April is Earth Day month, so of course we’re thinking about ways to use reuse glass to avoid simply throwing it out! Since glass is a sustainable, reusable material — and we’re the only gallery/private event venue part of the St. Louis Green Business Challenge — we’re offering our Third Friday guests the opportunity to reuse old glass bottles!
For this month’s Third Friday, bring in your clean, label-free glass bottles and have them slumped or cut for only $15!
Cutting:
Ever noticed the difference between drinking out of a glass and drinking from a can or plastic cup? Glass is less porous, and less likely to be treated with chemicals. Not to mention it makes drinks taste so much better! Make yourself some new drinking glasses from your old bottles!
First, the bottle is placed in front of a saw, and anchored down so it stays in the same spot and the cut is consistent.
Once the saw comes on, the bottle is slowly rotated for an even cut.
Once the bottle is cut and separated, the edges are still a little rough! It’s nothing a little sanding and coldworking can’t fix.
Below, we are using the lapidary wheel to smooth the edges of the glass. The “lap” is the same kind of wheel used by jewelry makers to polish diamonds! Polishing by hand is also always a great idea, using a fine grit sandpaper. Once you’re done, wash it out and you’re ready to use your new upcycled cup!
Slumping:
Slumping, or flattening, glass bottles doesn’t require as many steps as cutting, but takes much longer!
After placing a bottle in the kiln, the heat is turned up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, just hot enough for the bottle to begin to collapse.
After firing for several hours, the bottles are done! They make great cheese plates, bookends, and anything else you can imagine!
Bring by your bottles and “go green” with us at Third Friday!
Friday, April 17, 2015, 6:00p – 10:00p!