Stirrup Dish On Iridescent Sea Blue Glass 10″

This bowl is part of our Stirrup Collection of equestrian art glass home decor. It is 10″ x 10″.

We hope you enjoy this distinctive art glass piece. As you can see from the pictures, the plate changes color as the light shifts, reflecting the deep hues of the iridized coating when lit from the front and revealing the beautiful blue of the base glass when the light source is behind it. This is a sophisticated piece of equestrian decor that will stand out in any home. With its contemporary design, it’s an ideal choice for equestrian enthusiasts and anyone with an appreciation for fine artisanal craftsmanship. Whether you’re enhancing your own living space or looking for a thoughtful gift for a special occasion, this distinctive piece promises to be a cherished addition to any surroundings.

Creating the dish was a 4-step process.
Glass Selection: First, two pieces of glass were cut to the dimensions of the finished piece, one iridescent sea blue and the other clear.
Creating the Design: The stirrup pattern was created using a process called “powder printing”. Finely ground clear glass (known as powder frit) was sifted onto the iridized coating of the blue glass using a stencil created on my laser cutter. After carefully lifting the stencil and removing stray glass powder, tiny red dots of mica paint were applied to the stirrup pattern, giving it a special bit of detail. After the glass dried, the blue glass was placed on top of the clear glass in preparation for fusing.
Fusing in the Kiln: The two layers were placed in a kiln and heated to 1475 degrees, the temperature at which glass melts and the layers fused together. The high heat also made the paint permanently adhere to the glass. After firing, the areas covered with frit appear shiny and the rest of the dish has a rich matte finish.
Shaping the Dish: At this point the piece was still flat. To make it into a dish it needed one more firing. It went back into the kiln, this time on top of a mold, and was heated to 1250 degrees. At this temperature the glass softened and gravity caused it to sink into the mold and assume its final shape.