Glass Inspiration

When we moved into our home there were several glass pieces left in the kitchen cabinets. I've been admiring them, thinking they're great inspiration for ceramics pieces. There's stemware, a pitcher, a butter dish, several bowls, a cake plate and others.


I'll bet there's some nice stemware to be seen in your parent's, grandparent's, or neighbor's china cabinet. Just think of all the different styles of cordial, martini, margarita, shot, champagne, and wine glasses there must be.


I don't collect antique glass, but used to dabble in antique furniture. Now I remember all those shelves lined with different colored glass, what a resource for inspiration those would be, for shape and color.


The nice thing about some of these pieces are they are not only pretty to look at but the cut glass and decoration on the outside makes them safer to pick up without dropping them, something for the hand to grasp. I'll bet there are hundreds of pitcher shapes in the world.


There's also the creative use of handles to take note of. I like the fan shape on this butter or condiment tray. Just think of all the types of plates there must be. It boggles the mind when thinking of all the functional shapes that are possible.


What about the variety of bowls. There's ice cream, cereal, salad, serving, soup bowls and so many more.


I made the mini goblet above while traveling in the motorhome. It's an experiment in size, shape and glaze. It has a coil stem and pinched top and is a mere 3.75 inches tall, the bowl being 2.5 inches at the widest. Wonder if it will contain even an ounce. Might be good for a wine tasting event or an elegant shot glass.

As I looked at the glass I have and the goblets I've made I started thinking of Jim's blog where he talked about making chalices, and Michele remarking about the glassware left here by the previous owner. So many choices of what to make and so little time. Comments and suggestions are welcome.