Galactic Glass https://galacticglass.ca Hand Blown Art Glass Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:08:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8 https://galacticglass.ca/1957/ https://galacticglass.ca/1957/#comments Sun, 01 Dec 2013 19:28:46 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=1957 Continue reading ]]>
WHAT IS FILIGREE ART GLASS ?

“I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you!”

This phrase was originally coined in the early 16th century  over the top secret subject of  Crystal glass  recipes and FILIGREE GLASS. And it’s true, the punishment was death without trial if information was leaked to non-members of the highly specialized Glassmakers Guild of Murano. The Venetian authorities were so protective over this secret that the Glassmakers movements were also restricted, making it difficult to leave  Murano Island in the Venetian Lagoon,although they were treated very well and highly regarded by the ruling elite and the general public.

Highly prized for its unbelievable delicacy and detailed patterns, Filigree glass was gifted to royalty and dignitaries around the world. Originally developed over two thousand years ago in Mesopotamia near modern day Iraq, this technology was taken by the Romans, and lost when their Empire fell. Centuries later the process was rediscovered and refined on the Island of Murano by master glassblowers Filippo and Bernardo Catani of the glass house Sirena. It was not long before its fame and popularity enjoyed a renaissance world-wide,and became known as a sophisticated art form.

Simply put, Filigree glass is created by weaving together hundreds of colored glass threads within a clear crystal medium. The glass threads can then be regrouped and re-pulled to reveal increasingly complex patterns. Slices of this glass rod, or Murrini Cane, are fused together in a technique called Millefiore, or Thousand Flowers. Glass beads created from Millefiore  were highly sought after by merchants and explorers, and used as currency with African chieftains, who exchanged them for neighboring tribesmen who would then be sold into the fledgling slave trade in the Americas. The more Millefiore beads a chieftain possessed, the richer and more powerful he became, dictating over an ever-increasing area. These Slave or Goulimine Beads, as they came to be known, may also have been used as currency to buy Manhattan from Native Americans.

In spite of dire threats made by the authorities, the outflow of glassmakers from Venice resulted in secrets being lost. Under the protection of foreign governments, they spread information through Austria, Germany and elsewhere. German glassmakers appropriated the technique in the creation of German twist marbles, which are still prized and highly valued today. The secret has been out for many years, and is now taught in art schools worldwide. However, Masters of Filigree glass are rare today, even on the Island of Murano. The demands and intricacies of the art have become overlooked in the modern commercial focus on volume sales and production. It takes years of practice to pull and spin 2000 degrees fahrenheit molten glass in excess of 1500 rpm within a 60 second time period. Much like surfing the big waves, snowboarding or hot dog skiing, as long as you are in control, it can look easy, but one wrong move and you will literally crash and burn in the world of Filigree glass. This fact, along with the current state of the economy, applies much unneeded pressure to this amazing art, pushing it ever closer to the edge of becoming lost once again.

To learn more on this fascinating and highly specialized art form, check out the TV series ‘How It’s Made’ for two episodes in Season 16. Episode one of the season features Millefiore Paperweights and episode five is on Filigree Glass. You can also visit the Galactic Art Glass website for an article titled ‘Murano Glass Secrets Revealed’ under the Menu heading, “Learn More about Filigree Glass.” This article covers recent advances that the artists have made which push the Murano style of Filigree Glass into the future,with their Stardust Series.

The Filigree Stardust Series incorporates a sparkling mirror-like glass, designed and created by NASA for use in the Space Program on windows and visors of Space Suits. This new series is unbelievably stunning and exclusive to these artists. You will not find glass like this anywhere else on the planet.

