Thursday, March 5, 2009

Thursday Theme=Glass


Materials made by cooling certain molten materials in such a manner that they do not crystallize but remain in an amorphous state, their viscosity increasing to such high values that, for all practical purposes, they are solid. Materials having this ability to cool without crystallizing are relatively rare, silica, SiO2, being the most common example. Although glasses can be made without silica, most commercially important glasses are based on it. The most important properties are viscosity; strength; index of refraction; dispersion; light transmission (both total and as a function of wavelength); corrosion resistance; and electrical properties.
Chemically, most glasses are silicates. Silica by itself makes a good glass (fused silica), but its high melting point (1723°C or 3133°F) and its high viscosity in the liquid state make it difficult to melt and work. To lower the melting temperature of silica to a more convenient level, soda, Na2O, is added in the form of sodium carbonate or nitrate, for example. This has the desired effect, but unfortunately the resulting glass has no chemical durability and is soluble even in water (water glass). To overcome this problem, lime, CaO, is added to the glass to form the basic soda-lime-silica glass composition which is used for the bulk of common glass articles, such as bottles and sheet (window) glass. Although these are the main ingredients, commercial glass contains other oxides (aluminum and magnesium oxides) and ingredients to help in oxidizing, fining, or decolorizing the glass batch.---Sci-Tech Encyclopedia

Thirty-five years ago I had the daunting task helping my mother-in-law clean out her parent’s house. Amongst all the furnishings there were some favorite things I like. What are they? Items made of glass. I knew I couldn’t take it all to my house. And I had about two weeks to decide which items I wanted for myself and for our children. To learn more about the different types of glass sent me on an investigative search at our local library (the one in the theme two weeks ago). Searching through numerous books I learned there are cut, pressed, carnival, Tiffany and many more types of glass. Armed with the knowledge acquired I was able to make many good selections. I have been able to use the selected items during holidays and while entertaining.

I have chosen a mere four of my favorite pieces of glass selected to photograph for this week’s theme.













24 comments:

Ronda Laveen said...

Thanks for the techie info on glass. I love glass and have many pieces myself. Your selections are lovely.

Coffee Messiah said...

Having grown up seeing and using these in our extended family growing up, it's been too long since I've seen them, except in antique stores.

Made so much better and much more interesting than todays "stuff!"

Cheers and Thanks for playing!

Candie said...

Really nice post and great pictures.

Anonymous said...

It is a little sad when you have to make a choice, like that. Mom still has a couple bowls that date back to her great-granmother. They are still used. And a friend of mine deals in "Depression Era" glass. You've got some nice pieces here, Dakota :)

Leah said...

Beautiful. Thanks.

And oh my goodness, that last one! I think I've got a bit of a crush on that piece!

Mrsupole said...

A few of those pieces are similar to the ones that my mom had when we were growing up. I am not sure who has them now, or if she got rid of them when she downsized. Now I wish I would have asked for a few of them. Thank you for the memories of them.

Beautiful pictures and beautiful glass.

Thank you.

New Yorker wannabes said...

Great pictures and post!

My granny has bowls and glasses like the ones in the pics as well :-)

Take care
peace and love
xoxo

Brian Miller said...

love the green one as well. especially as it is perfect in its imperfection (the dimples).

Finding glass piece in my grandmothers basement was like unearthing treasures as a little boy.

Anonymous said...

I remember these peaces, as a kid they were of absolute no interest. But now I can appreciate their beauty. And you young lady are becoming a really good photographer.

wow these pics are great.:)

Tess Kincaid said...

The little green one is wonderful!

Colette Amelia said...

Wow who knew that glass was such a finiky thing to make?

Beautiful pieces, thanks for sharing!

Tom said...

Well, there's is my chemistry lesson for today...
i read once that glass was actually considered a liquid!

Squirrel said...

some exquisite pieces here! people cared about having well crafted things back then, and wanted to have elegant parties with friends and family. Love the green glass too--just gorgeous.

Dot-Com said...

Wow, this was really educational. Thanks for sharing.

The Clever Pup said...

Thanks for the lesson. I love the bottom pix

mouse (aka kimy) said...

that green glass blows me away.....love, love, love it .....

Megan said...

I am envious, but thanks for sharing these with us!!

Evening Light Writer said...

You have an absolutely beautiful collection of glassware. I especially love your bowls and I'm glad that you enjoy them. Lovely post.

Feisty Crone said...

Great glass! I like the green one best!

Avid Reader said...

The second photo reminds me of the novel "The Golden Bowl" by Henry James. I was fixated on that book a few years back. (A crystal bowl is gold leafed and given as a wedding gift)

My Castle in Spain said...

you've got some really beautiful pieces !
and love the green one too....
i had the occasion to visit some of the old glass manufactures in the north of France, some years ago and yes, it's such a work !

Kris McCracken said...

Oh the green green glass of home...

CocoDivaDog said...

Dak Bear,
The glass pieces are beautiful, but I also love that gorgeous dark blue fabric in the background.

tony said...

Some Nice Examples.They are very handsome objects.They look "built" to last!