Early experimentation with glass and the use of color in it probably began around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia and Egypt. The early glass-makers discovered that certain substances, when added to molten glass, produced attractive colors. Since that time, we humans have enjoyed looking at colored glass objects.
Some of the substances used to create modern colored glass include: Antimony Oxide for white, Cadmium Sulfide for yellow, Chromic Oxide for green, Cobalt Oxide for blue, Gold Chloride for red, Sulfur for yellow-amber, and Uranium Oxide for fluorescent yellows or greens (Vaseline Glass). Other colors are produced from various combinations of these ingredients.
Today’s first project is contained in an amber Viking glass swung vase. Various floral elements are layered on top of course potpourri. The small green container is a mosaic style, cheap candle holder. Dark purple blooms create a pleasing contrast to the green glass.
A bright orange, mid-century comport is used unconventionally as a miniature cactus garden. The project is a study in contrasts.
The multi-color, hand-blown mid century Murano art glass vase contains yellow, orange, and gold floral elements.
Ciao
The Blue Jay of Happiness quotes advice columnist Ann Landers. “Rose-colored glasses are never made in bifocals. Nobody wants to read the small print in dreams.”
