
This book is a wonderful resource on paperweights and for paperweight collectors. It is enlightening and provides information about paperweights.

Best general reference.
For the newcomer to paperweights, this book is the one. Antique and modern paperweights are covered as are the production and history and identification tips.

The photography is superb and the book itself is beautiful with its linen cover and thick glossy pages. It's a little spendy but worth it.

The classic reference text on paperweights
A beautiful book full of glorious colour pictures and information. Excellent details and pictures of how paperweights are made. Historical details about paperweight making in France, Italy, Bohemia, England, theUSA, plus pictures and information about contemporary paperweight artists. ... Read more

Product Description
Eighty-two boldly outlined, handsomely rendered designs of marine animal life: butterfly fish, humpback whale, dolphin, sea anemone, snails, sea horse, jellyfish, sea gull, osprey, penguin, octopus, sea turtle, walruses, and more. Perfect designs for windows, panels, mobiles, lampshades, mirrors, lightcatchers and other glowing works of art.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

First Order
This was the first order I've place for a stained glass pattern book. I was disappointed not to see any of the pages in color. Even though one would choose their own colors a review of some contrast would have be helpful.

Great Book
This book is full of wonderful patterns! It is perfect for those who wish to use the individual fish and sea life patterns to create entire sea scenes or to use the scenes that the author has created for you. I also found the patterns easy to manipulate into simpler designs for those that are new at the art of stained glass. I definately recomind this book.

Lots of Life...
Well, this book has many different types of marine life.Everything from sea lions to sea horses, but many of the patterns are unattractive, really.They are sized for immediate use, which is refreshing becasue so many pattern books give you itty bitty patterns and they you have to run to the copy shop, so that is one plus.But if you are looking for cool tropical fish scenes like I was, this is not the book for you.Too many boring and bland patterns of strang looking star fish and sharks, and many other peculiar animals which just don't translate well to glass. ... Read more

Product Description

Kiln-forming as a technique to shape glass was in use for centuries before the Romans developed glassblowing, which has since become the more widely used method. Today, modern glass artists are rediscovering the versatility of kiln forming and are using the technique to produce works of great beauty and strength. In this book, Keith Cummings reviews the history of kiln forming and discusses pertinent materials and methods, such as slumping and fusing. The work of an international group of artists is used to illustrate the text.

Customer Reviews (1)

Solid overview on kilnforming
I've got both this and the previous edition of Cumming's book in my collection. The author has plenty of hands-on experience and a broad knowledge of many glass techniques and processes. I wouldn't call this a hands-on, step-by-step tutorial in studio technique but it will certainly get you started. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (24)

The Stained Glass Garden: projects and patterns.
Fantastic book with delicious projects of objects in glass, to decorate or to give. Very well explained and with good photographies. Very advisable.

The Stained Glass Garden
Nice book, clear pictures, glossy pages, good ideas.Most of the projects are large and time consuming.Need to have other talents to make a few of the projects, eg need to be able to work with copper pipe, (cut, solder).A book more for advanced craftspeople.

Stained Glass Garden
This book has the most amazing garden projects for the stained glass & garden lover.There are so many cool projects it will keep you busy for a long time.I made the tulip torches and hope to make several other projects.Every stained glass commrade I've shown this book to has to have it, or they already do. Its well worth the money.

Need Lots of Supplies
Instructions were great, photos were beautiful......but we don't live in a huge town and found that the supplies needed weren't readily available and very expensive to
purchase and be brought in...other than that we thoroughly enjoyed the book.

What took you so long?
The book is great! The projects look like a lot of fun. However I think it took way too long to arrive. The cost was withdrawn from our account almost three weeks befor it arrived. A friend also got a copy; hers arrived within a week. ... Read more