Andrew Brown Studios

Andrew is currently taking orders for:

Focal Beads
Spacer Beads
Bi-cone “Frosted Beads”
Ammonite Pendants – cut and whole
Cast Pendants
Carver Pendants (round or oval/with or without opals)
Paperweights
Commissioned work (artist’s choice)

For more information, regarding size, colors and pricing, please email Erika at: erika@andrewbrownstudios.com

There is a limited stock of already created pieces that can be viewed and purchased at: click here

Below you will find more information about Andrew’s process in creating Borosilicate “Geodes”

Borosilicate Geodes by Andrew Brown

Geodes are made from borosilicate or hard glass. The pieces start out from tubing, using an implosion technique. Using clear glass, a Gilson opal is thinly encased and added to the end of the bubble. Fumes of 24 karat gold and fine silver are fumed onto the surface. Clear dots are carefully added, trapping the metals underneath. The piece is then heated and condensed down, bringing the pattern towards the center. The back is shaped into a cone, and dichroic glass is added to the back. After the piece has been rounded into a marble, multiple layers of organic colored powders, rods and frit are added. The back is textured with larger frit and fumed again with gold and silver. The paperweight then goes into the kiln and is annealed overnight.

After the piece is annealed it is taken to a flat diamond lapidary wheel. Starting off with a rough grit, the face is removed, revealing the intricate layers of color. After the rough cut, three more steps of grinding and smoothing are required before the final polish. Final polish is done on a felt wheel with cerium oxide. Once the piece has reached an optical polish, it is ready for the electroforming process.

Electroforming is the process of building up layers of metal over time. This process takes place over several days using an electrolytic solution, copper anodes and electricity. After electroforming for the desired amount of time, the piece is removed, cleaned and patina is added. Patinas can range from black/brown, blue, to a green antique copper



	About Andrew \| Calendar \| Contact \| Gallery Archive \| Available Work \| C.V. \| Blog \| Links Andrew is currently taking orders for: Focal Beads Spacer Beads Bi-cone “Frosted Beads” Ammonite Pendants – cut and whole Cast Pendants Carver Pendants (round or oval/with or without opals) Paperweights Commissioned work (artist’s choice) For more information, regarding size, colors and pricing, please email Erika at: erika@andrewbrownstudios.com There is a limited stock of already created pieces that can be viewed and purchased at: click here Below you will find more information about Andrew’s process in creating Borosilicate “Geodes” Borosilicate Geodes by Andrew Brown Geodes are made from borosilicate or hard glass. The pieces start out from tubing, using an implosion technique. Using clear glass, a Gilson opal is thinly encased and added to the end of the bubble. Fumes of 24 karat gold and fine silver are fumed onto the surface. Clear dots are carefully added, trapping the metals underneath. The piece is then heated and condensed down, bringing the pattern towards the center. The back is shaped into a cone, and dichroic glass is added to the back. After the piece has been rounded into a marble, multiple layers of organic colored powders, rods and frit are added. The back is textured with larger frit and fumed again with gold and silver. The paperweight then goes into the kiln and is annealed overnight. After the piece is annealed it is taken to a flat diamond lapidary wheel. Starting off with a rough grit, the face is removed, revealing the intricate layers of color. After the rough cut, three more steps of grinding and smoothing are required before the final polish. Final polish is done on a felt wheel with cerium oxide. Once the piece has reached an optical polish, it is ready for the electroforming process. Electroforming is the process of building up layers of metal over time. This process takes place over several days using an electrolytic solution, copper anodes and electricity. After electroforming for the desired amount of time, the piece is removed, cleaned and patina is added. Patinas can range from black/brown, blue, to a green antique copper