The Minute Gourmet

Glass blowing is an art form that has been around for a long time, but interest in it died down until the 1960s, when it underwent a renewal. There are lots of quality artisans blowing glass objects of all kinds. From hand blown glass vases to ornaments and other items, there are lots of options available for decorating your home. There’s a real difference between hand blown and machine made art glass, so make sure you know what you’re getting. Let’s take a look at where these beautiful objects came from.

Blowing glass has been around for a long time – probably since about the first century BCE. Evidence has been found in a waste heap from Syria that suggests that people were blowing glass. However, it didn’t get a lot of attention until the craft was mastered in Venice during the late medieval era. Workers on the Island of Murano learned how to make high quality hand blown glass vases, goblets, globes and other items. Many incredible fine glass pieces came from this era and location, and the Venetian government actually forbade the workers to leave the island, rewarding them instead with titles of nobility.

Holland and Germany were also working with glass during this period, but they weren’t focusing much on blowing it. Instead, these countries became masters of glass engraving. The world of glass blowing changed relatively little between the seventeenth century and the twentieth, strangely enough. However, by the 1960s, interest in glass blowing as an art, rather than a mechanical process, was renewed. It started with professors at the Toledo Museum of Art, who held workshops to experiment with the art form, and only a few years later Dale Chihuly, world reknowned artist, came onto the scene.

With all these new artists coming into glass blowing and creating abstract sculptures, hand blown glass vases and more, this became one of the fastest growing art forms in North America. All kinds of glass blowers are producing beautiful work in all kinds of sizes and shapes, and there’s a good chance that someone is working in your area. Whether you prefer deep blue cobalt glass, green glasses, or swirled and painted glass, there are pieces you’ll love.

Antique hand blown glass is also popular with collectors. This glass can come in all kinds of decorative shapes, sizes and patterns, and is extremely valuable to the right person, making it a good investment for some. Glass objects are like having jewels of your own, whether large or small, cylinder shaped, rectangular, round or square. So, no matter who you are, you should check out your options in hand blown glass vases and other decorative objects. Art glass items are hot right now, and you’ll need to get them while they’re still available.

Clint Steiner – Discover all about Hand Blown Glass Vases and Art Glass content.

Bodum Double Wall Glass Mugs Set -9 oz. $19.95 Bodum Double Wall Glass Mugs 9 oz.-Set of 2Mouth blown, borosilicate glass. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Keep drinks hot or cold.

Imperial Chunmee- Loose tea $11.95 Hand selected in China. This traditional tea sometimes referred to as Precious Eyebrow, is often preferred by Western consumers for the straightforward, hearty green tea character. 3.0 oz.

Thermos- Double Wall Stainless Steel $19.95 Double wall stainless steel insulation that keeps a hot beverage steaming and a cold beverage chilly for hours! Holds 17 oz. Push button top for easy pouring. Twist off lid can be used as a cup for convenience. Hand wash only.

Boca Java Bring On The Brew Mug $12.95 Boca Java’s ”Bring on the Brew” Mug! Drink your favorite Boca Java coffee, tea or cocoa in style with our one-of-a-kind, elegantly hand sculpted Boca Java mug. An amazing 18 oz.!Blends that never end! Roasts that help you coast! Flavors made to savor!

De’Longhi Black Grinder $59.95 ELECTRONIC GRIND SELECTORAllows you to choose the perfectgrind setting from coarse to medium to fine. Indicated by 3 green lights.QUANTITY CONTROL KNOB Allows you to grind4 ? 12 cups of coffee andshuts off automatically.REMOVABLE GROUNDCOFFEE CONTAINERAllows consumer easy removalof ground coffee.CLEANING BRUSHConveniently stored brush pullsout for quick cleaning.ONE-TOUCH PUSH BUTTON CONTROL Simply push andhold the lid down to begin grinding. Remove hand whendesired consistency is achieved.SAFETY SYSTEM Automatically stops blades when handremoves pressure from the lid. This ensures lid cannotbe removed while blades are still turning.SELF-CONTAINED CORD STORAGE Keeps countertopsclutter free.

Krups Precision 12 Cup Coffeemaker $134.95 -Easy access control panel. -1100 Watts.-Angled control panel to face the user.-Easy to use intuitive controls.-LCD screen with high contrast black on white display.-Aroma function extends the brewing cycle for optimal flavor and aroma.-Brushed stainless steel body and lid.-Carbon grey trim accentuates the brushed stainless steel.-Push button, soft-open lid.-Auto-lift brew basket.-Oversized shower head.-Krups Duo Filter water filtration.-Removes unwanted flavors from your water and protects and promotes long life and great taste.-Sturdy 12-cup glass carafe. -Length: 9 inches-Width: 8.0625 inches-Height: 12.8125 inches-Volume: 929.71 cubic inches-Weight: 5.25 pounds***Please allow 2 weeks for delivery of this item.

