Boyd Graham - Engraving Glass: A Beginners Guide

A BEGINNERS GUIDE

BOYD GRAHAM

DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC., New York

Butterfly. Only one wing of the butterfly is engraved; the other wing is a reflection of the first. The vertical branch appears to be in front of the reflected wing, creating the illusion of the engraving being inside the prism. 6 2 (15.24 cm 5.08 cm). Collection of Mrs. Boyd Graham.

Roadrunner. Glass with irregular edge, which shows the bird in its natural Southwestern habitat. 4 4 (11.43 cm 11.43 cm). Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Jodie Boren.

Ballerina Vase. Heavy crystal vase with beveled top that reflects the spectrum of light and portions of the engraving. 12 8 (30.48 cm 20.32 cm). Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Jones Castles.

Tree Vase. Thick-walled vase with beveled top. The small branches and leaves extend around the vase, framing the trunk on the back. 10 3 (25.4 cm 8.89 cm). Collection of Mrs. Boyd Graham.

Moonscape. Crystal trapezoid with moon craters engraved into the bottom of the glass. The earth is engraved as a hemisphere, reflecting in the sides and top as a sphere. 5 3 (13.97 cm 7.62 cm). Collection of Gregory L. Goates.

Dolphin at Play. Hand-formed crystal sail. 18 10 (45.72 cm 25.4 cm). Collection of Boyd Graham.

Girl in a Gazebo. The sides of the trapezoid reflect the engraving that is on the back, giving a three-dimensional effect. 6 512 (15.24 cm 13.97 cm). Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Glandon.

Bobwhite Quail. Baroque decorative crystal with the figure of the quail deeply engraved. 4 4 (10.16 cm 10.16 cm). Collection of Philip Graham.

This book is dedicated to Eddie

Copyright 1982 by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc.
All rights reserved.

This Dover edition, first published in 1991, is an unabridged and slightly corrected republication of the work originally published by the Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, 1982. The color plates, which originally formed an insert, have been repositioned on the covers for the Dover edition.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Graham, Boyd.

Engraving glass: a beginners guide / by Boyd Graham.
p. cm.

Reprint. Originally published: New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1982.

Includes index.

e-ISBN-13: 978-0-4861-4415-3

1. Glass engraving. I. Title.

[TT298.G7 1991]

748.6dc20

90-21460

CIP

Manufactured in the United States by Courier Corporation
26683404
www.doverpublications.com

A very special thanks to my wife, Eddie, for her help in making this book possible through her encouragement, typing, editing, and moral support, and, in general, for getting the job done.

My appreciation to my children, family, and friends for their support and thoughtfulness toward my glass engraving endeavors. A special thanks to those who gave permission to reproduce their engraved glass in this book. My gratitude to Nancy Robinson and Juanita Zachry for their literary advice, and to editors Nancy Green, Leslie Wenger, and Irene Demchyshyn for their interest, help, and patience. And finally, to those who in any way had a hand in producing this book.

The first time I saw an exhibit of Steuben engraved glass I was spellbound. It was difficult to believe that people actually, physically, carved those beautifully enchanting designs into hard glass. The impression was of ethereal figures suspended in air and framed with shimmering light. I had to know more about it. I began an enthusiastic, extensive search for books, pictures, and information concerning the exquisite art of glass engraving. There were a few books available with black-and-white as well as color reproductions of finished glass engraving, but very little information existed on what process was used to accomplish the finished product.

Several years passed, but my fascination with engraved glass did not diminish. I was determined to learn how to do it. From information gathered, I soon decided that the cost of copperwheel engraving equipment and knowledge of its use were beyond me, so I had to take a different approach.

I first tried abrasive grinding wheels with a small handheld motor without success. The little wheels soon lost their shaped edges, and it was impossible to maintain the same cut for any length of time. Also the motor heated to such a point that I could hardly hold it.

Then, one day, during a discussion with a dentist friend about my frustration, he suggested that I might try diamond burs. Indeed, he even gave me a few that he felt were too worn or too rough to be used without possible injury to his patients. At last I found the perfect tool for me: the burs were long lasting and did not lose their shape. Next, I purchased, by mail order, a motor with a flexible shaft and a handpiece. The handpiece, when attached to the flexible shaft, holds the diamond bur. This whole assemblage avoids the unbearable heat of holding the motor in the hand. It is the type of equipment used by jewelers. At last, I was on my way, and my enthusiasm was even greater than before.

I certainly did not invent the use of diamond burs for glass engraving. But I had to discover it for myself, since I could find no written works on the subject. People who visit the art supply store that my wife and I own and who see the glass collection on display there are fascinated by it. They invariably ask where I learned to engrave glass, how it is done, and numerous people have asked if I would teach them the art. Lack of time and facilities prohibits my teaching, but I have endeavored in this book to pass along instructions and suggestions for those who would like to try glass engraving.

In the following chapters I will introduce you to the tools and equipment necessary to accomplish the desired results and will suggest which glass blanks to use and subjects to engrave. If you are an artist, or adept at drawing, so much the better. However, anyone who wants to can learn to use simple objects and designs to decorate glass. As with painting, you develop your own style as you progress. And, as with painting, you are limited only by your own imagination. Use my basic methods to get started, then experiment, innovate, and develop your own system. You will experience the thrill of exploring a new medium glass one of the earths most plentiful resources.