The history of glass and glass decoration extends back at least to the ancient Egyptians, who made small vessels of dark glass and decorated them with glass threads of contrasting colors. Occasionally glass vessels were also engraved on the lapidary's wheel. Today, the ancient art and craft of decorating glass continues to flourish among artists and crafters attracted by its combination of artistic beauty and skilled craftsmanship. Unfortunately, until the publication of this book, there were few if any practical instruction guides for beginners in this exciting and deeply rewarding field. A well-known British artist and glass engraver, Barbara Norman has exhibited her glass widely and has won numerous awards. In this clear, profusely illustrated guide, she offers a comprehensive introduction to the history, materials, tools, and techniques of glass engraving and other forms of glass decoration. After introductory chapters on the development of glass, methods of glassmaking, decorating techniques and choosing glass, the author discusses various engraving techniques in detail: diamond point engraving, drill engraving, and copper-wheel engraving. Aspiring glasscrafters will also find excellent coverage of such interesting techniques as gold engraving under glass, painting glass, and applying glass to glass: mosaics, glass collage, glass fusing and glass forming. Most of the methods do not require a studio or workshop and call for relatively inexpensive materials. Ideal for the novice or moderately experienced glassworker, this well-written, easy-to-follow guide will enable glasscrafters to bring decorative beauty and artistic flair to glasses, tumblers, bowls, vases, plates — almost any glass object. Beautiful engraved or decorated glass is perfect for personalized gift-giving or for adding a note of elegance to any home.

Step-by-step instructions for diamond burr engraving. Four complete projects plus expert advice on choosing glass, lighting and arranging finished pieces, much more. 117 illustrations. List of Supply Sources.

Striking floral, animal, and bird motifs incorporated into border, frame, and corner designs. Can be used directly, reduced, enlarged, reversed, and combined. Ideal for many craft purposes.

Bring the beauty and elegance of ancient mosaics into the modern world - a place where anyone can create them. Learn how in this exciting reference that teaches even beginners to utilize common plaster compound techniques to create 15 mosaic works of art that will fool all but the most discerning eye. Simple techniques are used to apply the plaster to different surfaces, from boxes and frames to furniture. The designs are then transferred to the medium and carved with a simple wire tool. The materials are few and the cost is slim, but the result is spectacular. Projects include a serving tray, cabinet, door hanger, flowerpot, and chalkboard.

You don't have to look far these days to find someone who says they can make you rich. Work from home, Pyramid Schemes, Chain Letters, Catalogue Delivery. You'll find all these jobs advertised in your local newspaper all the time. Do they work? Well yes for some people. But for most people, they just end up getting burned. Paying a joining fee and never making any money out of it at all. Frustrating isn't it?

There's no place like home - and you can find inspiration for the most beautiful art right in your own backyard! No matter how ordinary it may at first seem, every garden has a unique character, with hidden treasures just waiting to be painted. Just think about it - no need to pack and carry materials, everything is close at hand, and beginners can experiment to their heart's content in happy privacy. Start painting, guided by these tips for buying and preparing oil paints; practical advice for setting up; innumerable sample pictures with a detailed breakdown of how they were done; and hints on creating marvelous oils from the most mundane subjects. There's advice on when to use photographs and how to make the most of available light, and pointers on improving technique and developing a personal style. You'll wonder why you ever worked anywhere else!

Project: A flower ensemble.