The Transparent World of Glass

glass

You may remember when I did my post on stained glass this summer. Yet, I’ve thought about doing a post on glass for a while since I’ve often come across glass related craft projects for my blog. Anyway, glass is basically everywhere in our modern society that we tend to take it for granted since it’s now designated as a recyclable material. But this wasn’t always the case before the Industrial Revolution when glass was so expensive that colonists who traveled to the New World would often take their windows with them on the boat. Today, not only is glass just as prevalent as plastic as well as used in a wide variety of things we take for granted, there are also many different types. The oldest and most familiar types of glass to us are silicate glasses which are mainly derived from silica a main constituent in sand. You have soda lime glass that’s often used in glass bottles and other containers as well as the more durable quartz glass. You may also be familiar with the modern fiberglass which has only been mass produced since the 1930s as well as has so many applications. We can go on. Not mention, before coal and steel, my area of Southwestern Pennsylvania was distinguished on its glass making as well which explains why such towns like Glassport exist.  And even when the area became known for its steel and coal industry, its glass industry still lived on well into the 20th century, some even to today with 20 currently operating in the region. One of the earliest is the New Geneva Glass Works that was active from 1797-1847 which had Albert Gallatin as an early investor. Bakewell Glass in Pittsburgh founded in 1808 was known as a pioneer in flint glass in America as well as had a family member invent and patent the first known process of pressed glass in 1825 which made the mass production of glass possible for the first time.  F.&J. Mckee Company on Pittsburgh’s South Side founded in 1850 would be associated with Western PA glass for years. The Duncan & Miller Glass Company existed in Washington, PA which spanned from the late 1860s to the 1950s which is distinguished by fine craftsmanship. The Macbeth Evans Glass Company founded and based in Charleroi in 1899 was known for its glassware with beautiful designs, especially in the 1930s. Then there’s PPG Industries started as a pane glass company in the 1880s and was among the first in the world to power its furnaces with local natural gas which stipulated widespread industrial use. In fact, the words PPG stand for “Pittsburgh Plate Glass.” Not to mention, it’s possible that their glass was used as windows in plenty of early skyscrapers. Today PPG is still around as a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 company that’s diversified to include paints, coatings, specialty materials, chemicals, and even fiberglass, is still headquartered in Pittsburgh at the iconic PPG Place that resembles a cool evil fortress, has 150 manufacturing locations around the world, and they recently received the naming rights from Consol Energy on what’s now the PPG Paints Arena. Also, they still make glass but not just in windows. Anyway, you’ll find a lot of glass crafts on Pinterest since the material is often used in disposable items and other products. Which is where I come in for your reading pleasure.

  1. This glass cup reflects many different colors.
No, this isn't a hallucination. The cup is designed this way with all the colorful bubbles. Not sure if it's an improvement.

No, this isn’t a hallucination. The cup is designed this way with all the colorful bubbles. Not sure if it’s an improvement.

2. Welcome guests aboard your yacht with these glasses.

Okay, these may just be for decoration. But they're certainly sea worthy to some.

Okay, these may just be for decoration. But they’re certainly sea worthy to some.

3. Watch out for this glass dragon eye.

Well, at least it'll make guests think twice about stealing your drink. Then again, better used for decoration.

Well, at least it’ll make guests think twice about stealing your drink. Then again, better used for decoration.

4. An old wine bottle is great for holding flowers.

Works so long as you keep the cork in place. Yet, not sure if it enhances the beauty of any wall you hang them on.

Works so long as you keep the cork in place. Yet, not sure if it enhances the beauty of any wall you hang them on.

5. Imagine a bowl like this on your mantle.

Kind of reminds me of a nebula. Love the colors here. Beautiful.

Kind of reminds me of a nebula. Love the colors here. Beautiful.

6. Perhaps this glass bottle would do with a flowery design.

Well, you have to admire the artwork here. Love that pretty pink flower on green.

Well, you have to admire the artwork here. Love that pretty pink flower on green.

7. A decorated wine bottle can make a great vase for flowers.

Okay, the flowers are fake and the bottle is covered in cloth. But it might look great on a mantle or table.

