Making your own wedding glass is a unique and special way to commemorate your big day. The tradition of breaking glass at weddings is most commonly associated with Jewish wedding ceremonies, where it symbolises the breaking down of potential barriers that the married couple may face in their future together. The glass is often then turned into something new and exciting, such as a piece of jewellery, a picture frame, or a work of art. If you're thinking of making your own wedding glass, there are a few different methods you can use, from shaping molten glass with a kiln or furnace, to using a charcoal barbecue to melt silica sand. You can even buy DIY kits online.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | Silica sand, sodium carbonate, calcium oxide, lead oxide, iron, manganese dioxide, etc. |
Tools | Kiln, charcoal barbecue, glassblowing tube, moulds, etc. |
Techniques | Glassblowing, sandblasting, fusing, etc. |
Safety equipment | Face masks, gloves, goggles, etc. |
Time | 15 minutes for hot glass projects; 40 minutes for fusing and sandblasting projects |
What You'll Learn
Design a piece of jewellery
Smashing a glass is a symbolic part of the Jewish wedding ceremony. There are many interpretations of this tradition, including the idea that it symbolises the breaking of barriers that a married couple may face in their lives. The shattered glass can be turned into something new and beautiful, such as a piece of jewellery. Here are some ideas for creating a piece of jewellery from your wedding glass:
Resin Jewellery
This method works well if you have lots of tiny fragments left over. It can be done using a Resin Keepsake Casting Kit, which comes with everything you need, including some extra sparkly bits. You can use a silicone mould to make it easier, and add in your wedding glass shards. After curing for 12-24 hours, you can add a keyring or a pre-assembled necklace.
Lamp-work Necklace
Sari Glassman, an Etsy seller, offers a unique lamp-work necklace made from the broken glass of a Jewish wedding. She melts the pieces of glass in a flame and adds 22k gold leaf. This type of necklace is said to bring luck to a woman who wants to get married.
Pottery with Embedded Glass Shards
You can embed your wedding glass shards in a piece of pottery. Visit a paint-and-glaze store and ask to use the glass shards in a mosaic pottery project, or commission an artist to create a custom piece for you.
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Create a resin keyring
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a resin casting kit, a silicone mould, a keyring, and some tiny fragments of colourful glass. You can buy resin casting kits online or from craft stores, and silicone moulds in various shapes are also readily available. If you have a particular design in mind, you can even make your own mould.
Before you begin, it is important to take safety precautions as you will be working with sharp glass fragments. Wear gloves, and if possible, use a multi-tool such as a Dremel with various attachments to smooth out the edges of the glass.
Now, you are ready to start creating your resin keyring! Start by practising mixing and pouring the resin according to the instructions in your kit. Once you are comfortable with the process, take your silicone mould and begin pouring in the resin. Allow each layer to set for about 20 minutes before adding your glass fragments. You can also add some extra sparkly bits, if desired. After adding your fragments, pour another layer of resin slowly and leave the mould to cure for 12-24 hours, depending on the temperature of your room.
Finally, once the resin has cured, carefully remove your keyring from the mould and attach it to a keyring or chain. And there you have it—your very own resin keyring! These keyrings are a perfect way to carry a piece of your wedding with you everywhere you go.
You can also explore other creative ways to use resin and your wedding glass fragments, such as creating resin jewellery or incorporating them into wall art, picture frames, or wind chimes.
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Make a wind chime
Smashing a glass is a symbolic part of Jewish wedding ceremonies. The shattered glass is often seen as a reminder of negative times in the past and potential difficulties in the future. However, by turning it into something new, you can create a new symbol: one that says bad times can lead to new and exciting situations.
Materials
- Shattered wedding glass
- Driftwood (or any other straight object) for the horizontal bar at the top of the chime
- Strong nylon cord
- Dremel multi-tool with a compatible drill attachment
- Diamond-tipped drill bit (made to go through glass)
- Crimp beads (used in jewellery making)
- Beads
- A keyring hoop
Method
- Drill 7 holes along the driftwood with the Dremel multi-tool and drill attachment.
- Thread 5 lengths of cord through the middle 5 holes.
- Drill tiny holes into the glass shards. To do this, use a very low speed setting and a diamond-tipped drill bit with your Dremel, and spray the glass regularly with water to keep it cool and prevent it from shattering.
- String the glass shards onto the cord, ensuring they are close enough to create a soft clinking sound when in the wind.
- To keep the pieces in place, either tie a knot below each shard or use crimp beads.
- Add a few beads at the end of each strand for decoration.
- Thread a long piece of cord through the two end holes on the driftwood to create a hanger, and add a keyring hoop to act as a hook.
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Display in a frame
Displaying your wedding glass in a frame is a great way to preserve the memory of your special day. Here are some detailed instructions on how to create a beautiful and meaningful display:
Choose a Frame:
Select a deep-filled picture frame that complements your wedding style and theme. You can find these at craft stores or online. Consider the size of the frame and whether it will accommodate the number of shards you have.