“There has never been found a more delightful  art form than that of glass.”
Leonardo Fioravanti 1564

www.galacticglass.ca

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Handblown Furnace Glass Bead Charm Bracelet https://galacticglass.ca/handblown-furnace-glass-bead-charm-bracelet/ https://galacticglass.ca/handblown-furnace-glass-bead-charm-bracelet/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:12:09 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=1031 Continue reading ]]>
Purple, Blue and Green Artglass  Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet
This fabulous multicolored bracelet is a wonderful addition to any outfit.  It is a .925 sterling silver bracelet embellished with high quality hand made artglass beads created by Virginia along with 4 large sterling silver beads.  A matching signature bead by the clasp signs this wonderful 7.5 inch long bracelet.
Price:  $ SOLD

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Designer Line: Handblown Hollow Glass Bead Necklace https://galacticglass.ca/designer-line-handblown-hollow-glass-bead-necklace/ https://galacticglass.ca/designer-line-handblown-hollow-glass-bead-necklace/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:53:47 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=1026 Continue reading ]]> Handblown royal purple and cobalt blue hollow glass beads are strung with .925 sterling silver beads and cobalt blue furnace glass beads to create a fabulous necklace that is a true one of a kind collectible art piece.  This object d’art is signed with Virginias’ signature bead on the end of the extender chain.


Designer Line Purple and Cobalt Blue Handblown Glass Bead Necklace
Necklace is 18 inches long with an extender chain
Price: $ 275.00
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Handblown Furnace Glass Bead Necklaces https://galacticglass.ca/handblown-furnace-glass-bead-necklaces/ https://galacticglass.ca/handblown-furnace-glass-bead-necklaces/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:19:26 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=1012 Continue reading ]]> The handblown glass furnace beads used in these necklaces are made by Virginia Wilson Toccalino and Tony Toccalino in their glassblowing studio in Milton, ON. These Necklaces are signed by Virginia with her unique signature bead. The signature bead she makes has her initials assembled in glass which are made into a glass cane which was pulled down in size. A slice of the rod, also known as a murrini (now containing her initials, VWT) was taken off the end and picked up on the surface of the color matched flame worked bead, which she then strung on the bracelet just before the clasp. There are many colors or combinations of colors available other than what is shown here. Custom orders welcome, design your own color combinations and personalize your bracelet! Email me your requests.


Black and Amber Handmade Artglass and Sterling Silver Bead Necklace
Black and Amber Furnace Glass Beads are alternated with .925 sterling silver balls and stars in this classic 18 inch necklace.
Price: $240.00

[contact-form-7]

Cobalt Blue Handblown Artglass and Sterling Silver Bead Necklace
Fashionable rich Cobalt Blue Furnace Glass Beads are alternated with .925 sterling silver balls and stars in this classic 18 inch necklace.
Price: $240.00

[contact-form-7]

Muted Plum, Blue, Green Handblown Artglass and Sterling Silver Necklace
Soft plum, midnight blue and olive green Furnace Glass Beads are alternated with .925 sterling silver balls and stars in this unusual toned 18 inc necklace.
Price: SOLD

[contact-form-7]

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Filigree Trillium Stardust Paperweights https://galacticglass.ca/filagree-stardust-winteder-series/ https://galacticglass.ca/filagree-stardust-winteder-series/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:15:05 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=626 Continue reading ]]>
The Stardust Crown Paperweight uses various coloured ”Dichroic Glass“. We enhance its reflective qualities to exhibit more color and sparkle. We combine this with various styles of filigree, ribbon cane or latticino complex canes. These pieces are truly unique and the end result is dazzling. Topped off with a hand built Trillium Murrini, Virginia has created a true signature piece unique to her style with the end result being one of vibrant color and brilliance. Collect all four seasons of our Filigree Stardust Paperweights.


Filigree Stardust Trillium Winter Paperweight View 1
Delicate white Zanfirico canes alternate with strips of our special Stardust glass to create limitless sparkles and shplash in this lovely crown paperweight.  It is topped off with a handbuilt Trillium murrini. The Trillium is the provincial flower for Ontario.
Price: $400.00
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Filigree Stardust Trillium Winter Paperweight Side View
Same as View 1

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Stardust Pendant Necklaces https://galacticglass.ca/stardust-pendants/ https://galacticglass.ca/stardust-pendants/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:49:33 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=940 Continue reading ]]> These are dainty little pendants that match the Stardust Stud Earrings. They come with a 16″ or 18″ sterling silver chain. If a matching set of earrings are desired, we will match the set as closely as possible as each piece is truly unique. Each necklace comes gift boxed with an information card. As these are handmade, there may be subtle differences between the one pictured and the item you receive.