Okay, the flowers are fake and the bottle is covered in cloth. But it might look great on a mantle or table.

8. This bottle seems to have all the stars on its exterior.

Not sure if it's supposed to be the cosmos or outer space. But it sure twinkles if you ask me.

Not sure if it’s supposed to be the cosmos or outer space. But it sure twinkles if you ask me.

9. Perhaps these wine glass candle holders remind you of the seashore.

Each of them even have blue sand and shells in them. Also, the string gives a beach like touch.

Each of them even have blue sand and shells in them. Also, the string gives a beach like touch.

10. How about a bottle with a beaded mosaic?

Helps that it's in a floral design. Love how the gold ones stand out.

Helps that it’s in a floral design. Love how the gold ones stand out.

11. How about a wine bottle of beads and sequins?

Now that looks kind of funky. Love the flowers and the purple stopper.

Now that looks kind of funky. Love the flowers and the purple stopper.

12. This mason jar chandelier is perfect for any dining room.

Well, depends on the kind of lighting you use. And I don't think this one uses electricity.

Well, depends on the kind of lighting you use. And I don’t think this one uses electricity.

13. Raise a glass with these butterfly champagne flutes.

Well, these gold butterflies certainly look pretty. Not sure if I'd want to drink from them though.

Well, these gold butterflies certainly look pretty. Not sure if I’d want to drink from them though.

14. Heard about a row of bottles? How about a whole fence of them?

Nice to see a fence with so many different colors that the sun can reflect from. Still, decorative use only.

Nice to see a fence with so many different colors that the sun can reflect from. Still, decorative use only.

15. No lawn can be complete without a glass bottle peacock.

Well, isn't that as pretty as a peacock. Of course, some may not have a thing for green bottles as feathers.

Well, isn’t that as pretty as a peacock. Of course, some may not have a thing for green bottles as feathers.

16. This bar set certainly sets everything fancy doesn’t it?

Since everything here is certainly decked in lace. Manly Christmas present, it is not.

Since everything here is certainly decked in lace. Manly Christmas present, it is not.

17. It’s only fitting that these wine bottles are decked with grapes.

After all, wine comes from grapes. So it's only fair. Love how they used glass pieces for each of them.

After all, wine comes from grapes. So it’s only fair. Love how they used glass pieces for each of them.

18. These stained glass bottles can light up a room.

Doesn't hurt they're in psychedelic colors either. Love these.

Doesn’t hurt they’re in psychedelic colors either. Love these.

19. These animal wine glass candle holders are great for down on the farm.

Includes cow, horse, pig, rooster, sheep, and chicken. Yes, they look childish but you can't hate them.

Includes cow, horse, pig, rooster, sheep, and chicken. Yes, they look childish but you can’t hate them.

20. A stained glass bottle should also match the glasses.

Seems like the kind of fine dining set you'll see at a modern art museum. Nice that the glasses match.

Seems like the kind of fine dining set you’ll see at a modern art museum. Nice that the glasses match.

21. A purple bottle works nice with gold trimmings.

This one has lovely flowers and a dragon fly. Love the decor. Beautiful.

This one has lovely flowers and a dragon fly. Love the decor. Beautiful.

22. These bottles come with a unique feminine face.

Well, these have paintings of beautiful women like they're works of art. Love the trimmings on these.

Well, these have paintings of beautiful women like they’re works of art. Love the trimmings on these.

23. A mosaic bottle is just as nice.

Yes, they have mosaic bottles like these, too. Love the design on this one.

Yes, they have mosaic bottles like these, too. Love the design on this one.

24. This rainbow night light should chase your nightmares away.

Well, it will surely light up any room with color. Would like to see this on.

Well, it will surely light up any room with color. Would like to see this on.

25. This mosaic bottle has a classy look to it.

I especially love the purple on this perfume bottle. The pearls are a nice touch, too.

I especially love the purple on this perfume bottle. The pearls are a nice touch, too.

26. By fusing some glassware, you can make an ideal platter.

Of course, it might take a blow torch to do the trick. But you can see what I mean.

