The history of glass artistry is a narrative of light, color, and technical precision. For over five decades, the Delphi Glass Catalog has stood as a central pillar in this creative community, tracing its origins back to 1972 in Lansing, Michigan. Founded by Dan and Jane Mesko, the company began as a small stained glass studio and evolved into a global supplier for glass artists. This transition was fueled by a deep understanding of the artist’s journey, from the first tentative cut on a scrap piece of glass to the complex firing schedules of a professional-grade kiln. The catalog serves as a comprehensive roadmap for these creators, offering a bridge between raw materials and finished masterpieces. By curating a selection that balances traditional stained glass techniques with modern glass fusing and mosaic innovations, the publication has become a primary reference for studios and hobbyists worldwide.
Understanding the technical nuances of glass art is essential for any practitioner, and the Delphi Glass Catalog provides the necessary data to make informed decisions. The catalog is organized to facilitate the discovery of specific glass types, tools, and educational resources without overwhelming the reader. It highlights the importance of compatibility in glass fusing, the precision required for copper foil work, and the structural integrity needed for large-scale lead came projects. Rather than acting as a simple inventory, the catalog functions as an educational resource that details the properties of different glass brands and the specific applications of various chemicals and tools. For those dedicated to the craft, having access to such a detailed repository of information is vital for ensuring project success and artistic growth across diverse glass mediums.
A Spectrum of Artisanal Glass Manufacturers
The core of the catalog is its extensive selection of art glass, featuring products from the world’s most respected manufacturers. Artists can explore the unique characteristics of Oceanside Glass-Tile, which has continued the legacy of the Spectrum and Uroboros brands. This glass is known for its consistency and ease of cutting, making it a favorite for both stained glass and fusing projects. The catalog provides detailed descriptions of various textures, such as hammered, granite, and ripple, which allow artists to manipulate light in specific ways. For those seeking traditional aesthetics, the inclusion of Wissmach and Kokomo glass offers a connection to the historic roots of the craft, with colors and patterns that have been utilized in architectural installations for over a century.
Technical specifications are particularly prominent in the fusing section of the catalog. Since glass expands and contracts when heated, maintaining a consistent Coefficient of Expansion (COE) is critical. The catalog clearly distinguishes between COE 90 (Bullseye) and COE 96 (Oceanside and Wissmach) to prevent artists from mixing incompatible materials, which would lead to structural failure in the kiln. This focus on technical accuracy ensures that glass fusers can select their base glass, stringers, frit, and confetti with confidence. The catalog also features specialty glass like dichroic, which utilizes thin layers of metallic oxides to create shifting colors and reflective surfaces, adding a modern dimension to jewelry and decorative art pieces.
Precision Cutting and Shaping Tools
Achieving clean lines and precise shapes is the foundation of glass art, and the catalog provides an array of tools designed for this purpose. From the iconic Toyo Supercutter with its oil-fed carbide wheel to advanced electric saws, the selection covers every level of expertise. The Taurus 3 Ring Saw is a featured highlight, known for its ability to cut in all directions, allowing artists to create intricate curves and internal shapes that are impossible with manual cutters. This tool has revolutionized how artists approach complex patterns, significantly reducing the risk of breakage during the shaping process. The catalog provides insights into blade types and maintenance, ensuring that users can maximize the lifespan of their equipment.
Beyond cutting, the catalog emphasizes the importance of grinding and smoothing edges. Glass grinders from brands like Glastar and Inland are detailed with specifications regarding motor speed, work surface size, and available diamond bit grits. For those working on stained glass, a grinder is essential for ensuring that pieces fit perfectly within a pattern, especially when using the copper foil method. The catalog also lists specialized hand tools such as grozing pliers and running pliers, which are used to break glass cleanly along a score line. By providing a wide range of options, the catalog allows artists to build a toolkit that suits their specific ergonomic preferences and project requirements.
The Science of Heat and Kiln Technology
Glass fusing and slumping require precise thermal control, and the catalog features a robust selection of kilns designed for home studios and professional environments. Brands like Paragon, Skutt, and Evenheat are represented with models ranging from small microwave kilns to large-capacity front-loading units. The catalog details the importance of digital controllers, which allow artists to program complex firing schedules including ramps, soaks, and annealing phases. This level of control is necessary for achieving specific results, such as a full fuse where the glass becomes one smooth sheet, or a tack fuse where the individual pieces retain their texture and dimension.
