Glass Jewelry From The Velvet Box

Glass Jewelry From The Velvet BoxI’ve raved about glass beads before, but there’s more to glass than just lovely beads. Glassblowing is a fascinating art that transforms a liquid-like solid into nearly any shape imaginable. Glass has the distinct property of reflecting light like no other material, so why wouldn’t we want to surround ourselves with such beautiful incandescence? The history of glass jewelry actually dates back to 3500 BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where it was used in place of precious gemstones because it was easier to carve and shape. (And now we can wear glass jewelry because it’s more affordable than gemstones and just as colorful!)

Glass is made from sand, lime (as in limestone, not the citrus fruit!) and sodium carbonate (or soda ash).  Basically, these three ingredients are heated up to an extremely high temperature (about 750C-1000C), and then cooled quickly, so it hardens.

To make objects out of glass, the glassblower has to keep heating it and shaping it to make sure it fuses together as one solid piece.

Jen Pitts of The Velvet Box creates glass works of art in her Ohio studio such as beads, pendants and sculptural pieces that are truly stunning. The pieces from her newest collection (pictured) are completely unique and incorporate many different glass-shaping techniques, which give them different textures and totally different looks.

Glass Jewelry From The Velvet BoxJen and her team of artists were recently recognized for their talents at the Arts Business and Innovation Awards, held in Cleveland, OH. The ceremony honors winners in the following four categories: Individual Artist, Arts and Culture Community Champion, Young Arts Entrepreneur and, Arts Business.

What makes the Arts Business and Innovation Awards different from other arts awards is that it recognizes not only the artist, but the business owner as well, and the unique relationship between them, which I fully support!

If you’ve never seen lampwork art before, take a look at Jen in action, below. A true artist!

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Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. From must-have fashion and accessories, to gorgeous gardens, stunning interiors, plus the latest products for parties, weddings, and events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! Susan Said…WHAT?! was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone.com. Click to learn more about Susan Conforte McNeill.

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DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received in exchange for this Glass Jewelry post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will be good for my readers.

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