Purple/ Pink on Black Stardust Pendant Necklace
Size: 3/8″ x 3/8″
Price: $25.00
[contact-form-7]

Green on Black Stardust Pendant Necklace
Size: 3/8″ x 3/8″
Price: $25.00
[contact-form-7]

Aqua Stardust Pendant Necklace
Size: 3/8″ x 3/8″
Price: $25.00
[contact-form-7]

Cobalt Blue on Black Stardust Pendant Necklace
Size: 3/8″ x 3/8″
Price: $25.00
[contact-form-7]

Pink on Black Stardust Pendant Necklace
Size: 3/8″ x 3/8″
Price: $25.00
[contact-form-7]

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Damascus Glass Bells https://galacticglass.ca/damascus-glass-bells/ https://galacticglass.ca/damascus-glass-bells/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:56:53 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=837 Continue reading ]]> Damascus Glass Bells
Damascus glass is a combination of one or more colors of glass canes manipulated and folded many times over to display a distinct pattern on the surface of the glass. Every piece produced is unique, the patterns may be similar but never identical. The term Damascus generally refers to a type of steel identifying a process of folding and hammering the material that is used in the making of swords and knives. This patterned metal has been in existence for over 2000 years and originated in the Middle East. In Medieval times metal smiths forged Damascus swords and knives with great skill. These items were greatly admired for their beauty, their owners also believed the strange whorls and ripples lent them to have mystical powers. Today Virginia and Tony bring you Damascus glass with this fascinating ripple like pattern of unique beauty to grace and charm your home or collection.

White Damascus Bell
Swirling white canes create the pattern  on this bell. It has a folded lip and swirling matching glass cane on the handle. The clapper stem is clear with a white ball held in place with sterling silver jewelry findings.
Size: 4 1/8″ W x 7 7/8 : H
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price: $225.00

[contact-form-7]

Damascus Bell, Multicolored, Etched
Swirling multicolored canes create the pattern  on this bell. It has a folded lip and swirling matching glass cane on the handle. The clapper stem is clear with an aqua ball held in place with sterling silver jewelry findings.
Size: 4 1/8″ W x 7 7/8 : H
Size: 8″ H x 3 7/8″ W
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price: $250.00

[contact-form-7]

Damascus Bell, Aqua, Violet,  Etched
Swirling aqua and violet canes create the pattern  on this bell. It has a folded lip and swirling matching glass cane on the handle. The clapper stem is clear with an aqua ball held in place with sterling silver jewelry findings.
Size: 9″ H x 4″ W
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price: $260.00

[contact-form-7]

Damascus Glass Bell, Aqua, Etched, Leaf
Swirling aqua canes create the pattern  on this bell. It has a folded lip and swirling matching glass cane on the handle. The clapper stem is clear with an aqua ball held in place with sterling silver jewelry findings. Small leaf decoration.
Size: 4 1/8″ W x 7 7/8 : H
Size: 8.75″ H x 4 5/8″ W
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price: 260.00

[contact-form-7]

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Small Damascus Marbles https://galacticglass.ca/small-damascus-marbles/ https://galacticglass.ca/small-damascus-marbles/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:11:42 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=802 Continue reading ]]> Damascus glass is a combination of one or more colors of glass canes manipulated and folded many times over to display a distinct pattern on the surface of the glass. Every piece produced is unique, the patterns may be similar but never identical. The term Damascus generally refers to a type of steel identifying a process of folding and hammering the material that is used in the making of swords and knives. This patterned metal has been in existence for over 2000 years and originated in the Middle East. In Medieval times metal smiths forged Damascus swords and knives with great skill. These items were greatly admired for their beauty, their owners also believed the strange whorls and ripples lent them to have mystical powers. Today Virginia and Tony bring you Damascus glass with this fascinating ripple like pattern of unique beauty to grace and charm your home or collection.


