Glass tools in use -Mould blowing a Masonic Paperweight

[PaGlenn]

Brought my cast iron decanter stopper mould into the glassworks last week. The mould creates inkbottles oil/vinegar cruets and target balls. We decided to make a paperweight with an applied seal, like which were applied to the old wine bottles of the 1700's. We cut the spout off the bottle and applied a hot gather of glass to apply the Masonic symbol of compass and square. We also applied a star and 'G' to some of the weights.Thr original use was to make a stopper for a Seagrams whiskey deecanter.

 

[Brad Buchanan]

Interesting post Glenn.

I grew up near Danbury Conn. and there was a glassworks there and I used to stop by and watch sometimes. Always was fascinated.

Thanks for sharing.

Brad

 

[J.Wondergem]

That's interesting. Never seen glass works before. In the fifth picture what is the thing attached to your head?

 

[hd6gtom]

Thank you for sharing your great work, I wish I had the time and ability to do that.

 

[dr sportster]

Fantastic work! What was your website again ? Thanks

 

[jon f mn]

I find this very fascinating, but what da heck is the thing on your head in the 5th pick? lol

 

[PaGlenn]

The guy making the weight is phil the owner of the glassworks. The thing you are viewing appears to be on his head but is not. It is a hanger for the blow rod.

 

[PaGlenn]

www.glassgaffersgallery.com

 

[PaGlenn]

Phil Gilson made the weight from the mould I brought in. He does all the mould blowing while I mostly work with free blown glass. I will post some of my pieces in the future. The difficulty in mould blowing is that you have to gather the correct amount of glass for the mould. Not too much or little. You also need to shape the gather of glass before insertng it into the mould.

 

[smallercrawler]

Glenn, outstanding! I've always enjoyed the art of the glassmakers since seeing a special on a fellow named Chihoully(?).

 

[jon f mn]

LOL, the only thing that fit in my head was that you kept licking the hot glass so the wired your head back. But then no one ever said I had a lick of sense. lol

 

[Anonymous-0]

Very nice craftsmanship.