Prepare the Shards:
Carefully handle the shards of your wedding glass, wearing gloves for protection. Select the pieces you want to use and arrange them in a way that is aesthetically pleasing to you. You may want to lay them out on the mount board before gluing to get an idea of the final composition.
Print a Photo:
Choose a photo that captures the moment of smashing the glass during your wedding ceremony. Print the photo and cut it to the required size. You can also add text or other decorative elements to the photo if desired.
Assemble the Frame:
Tape the photo to the underside of the mount board, ensuring it is securely attached. Using strong glue, carefully adhere the selected shards of glass to the mount board. Leave a small border around the edge to avoid any difficulty when placing the frame back together. Allow the glue to cure for at least 20-30 minutes.
Finalize the Display:
Once the glue is dry, carefully place the mount board back into the frame. You may want to lay it flat for an additional 30 minutes to ensure the glass shards are securely attached. Now your wedding glass display is ready to hang on the wall!
This project is a creative way to showcase the symbolism of breaking the glass at your wedding. It will serve as a beautiful reminder of your special day and the fragility and strength of your love.
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Embed in a piece of pottery
Embedding glass into a piece of pottery is a complex process that requires careful preparation and experimentation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Planning and Preparation:
- Choose the Right Glass: Select the type of glass you want to embed. This could be flat glass, stained glass, bottle glass, marbles, glass rods, or even recycled glass like sea glass or broken bottles. Keep in mind that different types of glass have varying melting temperatures and chemical compositions, which will affect the final result.
- Prepare the Glass: Crush the glass into small pieces, chips, or powder. You can wrap the glass in canvas and use a hammer to break it into the desired size. This step is crucial to ensure the glass can be embedded smoothly into the clay.
- Select the Clay: Choose a clay body that is suitable for your project. Keep in mind that not all clays are food-safe, so if you intend to create functional pottery, select a clay that is safe for food contact.
Embedding the Glass:
- Form the Cylinder: Use a pottery wheel to throw a cylinder with even walls and a stiff but not leather-hard consistency. Dry your hands before shaping the cylinder completely dry. This technique, known as dry throwing, leaves the cylinder strong and able to withstand the stresses of the embedding process.
- Inlay the Glass: Prepare your work surface by laying out the crushed glass, choosing colours and creating patterns or shapes. Roll the cylinder onto the glass carefully, using a rigid bat to support the cylinder. Paddle the glass into the clay to enhance the pattern and coverage. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired effect.
- Shape the Pottery: After inlaying the glass, continue to shape the pottery by expanding it from the inside out. Use one-handed throwing techniques to raise the clay and push it into the desired shape. You can use your hand or a rib to expand the walls carefully, being mindful not to scrape away too much clay.
Firing and Finishing:
- Bisque Fire: Before applying glaze, fire the piece in a kiln to bisque. This step will help strengthen the clay and prepare it for glazing.
- Glazing: Apply glaze to the piece, being mindful of how the glass and glaze will interact. You can choose to apply glaze over the embedded glass or scrape off the glaze in those areas for a different effect.
- Final Firing: Fire the piece in an electric kiln to Cone 6 (approximately 2223°F). This temperature ensures that the glass melts sufficiently and creates a beautiful, jewel-like effect.
Important Considerations:
- Food Safety: Always remember that pottery with embedded glass is not food-safe due to the cracks and crevices that can hold substances. Create these pieces solely for decorative purposes.
- Kiln Safety: Glass has a wide range of melting temperatures, and putting the wrong type of glass in a kiln can cause it to melt and run, damaging the kiln and other pieces. Always test and document the glass and glaze combinations before placing them in the kiln.
- Experimentation: Embedding glass in pottery requires experimentation and a lot of trial and error. Start with small amounts of clay and simple shapes, gradually building up your skills to more complex forms.
Creating pottery with embedded glass is a challenging but rewarding process that will result in unique and beautiful pieces. Remember to take your time, follow safety precautions, and enjoy the creative process of transforming your wedding glass into a work of art.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need silica sand (also called quartz sand), sodium carbonate, and calcium oxide. You can add other chemicals to achieve a desired colour or purpose, such as lead oxide or iron.
First, you will need to mix your chosen chemicals together. Then, place the mixture in a heat-resistant container and melt it in a kiln or furnace. You will need to homogenize and remove bubbles from the molten glass by stirring it. Next, shape the molten glass by either pouring it into a mould or using glassblowing techniques. Finally, slowly cool the glass in a kiln to anneal it and improve its strength.
There are many ways to display shards of wedding glass. You can commission a piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, that incorporates the glass shards. You can also create a driftwood wind chime or light catcher by drilling holes in the driftwood and threading the glass shards. Other ideas include creating a resin keepsake, such as a keyring or piece of wall art, or displaying the shards in a Lucite or glass box.
Etsy is a great source of inspiration and supplies for DIY wedding glass projects. You can find a variety of custom and personalized wedding glassware, as well as decals and stickers to decorate your own glassware. Pinterest is another excellent platform for finding creative ideas and tutorials for wedding glass projects, such as broken glass art, mirrors, mosaics, and garden stepping stones.