Is handblown glass eco-friendly?

Absolutely! Handblown glass offers a wonderful opportunity to recycle glass from discarded wine and beverage bottles and give them a unique new life born of fire. Artisans often acquire materials from bottle factories or local restaurants, which helps eliminate waste and potential environmental contamination. Their artistry creates something new, beautiful, and more valuable that can be used and appreciated for years to come.

What should I look for when buying handblown cocktail glasses?

There are a few things to consider when buying handblown cocktail glasses. First, make sure they are well made and of good quality. When held up to the light, a quality piece of handblown glass will not show rough edges or cracks, will have a smooth finish on the bottom, and will not tip or wobble. Their size should be suited to your needs and they should feel stable. Additionally, you might consider if the glass design and style will be adaptable to your drink(s) of choice. Cheers!

How are confetti handblown glass pitchers made?

Confetti glass pitchers are always 100% unique and the way they come to be is quite a process! Glass bottle pieces in the desired color are chosen, and then melted at 1500C into a molten ball. This crystalline ball is then dipped into a tray of colorful glass confetti, which adheres to the hot glass to create a unique design for each piece. The product is then blown and shaped by hand and a handle is added. This incredible process is magical to witness, and is demonstrated beautifully in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtxrtKd-Vao

What are some distinguishing features of Mexican handblown glass?

Many would say that the interplay of clear glass with unique colors like cobalt blue or other vibrant hues is what distinguishes the art of Mexican handblown glass. It is also widely admired for its sturdiness, as it is heavier than typical glassware and has a more robust, rustic appeal when compared to handmade glass from other regions.Because each piece is handmade, shape and size can vary slightly and tiny bubbles may appear within the glass. This exemplifies the handblown technique, making every piece a unique example of blown glass craftsmanship.

How do I care for handblown wine glasses?

Since all handblown glass items are sensitive to heat, they are not suitable for serving very hot liquids, and any abrupt exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures might cause cracking. If you use the dishwasher, we recommend you place your blown glass items on the top rack, and allow them to cool completely after the drying cycle. Hand-washing is always best.

What is Murano handblown glass?

Murano glass originated over a thousand years ago in Venice, Italy, the undisputed leader in glassmaking in medieval Europe. In 1291, the glassblowers of Venice were moved to the island of Murano as the glass must be heated to 1500C, making it a fire hazard on the mainland. Murano glass uses silica, soda, lime, and potassium and can feature gold or sterling silver leaf as well as a variety of minerals to achieve vibrant colors and designs. The molten glass is blown by mouth or handcrafted by master glassmakers in a series of elaborate steps and special techniques.Since 1994, Murano glass has held denomination of origin and is certified as having been crafted on Murano island. But Murano art also inspires master blown glass artisans in Brazil. The prestigious Seguso glass-crafting family first appeared in the islands census books in 1300. Mario Seguso moved to Brazil in 1954, and his family creates exquisite handblown glass using ancient Murano techniques. And Paulo Molinari was taught directly by Aldo Bonora, the first Italian master to arrive in Brazil from Murano Island. His family continues crafting handblown glass of extraordinary beauty. However, true Murano glass is crafted only in Murano, Italy.

How durable is handblown glassware?

With proper care, handblown glassware can last for years. Since handmade glass is thicker and less fragile than industrialized glass, it tends to last longer. Artisans put their heart and soul into each piece, taking the time to assure the highest quality materials and production as well as a lasting product.

Is handblown glass dishwasher safe?

We recommend washing your glassware by hand in warm water. However, most handblown glass can be washed in the dishwasher as long as it is placed on the top rack.

How do I know if my glassware is made by hand?

There are a few things to look for when determining whether or not a particular glass piece is handmade.The first clue that a piece of glassware is handmade will be a small navel, or circular point at its base. This is where the glass was cut from the blowing tube, indicating that it is in fact handblown. Another indicator is the thickness of the glass, as handmade glass is thicker and stronger than industrialized glass. Tiny bubbles may appear inside the glass as a part of the crafting process. Finally, handblown glass is distinguished by the multitude of color varieties that can be used during its production. No two pieces are exactly the same, and the uniqueness of each individual piece is what makes handblown glass so special.

