When Lightning Creates Glass

If you haven’t already seen the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” you missed out on some beautiful glass sculptures. Sculptures are made naturally when lightning hits the sand making the sand hot enough; transforming glass in the natural shape of lightning forms. When lightning hits sand we will see a shape of fragile rock called fulgurite being created. The University of Florida’s Dr. Vladimir A. Rakov stated that, “there are two phenomena that are responsible for making natural glass on Earth: meteorites and lightning.” Glass that is made as a result of the collision of a meteorite with the Earth's surface is called meteoritic glass or tektite. Glass (a glassy object, to be exact) that is made as a result of a cloud-to-ground lightning discharge is called a fulgurite (from the Latin "fulgur" which means lightning). Fulgurites come in a great variety of forms and can be viewed as “nature's own works of art.” Although this is fascinating, I would not suggest you try it yourself using a rod, a bucket and pure composites such as silca, quarts and carbon, as it is very dangerous and not the easiest way to making glass or beautiful glass items for your home. The architectural glass used in your home comes in different shapes and sizes. If you are in need of a change maybe using glass for your stairs, balconies and decks could be the answer. Today, glass is the hottest trend to take hold of the industry. Glass is often used as railings on stairs, balconies, and decks for its tough components because it is easy-to-maintain and makes any space seem larger. At Castle Designer Glass, we can custom design and install any style of glass railing in your space. Combinations of texture, paint, and frosting can be used to create a design to match your unique application. If you’d like a custom quote; visit us at http://www.castledesignerglass.com/category/11-glass-railings.html

The Great Thing About Glass

I've always been a big fan of glass, almost as much as I am of jewellery! In modern day society glass has been used for more functional roles such as to hold a liquid or allow light to enter a building. But glass art has always appealed to me. In fact, the use of glass for practical and decorative purposes dates back to Ancient Egypt and Rome. Glass was most likely discovered by accident when melted sand (silica)was fused in cooking fires. Glassblowing, was used in Jerusalem in the first century BC and spread throughout the Roman Empire. Other glass art techniques, such as stained glass, casting, fusing, and mosaic, evolved over time (i.e. stained glass was a very popular technique used in the cathedrals of Europe during the Middle Ages; 5th to 16th centuries AD). Eventually, glassblowing became the dominant technique with the production of glass art pieces and the industry concentrated in Murano, Italy. Many of the technologies used then including crystalline glass, enamelled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass are still be used today in everything from contemporary art glass and glass figurines to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers. When I founded Castle Designer Glass a few years ago, I was inspired to bring the beautiful designs that I had encountered on my travels back to my hometown of Saskatoon. The versatility of glass allows it to be used in a wide variety of surfaces including backsplashes. glass boards, freestanding or wall art, door inserts, tables, countertops, etc... in the home, the office or in a casino, spa, airport, hotel or store. Glass art gives a piece that special something that makes people take notice. When someone wants their room to standout, I can't think of a better way than with glass art.

Glass Railings Can Really Open Up Your Space

Glass railings have been called many things over the years. From glass balustrades to staircase glass panels, they have many names but they all do essentially the same thing, provide security and safety for staircases while maximizing the perception of space. Not all rooms are created equal, especially if you happen to live in the city. With the increase in condominiums being built in Canada's cities (have you been to Toronto lately?) builders and designers have to maximize the space that they have been given to work with. And that's where architectural glass and glass furniture can make a difference. Not only do glass railings look fantastic around staircases but they can give them a floating impression and really open up a small living space. They can give a truly modern and contemporary feel to any home or office. A professional glass designer will suggest the right installation hardware that minimizes their impact and provides an unobstructed view of the the glass panels. It would be a shame to hide our work with bulky hardware! Many glass products are made overseas and if that's the type of product that a consumer will be pleased with, I am sure that she will find something that suits her style. But for customers that want a customized, unique glass railing or glass panel, there are glass designers that will design a product to the consumer's specifications. Our customers always tell us that working with a local company helps them make a better choice. We aren't limited by geography as we can ship to anywhere in Canada or the US. And if there are any problems, we're just a phone call away. So if you want Inspirational Glass, Custom Designed For True Connoisseurs, Think Castle Designer Glass.

Helping Out Our Community the Best We Can

I have been very lucky in life. Aside from having the love and support of my family, I own my glass art studio. I spend all day creating glass art in the shape of glass counters, glass backsplashes, glass signage, glass railings, glass wall art and glass furniture. Many of the artists that work at my studio have exhibited their work throughout Saskatchewan and Canada. But I would like to talk to you all about something very serious. There are many members of our communities that are mentally challenged. And as the old saying goes "God helps those who help themselves", some members of our society are dealing with too much and need some help. The great staff at the Sherbrooke Community Center in Saskatoon are those angels from heaven that help those that are less fortunate. Each day, they make a difference in the lives of the citizens of the Sherbrooke district in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They provide each resident with companionship, opportunities to give and receive care and seek to provide a diverse environment rich with spontaneity and variety. They support the individual community members and encourage them to develop their strengths and passions through meaningful and rewarding pursuits. We've gotten involved with the Sherbrooke Community Center in order to contribute as best we can, to their overall mission. Art therapy emerged in the middle of the 20th century that art to express emotions and concerns. We have donated our time as well as the glass in order for residents to create art that will help them heal. Not only do we feel good about what we're doing but we can help others feel good about themselves and that's the ultimate reward. If you would like to learn how you can help or donate, please visit the Sherbrooke Community Centre's website at http://www.sherbrookecommunitycentre.ca/

Make Any Space Larger with Glass Railings

For new home and new condo owners it doesn't take long to realize that there living space might look and feel small, after they've moved their stuff in. One way that you can make that space seem larger, without knocking down some walls is by remodeling your space with a new staircase and/or railings. Stairways can become the focal point of any room. with elegant railings that give an additional accent to the space and clear up sight lines. And railings are a great opportunity to break from a traditional look and try something new. Modern design places an emphasis on clean lines and simple elements to create that open feel. By using steel railings with glass panels you can create a clean look and at the same time you can make a smaller room seem larger. One advantage of combining metal with glass is its ability to reflect light. At Castle Designer Glass, we can combine texture, paint, and frosting to create a design to match your unique application. Our glass panels come in a wide range of color options, styles and custom designs. Furthermore, they can be used with steel or thermoplastics railings, are maintenance free and meet all municpal building codes. Homeowners can copy the design elements used in railings and repeat in other areas of the home, such as balconies, decks or mezzanines.