Question 1

Why is it "3" ND Glass?"

Accepted Answer

The 3 is supposed to resemble a backward E. When I engrave my logo onto some pieces I use the back of the E as the start of the N, so it flows nicely. It's supposed to be ƎND Glass but 3ND Glass is a lot easier to write, and sounds better than "Backwards E,ND Glass."

Question 2

Who is behind 3ND Glass and how did this company begin?

Accepted Answer

Ethan Davis is the sole owner and artist of 3ND Glass (with occasional help from family and friends). To find out more about the artist CLICK HERE.

Question 3

Can I buy pieces in person, or do I need to order online?"

Accepted Answer

I participate in a couple in person events a year as my schedule allows. You can try and catch me at those, but otherwise, yes, you have to order online.

Question 4

How will my order be shipped?

Accepted Answer

Orders will be shipped via USPS. At the moment I only ship to the US.

Question 5

Have you seen the show on Netflix about glass blowing? (Blown Away)

Accepted Answer

Yes, I've seen all 3 seasons and the Christmas season at least twice. I have gotten quite a bit of inspiration from watching it.

Question 6

How long does it take to make a piece?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is it varies from piece to piece.
There are a few factors to determine how long it takes to make a piece: how many times I've made it, how big it is, how much detail I want, if I have to change something about it that a customer wants... you get the picture. 
Figuring out how to make a piece can take hours, then streamlining can take several more. Once, I've gotten a process nailed down a piece can take me between 15 and 30 minutes. But if I'm feeling extra ambitious about a piece, it can take days or even weeks.

Question 7

How can I get into glass blowing?

Accepted Answer

Jump straight in. Look for a studio, find a teacher, take a class. Check out a local studio and see if they offer lessons or experiences. I work at Flux Studio in Denver, and have started teaching there. If you're interested in taking a class with me, you can email your text me (start with 3ND in your message) and we can see if it would be a good fit.

Question 8

What is glass made of?

Accepted Answer

Clear glass is made of a mixture of sand (silicon dioxide), limestone (calcium carbonate), and sodium carbonate. Colored glass can contain additives to change the color.

Question 9

What is a "Gather"?"

Accepted Answer

A gather is a term used in glass blowing. It means putting your clean pipe/piece into the furnace to "gather" more glass. It will increase in size exponentially with each consecutive gather.

Question 10

What is dichroic Glass?

Accepted Answer

Dichroic Glass is specialty glass that shimmers and reflects the surrounding color(s) in a piece. It is rather expensive with the scrap costing 60 dollars and the premium sheets costing upwards of 150. Cllick here for some pictures of pieces with dichroic.

Question 11

How do you make bubbles?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 main ways of making bubbles with each having their own look, advantages, and disadvantages.
 
Ice pick bubbles are the easiest to control and don't have too many unwanted side effects, but it’s hard to cluster a bunch of them together. Like the name implies, you use a tool with a sharp point (like an ice pick) to dent the glass where you want the bubble to appear. Then you get another gather of clear glass, trapping air in the dents. When the glass is heated, the air pocket will become round. 
 
Baking soda bubbles the most dramatic but are very hard to control. You put baking soda on the marver (steel-topped table) and place the piece onto the baking soda. You can put the bubbles on only one side of the piece with this technique.  However, it is very hard to control. If too much baking soda sticks to the piece, the bubbles can make one side of the piece almost opaque and leave the design inside hidden. On top of that, sometimes big bubble can form, which usually looks bad but seriously weakens and can destroy the piece. These two reasons makes it dry baking soda least favorite way to create bubbles in a piece.

The final way I make bubbles appear in my work is working with baking soda dissolved in water. By disolving the baking soda it diffuses the baking soda around the piece with no major clumps. You then form your piece, dunk it in the baking soda solution, and then complete a final gather.  This gives the look of many small bubbles around the entire piece. However, you can't really apply it to one part of a piece. It’s an all or nothing technique.
 
The final way I make bubbles appear in my work is working with baking soda dissolved in water. By dissolving the baking soda it diffuses the baking soda around the piece with no major clumps. After the piece is shaped, you dunk it in the baking soda solution, and then another gather.  This gives the look of many small bubbles around the entire piece. However, you can't really apply it to one part of a piece. It’s an all or nothing technique.

If you want to combine these the only combo I'd recommend is the ice pick bubbles + baking soda water bubbles. The regular baking soda is a stand alone option only.
 
A jelly fish with ice pick bubbles
 
A jelly fish with baking soda bubbles

A jelly fish with failed baking soda bubbles
 
A memory piece with baking soda water bubbles

Question 12

How long do custom orders take?

Accepted Answer

Depending on how complicated your custom order is and my backlog, it will likely be finished 3-4 weeks after your order is processed and after the design is finalized. I typically work in the studio once a week. If you have a deadline make sure to include it on your order form, and I will get back to you.

Question 13

How are custom orders, memory pieces, and commissions priced?"

Accepted Answer

Custom Orders cost the amount of the item in the store + $5 + shipping.
 
Memory Pieces will be cost dependent on what options you chose. They generally range between 45-100 which includes shipping. The heart in the memory piece section in my gallery would cost $55.
 
Commission prices will be discussed between myself and the person who commissioned me over email. Pieces that require welding will make the price skyrocket, for example the lamp on my galley page would cost appx. $350-$450.

Question 14

What is a Memory Piece?

Accepted Answer

A memory piece is a simple piece that contains a small amount of cremains. They are distinguishable from other pieces because the cremains add a slightly smokey color and some bubbles.

Question 15

Can you work with a customer to make something not seen on your site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I can! Go to the commission page and fill out the form. After the form is processed, we can clarify the details of the design, and if it is possible for me to meet your criteria.

Question 16

Can I customize pieces?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. If you would like a color of a piece that isn't available in the gallery, and/or you would like to change another small detail like engraving, you can custom order a piece. If you would like a completely original piece you can commission a piece.

Frequently asked questions