Stained glass’ popularity originated in the twelfth century gothic era, when cathedrals were being built and designed with stained glass murals. However, stained glass’ purpose has expanded since the twelfth century.
To create that stained glass color, the silica mixture used to make glass must be exposed to a coloring agent, such as copper oxide (red, blue, green), iron oxide (green), uranium (gold), cobalt (blue), selenium (yellow), and gold (ruby).
The artist adds one of these elements to the mixture then heats and blows the glass as they normally would.
Typically, only one color is added per piece.
However, for the popular multiple-dot effect, the artist will take the glass gob fresh out of the fire, roll it in small colored glass stones, put it back in the fire, then blow and mold accordingly.
The colored Badash Crystal pieces are layered, which adds a unique quality to them. They appear to have a layer of stained glass on the inside of the piece, then transparent layers are added to it.
This is the popular Penelope Bowl in Violet:
And a European Mouth-Blown Vase in Cobalt:
The creation of a stained glass masterpiece, such as a cathedral window, is not as much complicated as it is difficult. To create such a masterpiece, the different colors of glass must first be created. Once the glass is blown and cooled, the glass must be ever-so-carefully cut. After it is cut into the desired shapes, then the artist assembles all the pieces and adheres them with molten lead. When the lead has solidified and cooled, the window is ready for use.
There are other, modern, uses for stained glass as well! It is used for a medley of items, such as lampshades ornaments, vases, tables, chairs, glass bottles, etc. Any flat surface can be turned into a piece of stained glass art.
Many modern pieces are made from recycled already stained glass!
If you are into up-cycling, we recommend a stained glass mosaic from thrifted or unused glass pieces!