Etched Glass: Techniques & Designs [Hardcover]

Norman Dobbins (Author), Norm Dobbins (Author), Ruth Dobbins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1998

In easy to follow steps, renowned glass etching instructors show how to safely use inexpensive abrasive and chemical etching methods for surface etching, carving and shading to transform ordinary glass objects into stunning works of art.'

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Glass etching can be a difficult craft, sometimes involving dangerous chemicals or high-speed engravers. This is a guide by professional glass-etching instructors for doing abrasive etching, a process similar to sandblasting, or using etching cream, a safe, inexpensive chemical compound. Step-by-step instructions are given for techniques, and a chapter on equipment and safety is included. Color photographs of professional artists' works are interspersed throughout the text as examples. This is intended for professionals and is suitable for larger crafts collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965824810
• ISBN-13: 978-0965824811
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #590,241 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drop-Dead Gorgeous Book, November 11, 2001

By 

hamsterdance (TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Etched Glass: Techniques & Designs (Hardcover)

I credit this book hands-down with inspiring and introducing me to the beautiful art of glass etching. Page after page of breathtaking sophisticated etched glass carvings are interspersed with photos of smaller examples easily within reach of a beginner. The authors have had over 25 years in the business and now hold beginner through master level classes at their art studio in New Mexico.

This is a thorough book describing the various methods of etching, the materials, types of glass, types of techniques, etc. For example, etching cream - which is what I'm learning to use as a beginner is only capable of surface etching. Even so, this simple technique can make very beautiful designs on different types of glass. I've been practicing on jelly and juice jars I keep after finishing off said jelly or juice. That way, if or when I mess up it doesn't matter as much like it would had I practiced on an expensive wine glass or bowl. Soon I'll be ready to move on to the next project and type of glass to practice on. The authors discuss in particular detail surface etching, carving and shading. Applying and cutting various types of resists and etching creams, numbering patterns so you know which order to etch for a proper 3-dimensional effect, beveling, how to hold the carving/blasting wand, etc. is all here. Most of these techniques can be done now (at least on a small scale) with a small air compressor like the ones used for airbrush, portable blaster and tabletop sandblasting cabinets. Chapter 8 gives extensive advise on the various types of equipment (from hobbiest tabletop units to industrial room-sized) used for sandblast etching along with each piece of equipment's pros and cons.

I'm looking at one tabletop unit that is moderately priced (less than $270). With this one tabletop unit (which the book shows a photo of and discusses) anyone can start recreating even the most sophisticated designs and projects included in this book for beginners and beyond. Detailed step-by-step photos for each project are shown in each chapter and the patterns for each project are provided in Appendix B. The other Appendices cover a glossary of terms, suppliers of etching machines, stencil sources, sources for glass, further reading and handy reference charts covering Moh's hardness scale, volume/linear/pressure measurements and abrasive grit sizes including microgrit powders. It really presents a very broad overview of everything one needs to get started making beautiful glass etching/carvings.

And I want to stess again that page after page is a visual feast of gallery designs of what professional glass etchers can do. The cover of the book does not even begin to show how beautiful the artwork displayed inside really is. I can not stress this point enough. The artwork shown inside is truly worthy of anyone's coffee table. The fantastic thing is that I'm having a ton of fun learning this beautiful art - and all thanks to this one comprehensive book. Bravo! I want a sequel!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BOON IN DISGUISE, March 11, 2001

By 

AARTI JHAWAR (Calcutta ,India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Etched Glass: Techniques & Designs (Hardcover)

It was a boon to have this book Mr. Dobbins!! I have been able to etch and carve glass successfully and beautifully just with the help of the detailed instructions in the book! Today, if I am successful it is because of this book. Thankyou Mr. Dobbins for putting in your heart and soul into this book!! Aarti Jhawar(India)