NOVICA launches the Undiscovered Box featuring handmade fair trade treasures from around the world

Today we announced the launch of our Undiscovered Box! A game-changing fair trade fully-customizable subscription box filled with unique handmade treasures from around the world. You will love it! Shipped four times annually, each new

HOME DECOR - Unique, Collectible, Home Decor & Gifts at NOVICA

Home Decor

Discover hundreds of collectible home decor treasures that span cultures and continents, including rustic accents from Mexico, elegant Asian decorative pieces, extraordinary African decor and relaxing tropical decor.

Featured Reviews

Reverse painted glass tray, 'Golden Flowers'

Sally

Feb 6, 2020

Golden Flowers Reverse Painted Glass Tray

This tray is exquisite and far exceeds expectations. It would make a stunning, yet practical, gift. I would happily pay $100--the tray is that beautiful.

Hand Painted Tableware

Reverse Painted Glass Tableware

Floral Tableware

Tableware

Natural fiber basket, 'Tiger in Green'

Lesley

Sep 25, 2024

Very Cute

This is much bigger than I thought it would be. I guess I didn't read the size. It is very well made and a nice addition. The colors are mor green than teal.

Green Decor Accessories

Beige Decor Accessories

Natural Fiber Decor Accessories

Geometric Decor Accessories

Tropical Decor Decor Accessories

Hacienda Decor Accessories

Hand Woven Decor Accessories

Decor Accessories

Ceramic sculpture, 'La Catrina Regina'

Nicholas

Nov 3, 2025

nice Mexican catrina

This is a very nice Mexican day of the dead ceramic catrina. The attention is amazing and this sculpture is very life like. This is a perfect homage to the Mexican day of the dead celebration.

Day Of The Dead Figurines

Hand Painted Sculpture

Cultural Sculpture

Skull Sculpture

Hacienda Sculpture

Day of the Dead Sculpture

Featured Artist

Juana Ponce Handcrafted ceramics

(349)

"Our father... lives on in our artisan legacy. Therefore, he is with us always. He showed us the value of tenacity and resistance in the face of life's challenges."

"I was born in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, where Don Miguel Hidalgo left his ceramic heritage to the native peoples of the region. Today it... read more

Your Guide to Accenting with Abstract Artwork

As a fine art consultant, it is my profession to assist people in the selection and discovery of artwork that... read more

Stress-Free Holiday Gift Ideas on a Budget

Are you looking for that unique gift for a dear friend or family member that will be enjoyed and appreciated... read more

Where to use area rugs

As long as you keep in mind your color scheme, dcor, and space available, you can use an area rug in pretty... read more

Simple Tricks For Pairing Area Rugs With Wall Art

When it comes to home dcor, there are some simple tricks for pairing area rugs with decorative wall art to... read more

COZY RUGS WITH NEON POPS OF COLOR FOR SPRING

Lately I have been in major nesting mode in our home. Part of it is the changing of the seasons. We are about... read more

Add A New Dimension to Your Decor: Collectible Sculpture

Sculpture can literally add a whole new dimension to your life. Three-dimensional sculpture has played an... read more

Father Sun Wool Rug

This spring we have been rearranging things on our back porch. We recently put up a bamboo privacy fence, and... read more

Let There Be Light! Home Lamps and Lighting

Occasionally, it’s nice to change the dcor of your home. So many external forces influence us: the space... read more

How to Choose the Right Size Area Rug for a Room

Picking an area rug for a room is no small decision–it’s one of the first things anyone will... read more

Window Bench Vignette: the Ceramic Vase

I love creating little vignettes around my home. Preferably ones that can easily be changed around since I am... read more

3 Great Ways To Display Mirrors In Your Home

Mirrors are a great way to decorate the home. Not only do they serve a functional purpose, but also there are... read more