SMALL Brown and Mushroom Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine rich brown lines of color swirling on a pink base glass.
Size: 2 ” Diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino 03
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

SMALL Brown and Mushroom Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 2 ” Diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino 03

Aqua and Green Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine green and blue lines of color swirling on a transparent ruby base glass.
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

Aqua and Green Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino

Yellow and Black Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine yellow lines of color swirling on a black cloudy base glass.
Size: 2 1/16 ” diameter
Signed: VWT 03
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

Yellow and Black Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 2 1/16 ” diameter
Signed: VWT 03

Black and White Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine white lines of color swirling on a black cloudy base glass.
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: VWT 03
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

Black and White Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: VWT 03

Brown and Yellow Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine brown lines of color swirling yellow base glass.
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: VWT 03
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]
 
Brown and Yellow Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: VWT 03

Black and 23K Italian Gold Leaf Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine black lines of color swirling with 23K Italian Gold leaf on a transparent base glass.
Size: 1 7/8 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino 03
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

Black and 23K Italian Gold Leaf Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 1 7/8 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino 03


Ruby, Purple and 23K Italian Gold Leaf Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine ruby and purple lines of color intermingled with 23K Italian Gold Leaf swirling on a transparent base glass.
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

Ruby, Purple and 23K Italian Gold Leaf Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino


Aqua, Pink and White Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine aqua lines of color swirling on a ruby and white base glass.
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

Aqua and Green Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 1 15/16 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino

Cobalt and Green Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine cobalt blue lines of color swirling on a green base glass.
Size: 2 ” diameter
Signed: VWT 03
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

Cobalt and Green Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 2 ” diameter
Signed: VWT 03

Coat of Many Colors Small Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine green and blue lines of color swirling on a transparent ruby base glass.
Size: 2 1/8 ” diameter
Signed: VWT
Price: $ 95.00

[contact-form-7]

Coat of Many Colors Small Damascus Marble View 2
Size: 2 1/8 ” diameter
Signed: VWT

]]> https://galacticglass.ca/small-damascus-marbles/feed/ 0 Filigree and Ribbon Glass Bells https://galacticglass.ca/filigree-and-ribbon-glass-bells/ https://galacticglass.ca/filigree-and-ribbon-glass-bells/#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:59:28 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=839 Continue reading ]]> Filigree and Ribbon Glass Bells
Filigree glass was invented in Murano Italy by glass masters Filippo and Bernardo Catani of the glass house Sirena in 1526, an elaborate process that was indeed difficult to perform. Filigree Glass, unlike conventional blown glass, was suitable for only the uppermost tables of society as it was not common.  This elaborate form of Filigrana Glass is responsible for the fame of Murano style glass today.  Currently, with new design innovations and  increasing levels of workmanship, the patterns able to be embedded in these art glassbells appear to be limitless, bringing much appreciation and joy to collectors of the beloved Filigree Glass technique

Filigree Ribbon Glass Bell, Blue,Black and Lime Green, Medium
Rich blue ribbon canes alternate with bright lime green filigree rods in this lovely bell. A matching blue/black ribbon decorates the handle. The stem of the clapper is a matching filigree rod with a blue ball held in place with sterling silver jewelry findings.
Size: 8 1/4″ H x 3.5″ W
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price:$ 485.00

[contact-form-7]

Black Filigree Bell with Ring Handle
This Black Filigree Bell displays Latticino canes alternating with purple and blue, black edged ribbon canes. It has a matching ribbon cane ring handle. The clapper is a latticino stem with a ribbon ball held in place with sterling silver jewelry findings.
Size: 5 ” H x 3 1/8 ” W
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino
Price: $400.00

[contact-form-7]

Ribbon Glass Bell, Black, White,Blue, Yellow
This Ribbon Glass Bell displays black and white ribbon canes with alternating color edges. It has yellow lip wrap. The handle is made from a matching Ribbon cane ring. The clapper stem is a matching ribbon rod with a swirling colored ball held in place with sterling silver jewelry findings.
Size: 6.” H x 3.75″ W
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price: $425.00

[contact-form-7]

Purple and Pink Ribbon Veil Bell
This Ribbon Veil Bell displays precise colorful Ribbon Canes alternating with pink veil canes. This Bell has a black lip wrap. The handle is made from a matching Latticino cane pressed into the handle. The clapper stem is the purple and ruby ribbon cane with a matching marble like ball held in place with sterling silver jewelry findings.
Size: 6.75″ H x 3.5″ W
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino
Price: $400.00

