We have put this web page together with the help of our nephew.  Please check back often, as we will add more items and update our pictures.  Thank you for taking the time to get to know who we are.

Who is Glass Wonders?

Glass Wonders is Doug and Julie Gatchell. We have been sculpting glass since 1980.  Our glass has been sold in stores, gift shops and art galleries around the world for the past nineteen years. Our glass has always been a family affair.  It has in the past included work from all three of our sons.  Our craft is generally referred to as “glassblowing”, however it is actually “lampworking.  Each piece is individually sculpted by us and is carefully inspected.  We give careful attention to detail and make every effort to make the sculptures as lifelike as possible.  Each piece will be signed.

Glass Sculptures

      Each glass sculpture is individually hand crafted using a propane and oxygen torch with a 5000 degree flame.  Solid glass Corning Pyrex rods are used.  Heat, gravity, pushing and pulling are used along with various hand tools to help us form the sculptures from the molten glass.  Various sizes of glass rods are used to add on to the piece until the desired effect is accomplished. Molds are never used.  Each piece is annealed, which involves placing the completed sculpture into a kiln that is preheated to 1100 degrees.  This is just below the melting temperature of the glass. The sculpture is then allowed to remain at this temperature for several hours. The kiln is then turned off and the sculpture is allowed to cool slowly and evenly over a six-hour period. This process relieves stress in the glass and makes for a strong and long lasting sculpture. Since each piece is hand sculpted, no two pieces are exactly alike. Each one has its own unique personality.

      All sculptures are clear when made. They can remain clear or be frosted. Frosting is a separate process where aluminum oxide is blown against the surface of the piece causing it to be permanently etched. A combination of clear and frosted glass is available in some of the sculptures. If you do not specify your choice, the sculpture will be as it is shown in the photo. If you have any questions or requests, please ask us.
 

BASES - Manzanita Wood - Alabaster Stone - Glass

      Some of the pieces are all glass.  Some stand alone and others require a base, which will be either Manzanita wood or alabaster stone.  Each base is unique in size, shape and color.  All measurements shown are of the glass sculptures only.  Therefore, if the piece is mounted on wood or stone, the overall size will be larger than stated. You may specify which base you prefer, if applicable.

Note:  All sculptures are clear glass or frosted (white) glass only. If you detect any color or tint to the glass in the photos, it is due to reflections of the surroundings or the lighting we used.
 

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