Stains and Enamels

Using glass stains (finely ground glass with black pigment and flux, flux burns out at the maturing temperature leaving the stain 'melted' into the glass) The dragonflies wings are stamped onto the glass, using a market rubber stamp. Then the bodies are stained with a brush. This much is kiln fired, annealed and the next step. Using enamels (again finely ground glass chips, pigment for the color and flux that burns out at a lower temperature) are added for the color on the wings. The slab is sagged into a ripple mold for the vessels shape. 4 trips to the kiln achieves this platter. Stains are permanent in glass, enamels are stable. Acids will bleach enamels color out, but not affect a stain. With care however, pictures using enamels will last centuries.