Of course, it might take a blow torch to do the trick. But you can see what I mean.

27. Got old beer bottles? Make candle holders out of them.

You have to wonder whether these are for some man cave or something. But I love how they used the tops as stands.

You have to wonder whether these are for some man cave or something. But I love how they used the tops as stands.

28. May I present you with a glass of the beach.

Well, it certainly has a nice seaside view. Love the sun over the waves.

Well, it certainly has a nice seaside view. Love the sun over the waves.

29. With this bottle, you can see an eerie night sky.

Wonder if it contains any witch's brew. Covered in a polymer clay. Like the moon.

Wonder if it contains any witch’s brew. Covered in a polymer clay. Like the moon.

30. How about decorate your room with some colorful mason jars?

These come in 3 colors and have gold foil on them. What's more to love?

These come in 3 colors and have gold foil on them. What’s more to love?

31. No one should ever do without a colorful glass bowl like this.

Sure it seems like a decorated fish bowl. But you have to love how it's painted.

Sure it seems like a decorated fish bowl. But you have to love how it’s painted.

32. This bottle comes with all the unique trimmings.

Love the pearls and flower on this. Wouldn't mind having this as a decoration.

Love the pearls and flower on this. Wouldn’t mind having this as a decoration.

33. With a pine cone this bottle carries a rustic look.

Well, a fall look, anyway when everything seems dead. Just like how I felt when Trump won the election.

Well, a fall look, anyway when everything seems dead. Just like how I felt when Trump won the election.

34. Now these give beer glasses a whole new meaning.

Well, these beer glasses are made from beer bottles. So feel free to put a Bud Light in a Rolling Rock one.

Well, these beer glasses are made from beer bottles. So feel free to put a Bud Light in a Rolling Rock one.

35. For a more colorful celebration, these butterfly flutes hit the spot.

Yes, they're more fancy than the other ones. But I think they're just as nice. Lovely.

Yes, they’re more fancy than the other ones. But I think they’re just as nice. Lovely.

36. I guess you’ve never seen a chandelier like this one.

Yep, this one consists of beer bottles. I know it's tacky but there are guys who will want this for their man cave.

Yep, this one consists of beer bottles. I know it’s tacky but there are guys who will want this for their man cave.

37. In this bowl, a blue butterfly is as vibrant as ever.

I'll say. Love how it shines in the sunlight. Stunning beyond compare.

I’ll say. Love how it shines in the sunlight. Stunning beyond compare.

38. This glass block light comes with a few homey touches.

This one depicts a birdhouse with flowers. Like how it's beautifully painted.

This one depicts a birdhouse with flowers. Like how it’s beautifully painted.

39. For a vintage evening, this grape glass block light is for you.

This one has pink and purple together. Hope it gives a warm glow.

This one has pink and purple together. Hope it gives a warm glow.

40. You’ve put flowers in a vase. How about flowers on a vase?

Of course, vase is a word that can be pronounced 2 different ways. The short "a" way doesn't seem correct to me though.

Of course, vase is a word that can be pronounced 2 different ways. The short “a” way doesn’t seem correct to me though.

41. Watch the little birdie on this vase.

Love how it sits among the purple flowers. So pretty to behold. So well painted.

Love how it sits among the purple flowers. So pretty to behold. So well painted.

42. This windmill bottle really brings a rustic touch to any room.

This is quite clever if you ask me. Love how it has a little door and window. Wonder if it actually turns.

This is quite clever if you ask me. Love how it has a little door and window. Wonder if it actually turns.

43. This bottle lamp is especially illuminating.

Like how it consists of strips of all different colors. Wouldn't mind having this one.

Like how it consists of strips of all different colors. Wouldn’t mind having this one.

44. There’s something underwater going on with these wine glasses.

These have an underwater scene to them. The glass handles are even wavy as well.

These have an underwater scene to them. The glass handles are even wavy as well.

45. Never thought bottles could shine like these.

These are glass bottles that are painted and have clay on them to seem like they're metal. Love the artistic touch.

These are glass bottles that are painted and have clay on them to seem like they’re metal. Love the artistic touch.

