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Antique Chinese Snuff Bottles – Heavy Stones That Really Float!

When collecting Chinese antique snuff bottles, one can choose to collect glass, porcelain, bottles made from organic materials (such as amber or coral), or perhaps the inside painted bottles, but there is sure to be a time when one will decide to collect, or at least add some hardstone bottles.

Hardstone bottles can be found in a variety of materials such as jade, quartz, chalcedony, hair crystal, tourmaline and many more. There are some wonderful shapes and colours to be found and even some stone bottles have images, or pictures, formed from the natural inclusions found in the rock.

When studying auction catalogues one will now and then come across, within the description of antique stone bottles, the comment ‘well hollowed’ just as when discussing bottles with a dealer this term will also be used. When this comment is missed beware, as all good antique stone bottles should be ‘well hollowed’ and if they are not then suspect they are fakes!

Antique Chinese snuff bottles were made to be used and had to be well hollowed, to hold sufficient snuff, this raises the question how well hollowed is ‘well hollowed’? Most good antique bottles are considered well hollowed if the bottle will hold a good portion of snuff and does not feel too heavy. Remember, as a guide, they were often worn in the sleeve. But the most valuable finest stone snuff bottles are exceptionally hollowed out, so much so, that they often look like they have been blown (like glass). These are referred to as ‘eggshell thin’ or ‘floaters’ because although they were carved out of a rock they are so well hollowed, that they will float in water!

These stone bottles are examples of amazing skill, because all the hollowing out has been performed through a very small hole in the neck of the bottle. Even the areas we refer to as the shoulders of the bottle (these are most difficult areas to hollow out), have to be very thin, for the bottle to trap enough air to make it float.

There are some wonderful jade bottles that float, yet jade is one of the hardest stone to carve, not only is it an exceptionally hard material but it also has certain weaker points where it can easily fracture.

Having shown a couple of bottles (one well hollowed the other not) to lapidary workers, equipped with all the most modern cutting and drilling tools, to find out if they could change the poorly hollowed out bottle, into a well hollowed one and what it would cost. Not one would take on the task and the general view was, that even if they tried, the cost would be considerable, due to the time it would take them, but in addition no one would accept the risk involved, of possibly ruining the bottle in the process!

The explanation of how these antique stone bottles were originally carved and so well hollowed out, were all down to years of experience and the slow labour of love, where the carver did everything by hand without any thought about how much time it took.

About the Author

John N. Cohen A past director of Jacey Cinemas Ltd. Later the proprietor of a design & photographic studio, now a director of Jacey Homes Ltd., a property development company. Interests and Hobbies: A top international award winning photographer who also became a well known Asian antiques collector and an enthusiast of Jensen British classic cars. Other interests are skiing and Salsa dancing.

For John’s other interests please have a look at: - http://www.jncohen.net

The author has been a very keen collector for many years helping to create ‘The Cohen collection’.

See photographs by using the following link: -
http://www.jncohen.net/antiques/articles.htm

For more information about antique Chinese snuff bottles please use the following link: -
http://www.jncohen.net/Chinese_Snuff_bottles/index.htm

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Tiffany window broken by Ike restored
Restorers have rebuilt a 104-year-old Tiffany stained-glass window that Hurricane Ike destroyed at Trinity Episcopal Church.
Making a glass mirror

How can I make a glass (or possibly resin) pendant?

I want to make small pendants similar to those of glass scrabble tile pendants, except circular. What materials do I need and how would I make it without using methods like burning, but just pouring the mixture on or something of the sort so that it won't pose that much danger?
I don't intend on buying a DIY kit online, but rather at an arts and crafts store.
Pictures/Examples:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_16&listing_id=17946040
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=17776068

The easiest way would be to get round, flat-backed marbles, the ones that are often used in vases or mosaics. You can get them at a craft store. They often have large and small ones. Then all you need to do is get "bails" which are little metal pieces with a flat piece to glue to the item and a loop at the top to convert it into a pendant. Get some really strong jewelry glue to attach it. Then, trim the paper or image that you want to use on the pendant to fit on the flat side of the marble, picture or pattern side against the glass so it is visible through the glass. Adhere the paper or picture with mod podge by spreading a thin layer on the flat side of the glass and laying the picture on it. You can then use the Mod Podge on the back of the pendant as a sealant. Then, just securely adhere the bail to the top of the pendant and your done!!

Hopefully I didn't confuuse you!!

