vitalityspeaks

Pipes are typically made with borosilicate glass, which is a very durable, high temp melting glass, generally melted using a torch. I work with a softer glass (soda-lime) which is melted in a furnace and gathered onto a steel blowpipe. I never learned/practiced to work with borosilicate.

However, I have seen some incredible glasswork made by flameworkers and I respect their work, pipe or otherwise.

My favorite pieces are the pendants called "Angel's Wings," which are the newest addition to our line. I love that they are so intimate and close to your heart. They are simple and elegant. here's a pic of me wearing the pendant necklace

What's the difference between a large pepperoni pizza and a glassblower?

A pizza can feed a family of four.

Yes it's in the glass. It's more like a layer. The ashes stick to glass when the glass is super hot (about 2,000 degrees F). The ashes are sifted so that we only used the really fine powder. Then once the glass is cooled for a few minutes (with the ash and glass color stuck to it) I completely submerge the "start" into molten glass and let it drizzle off so that it's only a thin layer of glass around the ash and color. The glass furnace I am using holds about 800 lbs. of molten clear glass and is kept at 2,200 degrees F at all times.

1. This idea has been done in many ways for quite some time, however no one really presented the ash in their memorials quite like this. Artful Ashes was founded by Greg and Christina Dale. Greg had lost his grandparents and wanted to do something unique and special to memorialize them. After lots of research and deliberation he decided to make memorials out of glass. He combined the ashes of his grandparents and worked with an artist, such as myself, to create a glass memorial shaped in a heart, which showcased the ashes in the very front to form a swirl. This is when "together forever" began. The feeling of holding the glass piece was like a hug in your hand and from that moment the Dale's knew they had to share this with the world.

2. There is always some negativity in any pursuit in life. Often times people are reluctant and weary of the concept of working with cremated remains. From the outside, it seems like the "death business." But that couldn't be farther from the truth. We are here to help those who are still alive, give them a way to find closure with the ones they've lost. We invite people to the glass studio and show them every step of the process. People come crying, but they walk away laughing. Generally people will shed any reservations once they have a chance to speak to anyone affiliated with Artful Ashes, once they see that this is something we do from our hearts.

3. I have been working with glass since 2007. From the moment that I found hot glass I have not been able to stop. When I was very young, I took to art quickly. Every award I ever received as a young student was for artistic merit. So I applied to Alfred University, School of Art and Design in NY and received a presidential portfolio scholarship. Before I left, my high school art teacher (who is also AU alumni) made me promise to try glassblowing since he never had a chance to try it. Now here I am in Seattle (the mecca of glassblowing) and I have been using my degree professionally since the day I graduated.