46. Take a peek at these glass feathers on a tray.

They're all in different colors like they're all from different birds. But they sit on the same log.

They’re all in different colors like they’re all from different birds. But they sit on the same log.

47. Hope you love the roses on this bottle.

Yes, these roses are very well painted that you'd think they're a work of art. Love it.

Yes, these roses are very well painted that you’d think they’re a work of art. Love it.

48. A perfume bottle must always be well decorated.

This one has flowers and gold mesh on it. Love the flowers.

This one has flowers and gold mesh on it. Love the flowers.

49. Bet you’ve never saw a fishbowl like this before.

Then again, you don't have to do much with it since it's just decoration. Think this is pretty clever.

Then again, you don’t have to do much with it since it’s just decoration. Think this is pretty clever.

50. This wine glass candle holder has a rather beachy touch to it.

Like how it has some shells and sand. Makes it almost feel like you were there.

Like how it has some shells and sand. Makes it almost feel like you were there.

51. These 4 bottle lights can surely dazzle a room.

Like how some of these have terms like "evil" or "bitch." Must be used for parties.

Like how some of these have terms like “evil” or “bitch.” Must be used for parties.

52. How about a bottle lamp with palm trees?

Apparently, there are a lot of glass items with beach stuff on it. Not so sure why that is.

Apparently, there are a lot of glass items with beach stuff on it. Not so sure why that is.

53. You know about stained glass windows. How about stained glass jars?

Well, these are quite unique. Love how these have flowers on them. Beautiful.

Well, these are quite unique. Love how these have flowers on them. Beautiful.

54. Here’s a nice bouquet of flowery glass plates.

Yes, these are glass plates made into flowers. Don't ask me how it's possible. But I really love this one.

Yes, these are glass plates made into flowers. Don’t ask me how it’s possible. But I really love this one.

55. I’m sure someone is bound to enjoy these flowery wine glasses.

Each of these are delicately painted with floral scenes. Better suited for decoration though.

Each of these are delicately painted with floral scenes. Better suited for decoration though.

56. Hope an ornate bottle like this suits your fancy.

This is covered with clay in intricate designs. Still, this is a very beautiful design.

This is covered with clay in intricate designs. Still, this is a very beautiful design.

57. These glass coasters are great with pressed pansies.

Actually you can make glass coasters with any flower. It's just these are with pansies.

Actually you can make glass coasters with any flower. It’s just these are with pansies.

58. These glass bottles would make handy candle holders for a romantic evening.

These also seem to come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Not sure where I'd find ones like these.

These also seem to come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Not sure where I’d find ones like these.

59. These Disney Princess wine glass candle holders will make you feel royally welcome.

Each one is turned upside down as a dress. Ariel's is just right side up since she's a mermaid.

Each one is turned upside down as a dress. Ariel’s is just right side up since she’s a mermaid.

60. You can make glasses with some old jars.

Interesting glasses though not ideal for a dinner party. Still, these are pretty creative.

Interesting glasses though not ideal for a dinner party. Still, these are pretty creative.

61. These glass bottles seemed all starfished out.

I think these might be used for wedding centerpieces. Particularly if one takes place on a beach.

I think these might be used for wedding centerpieces. Particularly if one takes place on a beach.

62. This frosted bottle with a snowflake contains winter magic.

Well, it's not fancy enough for a Christmas decoration. But I do think it's so ornate that I couldn't pass it up.

Well, it’s not fancy enough for a Christmas decoration. But I do think it’s so ornate that I couldn’t pass it up.

63. A rainbow chandelier is certainly dazzling on the ceiling.

This one consists of test tubes filled with different colors around it. I think it's quite stunning to say the least.

This one consists of test tubes filled with different colors around it. I think it’s quite stunning to say the least.

64. These royal blue glasses are great for any festive occasion.

I think these are also wedding glasses with some royal blue stain. Like the moon and the peacock.

I think these are also wedding glasses with some royal blue stain. Like the moon and the peacock.

65. These bottles have a stellar silver touch.

These are glass bottles with silver spray paint on them. Almost look like they're metal, don't they?