Kaeleigh
divinecreations1.etsy.com

How to Make Glass Mosaics : How to Organize Glass for a Mosaic

Help with handmade glass engraving for the Christmas gift - engraved glass jewelry box?

I'm going to buy a jewelry box for men a gift, and I want to customize the glass top. I know that the paintings are burning, but I wonder if it's possible that I use because I do not know whether I can to remove the window box (and therefore will not be able to use tap water to clean the paint). I guess not a good idea to clean. Is this something I can do alone? Should I take care professionals from somewhere?

I would seek help from your local craft store. Must be able to show how and what to use. Make sure you do not want to remove this hard to burn. I would use blue painters tape.

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Choosing Glass awards

With the onset of the summer, its reward and recognition time for most corporates. This means that it's that time of the year again when decisions are to be made and trophies are to be presented. It's a memorable time for the employees, especially, for the awardees. They cherish these moments and preserve their awards for the remaining duration of their career.

It is moments like these that work as the driving force and fuel their career on to the right path. Why not make it a little more memorable?

According to an online poll conducted in a leading social networking site, 85% of the employees around the country, feel that the quality of awards and trophies presented must improve. 40% feel that the trophies are too mundane. Another 33% feel that the personalized touch is missing.

While this might just be another poll in the huge World Wide Web, it exposes the lack of creativity in the thinking of the corporates.

Think Smart, Think Glass

It's time to move ahead from those dull and lackluster metal awards that most companies choose. Why should one opt for those in the first place when there are much more attractive and cheaper alternatives? Yes, I am talking about Glass awards.

Glass awards are a notch above the rest both in terms of quality as well as aesthetic appeal. A quick search on a leading search engine reveals that the number of companies offering quality glass, acrylic and crystal awards are much higher than those selling metal and plastic awards.

Types of Glass awards

There are a multitude of choices when it comes to glass awards. There is jade glass, star fire glass, clean acrylic, colored acrylic and much more. You can get them hand polished and beveled to replicate the facets of a diamond. These awards are ideal when metal awards or plaques are insufficient.

For more info visit : Glass Awards

How to Make Stained Glass Art : Learn Where to Establish Your Cut for Stained-Glass Projects

There are two ways to make stained glass, leaded or copper foiled. The major difference between the two is in the construction. With leaded stained glass, the glass is fitted into channels of lead came. In contrast, copper foiled stained glass is constructed by wrapping each piece of glass with copper foil.

Leaded stained glass historically is found in churches. It was during the Victoria Era where leaded stained glass was introduced into homes and has remained a popular method of constructing stained glass ever since.

Foiled stained glass was mastered by Tiffany in the early 1900’s and soon after became a popular method for creating stained glass.

Common Questions:

Is one method better than the other?

The simple answer is no. A better answer is that it depends on the artist and the design.

What is the difference in leaded and foiled construction?

With leaded stained glass, the construction must begin at an outer corner, the individual pieces are fitted into lead came. Once all pieces are cut and placed in lead came, the joints of came are soldered. Then the piece is cemented.

With foiled stained glass, the construction can begin at any point in the design and worked out from there. The individual pieces are wrapped in copper foil and soldered together.

When is foiled stained glass construction better than lead?

With intricate designs, foiled construction is superior

When is lead construction better than foiled?

Leaded construction is used most often with designs that have repetitive geometric shapes. These designs can be foiled, but construction time is increased.

Which is easier?

There is no simple answer for this. It is really a personal preference. Leaded, foiled or combination of the two are used throughout the stained glass industry.

Is leaded or foiled construction better than the other?

No, each method, if done correctly, will provide the same long lasting beauty and endurance.

Why is foiled construction taught to beginners doing stained glass?

The cementing in leaded construction tends to be messy. Foiled construction can be started and stopped, making weekly classes work.

What are the steps for making leaded stained glass?

1. Stained glass is cut, shaped and fitted into channels of lead came.

2. Joints of lead came are soldered.

3. The piece is cemented

4. The piece is cleaned and polished

What are the steps for making foiled stained glass?

1. Stained glass is cut and shaped, and then each piece is wrapped in copper foil.

2. Copper foil seams are soldered together.

3. The piece is cleaned and polished.

My Personal Choice:

I tend to do a lot of intricate designs, so I use the foiled construction method. It provides the flexibility and detail I need for my designs.

About the Author:

Amazing wealth of information on Stained Glass and how to make it right the First Time! If you would like more detailed information for making stained glass using the foiled method, check out http://www.creativity-in-glass.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Stained Glass Construction

How to cut stained glass using a hand glass cutter.

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