Glass painting is a remarkable form of art, comprising gorgeous synthetic colors done up on glass. The combination of glass and paints gives the painting an ethereal appeal. Glass painting is very interesting to do. Glass painting kits contain an outliner, which is meant to keep the different shades of glass paints in place. One can either unleash one’s creativity and paint freehand, or else use templates. Four main types of paints are available for glass painting: stained glass paint, vinegar trace paint, matte paint and silver paint. Each type is meant for a specific purpose. For example, if one wishes to include a variety of colors on the piece of glass, then the stained glass paint is suitable. Vinegar glass paints are appropriate when one wants to add a tint of color. However, these vinegar paints are quite sticky! For painting a clear glass vase or bowls, one can use silver paint, as it adds a hint of silver, thereby giving a translucent effect to the painting. Matte paint on the other hand is useful when one wants complete coverage without translucent aspects.

Glass Painting Instructions and Tips

Glass painting is quite easy to learn, and can be done without many hassles. Keeping a few glass painting tips in mind before the commencement of the glass painting project will prove beneficial. Some of the useful glass painting tips are as follows:

The piece of glass chosen for glass painting should have a smooth, plain and clear surface. Printed glass and designed surfaces should not be used, as the painting will not be prominent then. Since natural oils from the hands tend to smudge the glass surface, it is advisable to put on surgical or latex gloves while handling the glass piece.
The glass surface should be cleaned adequately to free it from dust and dirt. The glass paint will fail to stick on a dusty surface. One should make use of warm water and soap to clean the surface of the glass. The glass surface should be thoroughly dried using a paper towel or clean cloth.
People not confident about freehand painting can trace the design on a sheet of drawing paper and then tape it to the inside of the glass piece. Make sure the piece of paper chosen is the same size as the glass piece. This is one of the easiest glass painting techniques, as once the picture has been taped, all one requires to do is paint, using the traced paper below as a reference. People using freehand style should place a white cloth or paper below the glass for clarity while painting.

Artel is a glassmaking company based in prague that fuses czech glassmaking traditions with contemporary shapes. owner karen feldman designs elegant, whimsical motifs that are then hand-etched into the glassware on a made-to-order basis, producing pieces that are truly timeless and reflect a czech tradition alive since the 16th century. Named for a group of Bohemian artisans established in the early 1900s, Artel has taken this time-honored art and, working hand in hand with only the most highly skilled traditional craftspeople, company founder Feldman has created a collection of fresh, whimsical, yet elegant designs.

The quality of Bohemian crystal has been renowned for centuries. Now designer Karen Feldman is wowing the US, UK, Europe and Asia by breathing new life into a classic craft. This American company, using Czech expertise, is setting a new standard in an age-old industry.

Adhering to centuries of tradition, each piece by Artel is given the dedication and attention such luxurious items require. From mouth-blown molten crystal to finished, engraved pieces, the process can take days to complete. Feldman’s design innovation is winning new audiences with popular patterns such as Frutti di Mare, and a new line of hand-painted glassware is being unveiled using a process unique to Artel. “We will never, for the sake of faster or cheaper production, forgo the tried and true techniques the way other companies have.” Says Feldman.

A testament to Artel’s quality and appeal is its partnerships with such high-end retailers as Scully & Scully, Niemen Marcus and Harrods. Since the crystal is made the old-fashioned way, not knocked out by machines, each piece develops its own story. These are handmade creations that will last a lifetime, eventually becoming family heirlooms that grace the homes and tables of future generations, each on ea story in the making. This whimsical motif incorporates jellyfish, octopus, sea shells, sea horse, and starfish. Our collectors in Italy can’t get enough of it. A great choice for seaside homes or yachts. Please purchase on online www.etabletop.com

Take a close look at the steps you can take that can help put your business on the path to greener practices.

1. Know Your Carbon Footprint
Step one begins with understanding your company’s impact on the environment. Carbonfund.org offers a free evaluation of your carbon footprint based upon factors like the number of employees, their workday commutes, the size of your facility, and other physical attributes that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions – everything down to the number of computers you use.

Then, Carbonfund.org calculates a donation amount to cover the cost of counteractive efforts. The money is invested in certified third-party offset programs like tree-planting, recycling, and solar and wind energy. Carbonfund.org has registered over 1,000 businesses and 450,000 individuals.

2. Use Eco-Friendly Products
Be conscious of the products you use everyday when doing business. For example, a painting contractor can use paint products that have little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Costing only a few dollars more per gallon, low or no VOC paints are safer for the environment.

3. Pursue Solar Energy Options
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 outlines enhanced tax credits for small businesses with great detail on how to make solar energy pay off for your business. To save electricity and money in your warehouse add skylights to increase natural light. This can be a relatively big investment but you’ll see substantial savings on monthly electric bills for a lifetime.

4. Plant Trees to Offset Greenhouse Emissions
In addition to third-party certified offset organizations like Carbonfund.org, planting trees on your business property is an affordable – and attractive – way to offset carbon emissions. Make it a fun company activity and assign each employee their own tree.

5. Become Paperless
This is where most companies cringe because Intranet systems have a reputation of being cost-prohibitive for many small businesses. When a company researches this process they should weigh several factors. Look at cost, ease of use, implementation time and how the system could grow with your business. Ultimately, it will require hiring an expert Intranet firm who can take every paper file and convert it to a digital file.

6.Recycle
Recycling comes in many forms and will be different for each business. For example, if you specialize in residential and commercial painting you can partner with the Solid Waste Authority (SWACO) for recycling removal services. SWACO provides a free 90-gallon recycling container and free desk-side bins for employees as well. To find a similar organization in your area type “small business recycling + your city/region” into the search engine.

7. Reduce Waste
Ultimately, the concept of reducing waste becomes a way of thinking. Going paperless is a good way to reduce waste.

8. Insulate Your Facility
Your business can receive a modest tax credit for installing insulation or replacing old windows with new energy efficient windows. This can drastically decreased heating and cooling costs.

9.Use Energy-Efficient Vehicles
If your business requires a fleet of vehicles, make sure they have V4 or V6 cylinder engines.

10. Install Bee Boxes
Sensitive to recent reports on the negative effects of Colony Collapse Disorder within the global honey bee population, a team of employees installed and painted bee boxes at their company’s home office. The disorder, caused by a combination of disease and shrinking habitats, has scientists concerned over maintaining worldwide pollination rates. Simple bee boxes costing a few hundred dollars attract bees, enabling the critical work of pollinating seeds.

Overall, the investments made by your company to go green will result in reduced costs, increased efficiency and – in some cases – modest federal tax credits, proving the ease with which small businesses can positively impact environmental health.