[contact-form-7]

Ruby Pink and Cobalt Blue Filigree Glass Bell, Medium
Ruby pink and blue Zanfirico canes with ruby pink Latticino canes form a lovely bell body which is enhanced with a matching cobalt blue lip wrap. It has a uniquely shaped blue handle. The clapper stem is a matching pink latticino rod with a blue and pink marble like ball.
Size: 7″ H x 4″ W
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price: 485.00

[contact-form-7]

Filigree Ribbon Glass Bell, Brown, White and Aventurine
Precise brown Zanfirico canes alternate with gold aventurine and white canes to form a lovely bell body which is enhanced with a contrasting black lip wrap. It has a uniquely shaped handle wrapped with a brown zanfirico cane. The clapper stem is a matching brown zanfirico cane with a gold and white marble like ball.
Size: 6.25″ H x 3.75″ W
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price: 400.00

[contact-form-7]

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Large Damascus Marbles https://galacticglass.ca/large-damascus-marbles/ https://galacticglass.ca/large-damascus-marbles/#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:14:54 +0000 https://galacticglass.ca/?p=804 Continue reading ]]> Damascus glass is a combination of one or more colors of glass canes manipulated and folded many times over to display a distinct pattern on the surface of the glass. Every piece produced is unique, the patterns may be similar but never identical. The term Damascus generally refers to a type of steel identifying a process of folding and hammering the material that is used in the making of swords and knives. This patterned metal has been in existence for over 2000 years and originated in the Middle East. In Medieval times metal smiths forged Damascus swords and knives with great skill. These items were greatly admired for their beauty, their owners also believed the strange whorls and ripples lent them to have mystical powers. Today Virginia and Tony bring you Damascus glass with this fascinating ripple like pattern of unique beauty to grace and charm your home or collection.


Purple and Green on 23K Italian Gold leaf Damascus Orb View 1
This marble is composed of fine green and purple swirling lines of glass intermingled with 23K Italian gold leaf on clear base glass.
Size: 2.5 ” diameter
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price:

[contact-form-7]

Purple and Green on 23K Italian Gold leaf Damascus Orb View 2


Ruby and 23K Italian Gold leaf Damascus Orb View 1
This marble is composed of ruby swirling lines of glass intermingled with 23K Italian gold leaf on clear base glass..
Size: 2 3/8 ” diameter
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price:

[contact-form-7]

Ruby and 23K Italian Gold leaf Damascus Orb View 2


White on Yellow Large Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of white lines of color swirling on a white base glass.
Size: 2 7/16 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino 03
Price:

[contact-form-7]

White on Yellow Large Damascus Marble View 2


Aqua on Pink Large Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine swirling aqua line on a pink base glass.
Size: 2 7/16 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino
Price:

[contact-form-7]

Aqua on Pink Large Damascus Marble View 2


Violet and Green on 23K Italian Gold Leaf Large Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine swirling violet and green swirling lines of glass intermingled with 23K Italian gold leaf on clear base glass.
Size: 2 3/8 ” diameter
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price:

[contact-form-7]

Violet and Green on 23K Italian Gold Leaf Large Damascus Marble View 2


Aqua and Yellow Large Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine aqua and yellow lines swirling on a clear glass base.
Size: 2.5 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino
Price:

[contact-form-7]

Aqua and Yellow Large Damascus Marble View 2


Ruby, Purple, Green Large Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine ruby and purple lines swirling on a rich forest green glass base.
Size: 2.5 ” diameter
Signed: V. Wilson Toccalino
Price:

[contact-form-7]

Ruby, Purple, Green Large Damascus Marble View 2


Purple, Aqua and 23K Italian Gold Leaf Large Damascus Marble View 1
This marble is composed of fine purple and aqua swirling lines of glass intermingled with 23K Italian gold leaf on clear base glass..
Size: 2 3/8 ” diameter
Signed: Virginia Wilson Toccalino
Price:

[contact-form-7]

Purple, Aqua and 23K Italian Gold Leaf Large Damascus Marble View 2

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