 |
| Frosted Leaf Topaz Crystal Beaded Earrings E132 |
The Illustrated Glass Dictionary at glassonline.com defines frosting as follows: "The process of giving a glass surface a matte finish, thus reducing transparency. Frosting is done through a variety of methods. It may involve treating the glass by pouring hydrofluoric acid on it or exposing it to the acid’s fumes. Frosting also may be achieved by sandblasting, through a special glue application and subsequent removal, or by mechanical etching with a grinding wheel."
Acid etching is used for small projects and to make patterns on the glass while sandblasting is used to frost an entire sheet of glass.
Frosted finishes can vary greatly. Some have a coarse, sandpaper feel, while others have a soft feel and the look of clouded glass. The 19th-century term for glass with a frosted or matte finish was satin glass. Frosting or “satinizing” may be applied to opaque as well as transparent glass.
In the jewelry design shown, shimmering light topaz Swarovski Crystals are paired with topaz-colored frosted glass leaf shaped beads making these handmade beaded earrings truly exquisite and unique.
Crafters learning to make frosted glass usually work with acid etching. Care should be taken while working with acid. Eye and face protection should be worn at all times when making frosted glass.
