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Top : Techniques : Millefiori

This graphic illustrates steps in the proces of creating a patterned glass cane.
Step A: A gather of molten glass is lowered into a steel pattern mold, which may be several inches in diameter.
Step B: The now (star) shaped gather is then lowered into another mold (this one round) that is half-filled with molten glass of a second color. The gather picks up the colored glass, (encasing the star).
Step C: A second pontil with another gather of glass is attached to the opposite end of the patterned gather. The gather is then stretched out many feet in opposite directions to form a thin cane, perhaps only 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter.
Step D: The thin cane is sliced into smaller sections to use in millefiori paperweights.

Graphic by Sue Huitt, Illinois State Museum

This graphic illustrates steps in the proces of creating a patterned glass cane.<BR><B>Step A:</B> A gather of molten glass is lowered into a steel pattern mold, which may be several inches in diameter.<BR><B>Step B:</B> The now (star) shaped gather is then lowered into another mold (this one round) that is half-filled with molten glass of a second color. The gather picks up the colored glass, (encasing the star). <BR><B>Step C:</B> A second pontil with another gather of glass is attached to the opposite end of the patterned gather. The gather is then stretched out many feet in opposite directions to form a thin cane, perhaps only 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter.<BR><B>Step D:</B> The thin cane is sliced into smaller sections to use in millefiori paperweights.
     
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