We’ve Got You Covered: Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Just when you promised yourself youd never let yourself go through the dread of last-minute holiday shopping... read more

Of Cypress And Pressed Grapes||Of Cypress And Pressed Grapes

With the new year officially upon us and in full swing it’s time to take inventory of our lives and... read more

LIGHT OF THE HORIZON ZAPOTEC WOOL RUG

Have you ever been on the hunt for the perfect rug? I feel like I always am. Rugs create such a cozy... read more

Create a Global Eclectic Style – How to Mix Patterns in your Home

Homes do a lot of heavy emotional lifting. Our decor can be the emblem onto which we project our deepest... read more

How to Choose Wall Dcor to Balance Space and Personality

Does this scenario sound familiar? Every day when you walk into your home, a large, blank wall stares back at... read more

Wedding Gifts to Impress

Choosing the correct gift for someone can be a bit of a challenge at times and even more so for special... read more

How to Make your New House Feel Like Home

Moving into a new home can be a very daunting process but this transition comeswith a lot of excitement as... read more

How to Decorate with Vases

If you’re like most people, the concept of home dcor can be intimidating. Trying to get that... read more

Creating Intimate Sacred Space with Candlelight

One thing you will find all over my home is vignettes of things that I hold sacred. I call these my Sacred... read more

Wood Carving In West Africa – With George Obeng

Meet George Obeng, a wood carver from Ghana. He tells us with unrestricted passion and emotion how he... read more

How to Put Fashion First When Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day

March is just around the corner which means it is time to decide how to put fashion first when celebrating... read more

Beautiful New Throw

I am thrilled to be a contributor forNovica. They represent artists from around the world and offer a place to... read more

Brazilian Born, Murano Inspired Blown Glass

When in Rome, do as the Romans do Settled by the Romans in the sixth century, Murano is a series of islandsin... read more

Try Going Eco-Friendly For Gifts That Keep Giving

What better way to kick off a new year than by making a purchasing decision to try going Eco-friendly for... read more

5 Ways to Mix Global Home Dcor into Your Patio Space

You would think it could be easy to find amazing cultural pieces at the few yard sales or flea markets... read more

Sacred Space: Tealights and Incense

Today I’m welcoming you into my sacred space, a space I have created with intention of bringing quiet... read more

The Art of Decorating: Mixing Home Decor from Around the World

There is no right or wrong way to decorate a home. Our homes are a reflection of who we are; therefore, they... read more

5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays||5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Winter Solstice, you will almost certainly have some sort... read more

Home Decor Tip: How to Use Paintings to Create the Perfect Mood

Lets talk about some ways you can use paintings to create specific moods in your home decor. It was years ago... read more

Outdoor Lounge: Manaus Majesty Hammock

I am beginning to put together a little outdoor lounge area in our backyard. This space is FAR from being... read more

More useful facts

Home Decor and Decorating Tips

It is surprisingly easy to transform literally any space into a place of warmth and comfort. Your home may be a college dorm, a worn apartment, or a stunning mansion. Regardless, the same basic home decorating tips apply.

We hope you enjoy the following tips, compiled by Novica's Editor-in-Chief Catherine Gallegos:

Tips and Resources

Home Decor - Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Home Decor - Shopping Lists and Budgets Home Decor - Personal Transformation

Home Decor and Decorating Tips

There's no place like home! Whether you are returning from a long day at the office, or arriving back after a wonderful vacation, there should be no greater feeling than crossing your own threshold into the beauty and comfort of the place you call home. It is surprisingly easy to transform literally any space into a place of warmth and comfort. Your home may be a college dorm, a worn apartment, or a stunning mansion. Regardless, the same basic home decorating tips apply. We hope you enjoy the following tips, compiled by Novica's Editor-in-Chief Catherine Gallegos: home decor - beauty is in the eye of the beholder | home decor - shopping lists and budgets | Home Decor - Personal Transformation