Alchemy

A new world created,
With beautiful alchemy.
In the ways of old.


Back blipped.
We went to a glass studio today to watch two items we had ordered being created (* more below if you're really interested otherwise feel free to skip). This was part of the process of making a paperweight. The final item will have a swirl of blue glass in the centre, but as everything is done at extremely high temperatures all is still glowing with heat.

I was struck by how little this craft process must have changed over the centuries ... essentially it involves very hot kilns, glass blowers rods and various tools and implements. There is true craft and skill in the glass makers knowledge of how to gauge temperature and exact speed and rotation of the rod to achieve the perfect result. Inspirational and amazing.

more photos 0f the whole process here


* this was actually photographed at the premises of a rather wonderful company called Ashes into glass, who create glass items of jewellery or ornament which incorporate a small amount of cremation ashes. I know this might sound a bit weird to some people, but actually it is rather wonderful to feel that you can create a piece of jewellery which isn't maudlin or funereal and have you loved ones close. Having lost both parents in the past few years, I felt I wanted to do this and am having a ring made, while my brother is having the paperweight pictured. I wasn't looking forward to going there ... it was quite emotional, but in the end quite an uplifting experience to know that someones skill and craftsmanship was being used for such a personal item. My Mum and Dad would have loved to be there .... and I'm sure would heartily approve.