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Our Visit to the
Soplado Factory |
The day we visited
this glass factory they were making the decorative glass balls
(ritght photo). It begins by super heating a plug of glass, which
is on the end of the blower's rod, in the gas fired kiln (below
photo).
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(Below Photo) When
it is glowing hot, the craftsman begins to blow the glass into
the desired form and, while doing so, shapes it on a steel table
by turning the rod while blowing. After the form is established,
the craftsman continues to blow to the desired size while turning
the rod to keep symmetry (right photo).
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After the size is established,
the craftsman turns the rod until the 'plastic' glass begins
to stabilize (solidify). Above, Ana tries her hand at turning
the rod while keeping the glass from 'sagging' and spoiling the
shape. Below left, the finished piece is cooled down in another
kiln before it can be broken from the rod and placed in a further
'cool down' kiln otherwise the piece will crack. Below right,
the finished balls are filled with a 'paint' and shaken to coat
the inside thus giving the final color to the piece. |
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These glass balls
are very popular in Mexico as decor pieces in vases and bowls
inside the house and in the garden and patio as accompanying
pieces to flowerpots and garden arrangements. Here (left photo),
Ana reviews the inventory of glass balls; they come in all colors,
including clear, and in all sizes. As far as we know, they are
unique to Mexico.
For more items
from this factory,
please take the link to see a complete inventory of cups, mugs,
vases, pitchers and glasses. If you would like to order these
glass balls, E-mail us. |
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If you do not see it, ask us,
impossible to show everything. Thank you for visiting our web
pages and if you do come to Saltillo, please visit us at our
very nice Hotel Hacienda
Rancho El Morillo. |
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To Order |
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