Okay okay okay… YOU GUYS!!! I have THE BEST story to tell you, and it’s like, full of feels, sparkles, fire (the good kind), AND tie-dye!!! So sit down. Or jump up. Or spin in a circle with your arms out like a weirdo because THIS. IS. BIG. THE HEART THING (but not like lovey-dovey) So, five months ago… something SUPER serious happened. I had to have open heart surgery. Yep. The real kind. The […]
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Hey there, glass lovers and supporters! Welcome back to the Metz Glass Designs web blog. Spring has officially sprung here in Willow Springs, Missouri, and we’ve been buzzing with excitement in the shop this week—literally! To celebrate the season’s arrival, I’ve been hard at work on our Spring Collection release, and I’m thrilled to share what’s been melting and shaping up on the torch. This week, I’ve been crafting some adorable BumbleBee necklace pendants and […]
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Hey everyone, welcome back to my weekly blog! If you’re in our little corner of Missouri, you know this past week has been anything but calm. The storms that rolled through have left quite a mark—not just on our town, but on the surrounding areas too. I wanted to take a moment to share what we’ve been experiencing here. It all started about a week ago when the skies darkened and the wind picked up. […]
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Color is one of the most exciting aspects of working with borosilicate glass. With its broad palette and unique reactions to heat and flame chemistry, borosilicate glass offers endless possibilities for creating vibrant, dynamic pieces. This guide will delve into how to choose, mix, and manipulate colors effectively in your lampworking projects. Understanding Borosilicate Colors Borosilicate glass colors can behave differently depending on factors such as flame chemistry, annealing, and layering. Here’s a breakdown of […]
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Once you’ve gained confidence in basic lampworking, such as forming simple shapes and beads, it’s time to explore intermediate techniques that will expand your creative possibilities. This stage is where your skills begin to flourish, and you can produce more intricate and expressive glass art. Here’s a guide to mastering intermediate lampworking techniques. Preparing for Advanced Work Before diving into intermediate techniques, ensure your workspace and equipment are optimized for success: Glass Knowledge: Experiment with […]
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Lampworking is a fascinating and rewarding craft that involves shaping and sculpting glass using a torch. If you’re new to lampworking and want to work with borosilicate glass, this guide will help you get started on the right foot. What is Borosilicate Glass? Borosilicate glass, commonly referred to as “boro,” is a durable type of glass known for its thermal resistance and versatility. It’s a favorite among glass artists because it’s less prone to cracking […]
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