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

Wood sculpture, 'The Kiss'

BrightSun

Feb 20, 2017

A kiss to say, 'I love you'

Wayan, I'm back again to celebrate this beautiful sculpture that I gave to my sister and her husband. Unique in its expression of the kiss. My sister has overcome alcoholism, two bad marriages but now this long third marriage has overcome so many obstacles and throughout the years and they are still together. You, Wayan, are a master for expressing relationship. I so love your work. And your finishes are done so well. In addition, your use of black is so expressive with this piece: the eye flows up to the "The Kiss." Bravo.

Leather catchall, 'Brown Lasso'

Michelle

Dec 15, 2017

Absolutly BEAUTIFUL

This is AWESOME and I HIGHLY recommend. The quality is top notch. The colors are so rich. It is good size to hold multiple items. Great for yourself or to give as a gift.

All Seasons Decorations

Anniversaries

Beaituful

Beautiful

Beautiful And Well Made

Recycled metal candleholder, 'Highland Flower'

Alice

Jan 14, 2021

Beautiful

I bought this as a Christmas gift and my friend loved it. The packaging was beautiful as well as the candle holder.

Blue Lamps and Lighting

Metal Lamps and Lighting

Eco-Friendly Lamps and Lighting

Floral Lamps and Lighting

Recycled Metal Lamps and Lighting

Lamps and Lighting

Featured Artist

Wayan Rendah Wood sculptures

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The artistry of Wayan Rendah has been featured in numerous periodicals, including Sunset magazine. "It gives me great pleasure when one of my statues inspires somebody," the artist says.

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

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LIGHT OF THE HORIZON ZAPOTEC WOOL RUG

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Wedding Gifts to Impress

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How to Decorate with Vases

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Creating Intimate Sacred Space with Candlelight

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Wood Carving In West Africa – With George Obeng

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

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Beautiful New Throw

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Brazilian Born, Murano Inspired Blown Glass

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Try Going Eco-Friendly For Gifts That Keep Giving

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5 Ways to Mix Global Home Dcor into Your Patio Space

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Sacred Space: Tealights and Incense

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

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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

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Outdoor Lounge: Manaus Majesty Hammock

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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