These are glass bottles with silver spray paint on them. Almost look like they’re metal, don’t they?

66. Glitter wine glasses or glitter shot glasses?

Well, they sure look sparkly if you ask me. Love these. So pretty.

Well, they sure look sparkly if you ask me. Love these. So pretty.

67. This bottle lamp seems fresh as a daisy.

Well, it has a daisy painted on it which I think is a work of art. The ribbon is a perfect match.

Well, it has a daisy painted on it which I think is a work of art. The ribbon is a perfect match.

68. This glass bottle is now a clay castle.

Love this fairy castle. Like how it has pearls near the roof. Stunning.

Love this fairy castle. Like how it has pearls near the roof. Stunning.

69. This perfume bottle has a rather flowery disposition.

This looks very colorful with flowers and foliage galore. It's made by an artist. Lovely.

This looks very colorful with flowers and foliage galore. It’s made by an artist. Lovely.

70. This perfume bottle features a stunning decor of roses, gold, and pearls.

Yes, this is a very fancy bottle. Love the decor on this. Beautiful.

Yes, this is a very fancy bottle. Love the decor on this. Beautiful.

71. There’s nothing more elegant than these flowery purple champagne flutes.

I'd so totally want these for my wedding for obvious reasons. Those flowers are lovely.

I’d so totally want these for my wedding for obvious reasons. Those flowers are lovely.

72. A mosaic bottle is always stunning in purple.

Love how this one has purple glass tiles on this bottle. Love the bejeweled stones, too.

Love how this one has purple glass tiles on this bottle. Love the bejeweled stones, too.

73. This mosaic perfume bottle is decked in blue and gold.

Well, it's in gold and shades of blue. But it's nonetheless fit for any mantle as a decoration.

Well, it’s in gold and shades of blue. But it’s nonetheless fit for any mantle as a decoration.

74. These painted vases can always bring you flowery joy.

Well, they're not like the other flowery vases I previously showed. But they're surely finely painted.

Well, they’re not like the other flowery vases I previously showed. But they’re surely finely painted.

75. I bet you’ve never seen glass bottles like these before.

Well, these seem to be bottles you might find in some old apothecary cabinet in Harry Potter. But they're nevertheless lovely.

Well, these seem to be bottles you might find in some old apothecary cabinet in Harry Potter. But they’re nevertheless lovely.

76. Perhaps you can use these colorful candlesticks.

I'm not sure how they obtain the color of these. I know there's a process. But I'm not sure how it works.

I’m not sure how they obtain the color of these. I know there’s a process. But I’m not sure how it works.

77. This mirror bottle is quite reflective if you ask me.

Well, it's a lovely mosaic bottle with mirror bits. Bet it'll look great on a mantle. Love it.

Well, it’s a lovely mosaic bottle with mirror bits. Bet it’ll look great on a mantle. Love it.

78. These wedding glasses are fit for any bride and groom on their special day.

They're sure to bring a great reception if you ask me. Love these.

They’re sure to bring a great reception if you ask me. Love these.

79. A mosaic bottle is always enhanced with strings of pearls.

The tiles and stones aren't that shabby either. Still, this is very lovely if you ask me.

The tiles and stones aren’t that shabby either. Still, this is very lovely.

80. This chandelier of jars will brighten any dark room from the ceiling.

Yes, it's another jar chandelier. But this one is in a different configuration than the one I saw earlier.

Yes, it’s another jar chandelier. But this one is in a different configuration than the one I saw earlier.

81. A wine glass should always have what wine is made from.

This one has 3 kinds of grapes that are in 3 different colors. I'm sure a wino will love this.

This one has 3 kinds of grapes that are in 3 different colors. I’m sure a wino will love this.

82. This flowery bottle will surely catch one’s eye.

These flowers seem to be hand painted like they're from a porcelain plate. Lovely.

These flowers seem to be hand painted like they’re from a porcelain plate. Lovely.

83. A genie bottle always dazzles with glass tiles.

Sure you won't find any genie here. But it'll be a nice addition to any living room decor.

Sure you won’t find any genie here. But it’ll be a nice addition to any living room decor.