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion 16oz Pump Bottle $18.2 Developed by dermatologists, this lotion is enriched with essential moisturizing vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. This lotion leaves a clean, non-greasy feel and absorbs quickly and moisturizes even extra-dry skin.

Campbell’s Microwaveable Chicken with Mini Noodles Soup-At-Hand 8ct Box $51.93 These convenient soups come in a portable container that requires no utensils and has a 1-year shelf life.

Campbell’s Microwaveable Classic Tomato Soup-At-Hand 8ct Box $51.93 These convenient soups come in a portable container that requires no utensils and has a 1-year shelf life.

Campbell’s Microwaveable Creamy Chicken Soup-At-Hand 8ct Box $51.93 These convenient soups come in a portable container that requires no utensils and has a 1-year shelf life.

Fringe Studio Dot Printed Glass Plate $24.95 This Fringe Dot Printed Glass Plate will add just the right touch of color to any space. Vivid hues in an elaborate design envelop this glass plate. This charming collage is eclectic and colorful. A perfect accent by itself or can be used as a candle holder for your pillar or tealight candles….

Parasol Filigree Twigs Hummingbird Feeder Clear Hummingbirds perch in silhouette on this cylindrical hummingbird feeder. Non-acid etched, includes our Dripless Gondola. Holds 16 ounces of hummingbird nectar. Measures 3″ X 11″. Individually boxed with instructions on hangtag. Made of recycled glass….

Galeana Wall Sconce in Antique Saddle $125.40 22418 The Galeana Collection represents the finest in authenticity and craftmanship that Uttermost has to offer. This one light wall sconce would make a delightful addition to any decor with its beautiful antique saddle finish and all around classic appearance. With its mouth blown seeded water glass, this piece will cast calm and alluring illumination that will imbue tranquility in any setting. …

Harbor Foyer Pendant Size / Finish: 18 H x 9.5 W x 9.5 D / Polished Nickel $199.90 5034-35 Size / Finish: 18″ H x 9.5″ W x 9.5″ D / Polished Nickel Pictured in antique brass Features: -Foyer pendant. -Harbor collection. -Available in antique brass, bronze or polished nickel finishes. -Available in 9.5” or 11” width sizes. -Hand blown clear glass. -Supplied with 36” chain and 96” wire. Specifications: -9.5” Mini pendant accommodates (1) 100W medium base bulb. -11” Mini pend…

Metropolitan Fifteen Light Chandelier in Antique Bronze $5,031.00 N950331 Features: -Fifteen light chandelier. -Antique bronze finish. -Amber murano glass. Specifications: -Accommodates: 15×60W candelabra base bulbs (not included). -Overall dimensions: 28.5”Hx33.5”Dia. NOTE: Actual colors and patterns for hand blown and tiffany glass shades may vary from shade to shade. The glass may also be a differnt color when the light is turned off….

Toscana Floor Lamp in Antique Slate $762.67 Z6145ASL A traditional family with a lot to offer, the Toscana Collection prides themselves in their superior craftmanship, durable design, and hand painted accents. A perfect match for your bath, hallway, bedroom, or living room, Toscana’s beauty can be appreciated throughout your entire home. Features: -One light halogen floor lamp -Toscana Collection -Antique slate finish -Transitional style -…

Lombardia Single Light Table Lamp in Antique Iron $257.20 Z6443AIR The stunning lines of this classy table lamp creates a whimsical look. The hand painted Antique Iron finish and hand blown Murano glass shade makes this the perfect light fixture for your home because it will look great in a wide array of surrounding decors. Features: -Single light table lamp -Lombardia Collection -Antique Iron finish -Murano glass diffuser -Requires one 60 watt maximum …

Luster Gold Lily Table Lamp in Antique Brass $152.68 1409 Features: -Table lamp. -Antique brass finish. -Blown glass shade. -Base material: Metal. -On/Off socket. -Inline switch. Specifications: -Accommodates (6) 15W E12 candelabra base bulb. -Overall dimensions: 25” H x 21” W….

Tulip Table Lamp in Antique Gold $119.35 1405 Features: -Table lamp. -Antique gold finish. -Blown glass shade. -Base material: Metal. -On/Off socket. -Inline switch. Specifications: -Accommodates (3) 25W E12 candelabra base bulb. -Overall dimensions: 18” H x 20” W….

Fostoria: An Identification and Value Guide of Pressed, Blown & Hand Molded Shapes $17.59 …