In addition to the kilns themselves, the catalog provides essential kiln accessories and furniture. This includes kiln shelves, posts, and specialized molds for slumping glass into bowls, plates, and vases. The use of kiln wash or shelf paper is highlighted as a critical step to prevent glass from sticking to the shelf during firing. For artists interested in glass casting, the catalog offers investment materials and molds for creating three-dimensional sculptures. By providing the technical data for each kiln’s voltage, amperage, and maximum temperature, the catalog helps artists determine which equipment is compatible with their workspace’s electrical capacity.
Mosaic and Decorative Arts Supplies
The world of mosaics offers a different approach to glass art, focusing on the assembly of small pieces to create larger images or patterns. The Delphi Glass Catalog includes a vast assortment of mosaic tiles, including vitreous glass, smalti, and pre-cut shapes. Tools specifically designed for mosaics, such as wheeled glass nippers, are featured for their ability to shape tiles with minimal waste. The catalog also provides information on various substrates, such as Wedi board or wooden forms, and the adhesives and grouts necessary for finishing a project. This section is particularly valuable for those looking to create durable outdoor installations or intricate indoor wall art.
Jewelry making is another significant segment of the catalog, bridging the gap between glass art and wearable fashion. Artists can find supplies for creating glass beads through lampworking, as well as components for finished fused glass jewelry. The catalog lists bails, chains, and earring wires in various finishes, including sterling silver and gold plating. For lampworkers, the catalog provides torches, mandrels, and a wide variety of glass rods. This comprehensive approach ensures that jewelry artists have access to both the raw glass materials and the findings necessary to complete their designs, allowing for a seamless transition from the studio to the marketplace.
Soldering and Finishing Techniques
For stained glass artists, the soldering process is where the individual pieces are joined to form a cohesive whole. The catalog features high-quality soldering irons like the Hakko FX-601, which is prized for its ceramic heating element and adjustable temperature control. Maintaining a consistent temperature is vital for creating smooth, beaded solder lines. The catalog also offers a variety of solder alloys, including 60/40 lead-tin solder and lead-free options for items that will be handled frequently. Detailed descriptions of flux, which is necessary to clean the metal surfaces and allow the solder to flow, help artists choose the right chemical for their specific project.
Finishing a stained glass piece involves more than just soldering; it requires proper cleaning and the application of patinas or waxes. The catalog lists various patina chemicals that can change the color of solder from silver to copper or black, providing a professional finish that complements the glass colors. After patina is applied, a finishing wax is often used to protect the solder and give the piece a polished shine. The catalog also includes supplies for the lead came method, such as lead shears, glazing hammers, and putty. This traditional method is often used for larger windows and architectural pieces, requiring a different set of skills and materials than the copper foil technique.
Educational Growth and Pattern Resources
A significant portion of the Delphi Glass Catalog is dedicated to the education and inspiration of artists. This is achieved through a vast collection of books, DVDs, and pattern sets that cover every aspect of glass art. Beginners can find step-by-step guides that introduce the fundamentals of glass cutting and soldering, while advanced artists can explore specialized techniques like glass painting, photo-transfer, or advanced kiln carving. The patterns provided range from classic Victorian designs to contemporary abstract compositions, offering something for every aesthetic preference. These resources are essential for fostering a continuous learning environment within the glass art community.
The catalog also highlights the importance of safety in the studio. Glass art involves sharp edges, high heat, and various chemicals, making proper safety gear non-negotiable. The catalog lists safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, and respirators for use when working with glass powders or chemicals. By emphasizing safety alongside creativity, the catalog helps artists establish sustainable practices that protect their health over the long term. This holistic approach to the craft—combining materials, tools, education, and safety—is what has established the Delphi Glass Catalog as a definitive resource for over fifty years.
The Delphi Glass Catalog remains an indispensable asset for anyone involved in the glass arts, providing the technical depth and product variety required to bring creative visions to life. From the initial selection of vibrant glass sheets to the final application of patina, the catalog supports every stage of the artistic process with high-quality supplies and expert guidance. By maintaining a focus on technical accuracy and artistic diversity, it empowers creators to push the boundaries of what is possible with glass. To explore the full range of professional supplies and start your next project, visit the Delphi Glass website for the most current inventory and educational resources available to the glass community.