84. Each of these bottles has a spectacular painted design you can’t miss.

Yes, these are eye catching patterns. Some of these might make your eyes sore. Or make you think you're tripping.

Yes, these are eye catching patterns. Some of these might make your eyes sore. Or make you think you’re tripping.

85. Shells always seem to make great bottle stoppers.

Yes, this is a beach bottle assortment to remind you of the ocean. Love the shells on these.

Yes, this is a beach bottle assortment to remind you of the ocean. Love the shells on these.

86. You have to admire the handles on these fancy bottles.

Well, these are sure fancy. I know there's a process to create of the fixtures, but I can't really explain it at the moment.

Well, these are sure fancy. I know there’s a process to create of the fixtures, but I can’t really explain it at the moment.

87. Pink candle holders must always have pink painted flowers.

Helps that they're made from pink glass. But not sure if they'll go with anything for Valentine's Day.

Helps that they’re made from pink glass. But not sure if they’ll go with anything for Valentine’s Day.

88. With wine bottles you can create a string of lights.

Think about combining empty wine bottles with Christmas lights. Might make neighbors wonder about your drinking in the meantime.

Think about combining empty wine bottles with Christmas lights. Might make neighbors wonder about your drinking in the meantime.

89. Even a small blue bottle can be quite fancy.

Sure it doesn't look like much. But you have to love the gold leaf on this. So stunning.

Sure it doesn’t look like much. But you have to love the gold leaf on this. So stunning.

90. A bottle chandelier can illuminate all different colors.

Yes, they sure light up all right. They can also shine in the sunlight during the daytime, too.

Yes, they sure light up all right. They can also shine in the sunlight during the daytime, too.

91. You have to be mad not to adore these champagne flutes in pearls.

Sure the pearls are fake since they cover the glasses. But they're nevertheless stunning to behold.

Sure the pearls are fake since they cover the glasses. But they’re nevertheless stunning to behold.

92. This jar full of buttons is a great base for a lamp.

Well, an electric lamp shaped like an oil one. Still, the buttons make it more festive and quaint.

Well, an electric lamp shaped like an oil one. Still, the buttons make it more festive and quaint.

93. A bottle like this always has to be draped in gold.

Well, it's certainly decorated like an overdressed bottle of champagne. According to Pinterest, it's said to light up.

Well, it’s certainly decorated like an overdressed bottle of champagne. According to Pinterest, it’s said to light up.

94. Mason jars can always contain a candle flame on a chandelier.

Then again, these candles may be electronic. But I think this is quaint just the same.

Then again, these candles may be electronic. But I think this is quaint just the same.

95. Thought you’d never see a stained glass bottle lamp like this before.

I think this is made with sea glass which looks quite different from the regular kind. At any rate, love how the light shows through it.

I think this is made with sea glass which looks quite different from the regular kind. At any rate, love how the light shows through it.

96. A lovely wine bottle must always be painted with gold trim.

This is a rather fancy design. Love the detail on this. Couldn't see myself doing this design.

This is a rather fancy design. Love the detail on this. Couldn’t see myself doing this design.

97. A flat bottle makes a wonderful flowery tableau.

This is a beautiful design that's beyond compare. Love the detail on this. Stunning.

This is a beautiful design that’s beyond compare. Love the detail on this. Stunning.

98. Shiny bottle vases always make ideal centerpieces.

This one has a black shiny exterior with white markings and branches. All in all, these are lovely to behold.

This one has a black shiny exterior with white markings and branches. All in all, these are lovely to behold.

99. A bottle like this is always covered in vines.

Yes, it's looks a bit flowery and viney if you ask me. But I think this is quite cool. Love it.

Yes, it’s looks a bit flowery and viney if you ask me. But I think this is quite cool. Love it.

100. Sometimes a fancy bottle always has to come with a fancy glass.

As you can see here, the bottle and glass each are uniquely decorated in the same pattern. Still, I think these are lovely in their own way.

As you can see here, the bottle and glass each are uniquely decorated in the same pattern. Still, I think these are lovely in their own way.

One response to “The Transparent World of Glass

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