HOT SAND STAINED GLASS
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The multi-colored glass used in my boxes is called dichroic glass. Dichroic is a high-tech optical coating that selectively reflects certain wavelengths (colors) of light and allows the remaining wavelengths to transmit. This same effect is seen in nature in peacock feathers and opals. The word "dichroic" means two colors, which refers to transmitted color and reflected color. The coating process is done in a high vacuum chamber that has several pieces of specialized equipment to control and monitor the coating process. Using dichroic glass with bevels in my boxes offers a unique way to show off its multi-colored effect.
Millefiori, meaning "thousand flowers", is made on the island of Murano in Italy. I use slices cut from patterned millefiori rods to make pendants and charms for my jewelery. This year I was in Italy for my honeymoon and purchased the millefiori pieces directly from the manufacturer - bringing back 15 pounds in my luggage! Each unique piece is made up of 2 - 3 layers of glass. A base layer of clear or black Moretti glass, then the millefiori piece on top, either alone or with another layer of clear glass on top. This "sandwich" is then fused in my kiln at 1500 degrees. The firing process takes three hours and then the kiln is left closed overnight to cool down the glass.
Frequently used in my jewelery is the guanacaste seed. The guanacaste tree is a huge canopy tree and is the national tree of Costa Rica. The word guanacaste is of Natuatl origin and signifies "ear tree" because the pods superficially resemble the shape of a human ear. The nutritious pods are used for stock feed and the bark and wood are used for tanning and lumber. The distinctive brown eye of the seed makes it one of my favorite rainforest seeds.
These seeds are also known in Costa Rica as nenes and are from the tree species Ormosia. They are also called lucky beans and are believed to bring good luck. The seeds might be colored red so that birds will be attracted to them and carry them away from the trees. My nene seeds come directly from the O2 For Life reserve located in southern Costa Rica.

Valerie Batt +011 506 735 5798 valerie@hotsandstainedglass.com Home • Shop • One-of-a-Kind Windows • Commissioned Windows • Materials • Links