| Pate de Verre is the ancient process that was used to create glass vessels before glass blowing was invented. First, a model of the finished piece is created from clay or wax. The model in encased in a plaster and silica flour mold and the clay is removed or the wax is melted out. The glass is ground into powders and mixed with a binding agent into a sort of "paint." This paint is used to paint designs onto the mold. The mold is then filled with ground glass and fired in a kiln. Sometimes, it is necessary to open the kiln and add more glass at 1525 degrees F. After annealing and final cooling, which can take several days or a week depending on the thickness of the piece, the mold is broken away to remove the glass. The glass is then cleaned and polished with various diamond tools. The piece of Pate de Verre requires a great amount of time to create and each one is "one of a kind."
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