Glass art & techniques

The Tiffany technique takes its name from the American Tiffany company, which in the late 19th century began assembling glass with lead. Today, tin is used instead of lead in the craft.

Every piece of glass is cut to a template, ground to the exact shape and edged with thin copper foil. The pieces are then soldered together with tin, forming the characteristic dark lines. The technique makes it possible to build both flat panels and three-dimensional objects such as lamps and sculptures.

Tiffany is an uncommon technique in Sweden. Anne-Lie is trained in the technique and is one of the few currently creating works in Tiffany – and this is also the technique you will learn on our courses.

In fusing, glass in various colours and layers is placed on top of each other and fused together in a kiln at around 800 degrees. The result is a single piece of glass where the colours flow into one another.

Depending on temperature and time, the surface can become completely smooth or retain a distinct relief. After an initial firing, the glass can be shaped in a second firing – for example, into bowls and platters.

Painting on glass with glass is an ancient technique that is relatively uncommon in Sweden. The paint consists of finely ground glass powder which is mixed and painted onto the glass, and then fired in a kiln.

The paint then fuses into the glass and forms a single unit with it – it doesn't just sit on top, but rather within the glass – which gives a special lustre and makes the colour durable.