Ceramics refer to objects made from clay that have been shaped and fired at high temperatures to harden and become durable. The history of ceramics dates back thousands of years, with evidence of ancient pottery found in many parts of the world. Today, ceramics are used to create a variety of objects, such as vases, bowls, plates, and figurines. Ceramic artists often use different techniques to create unique designs and textures on their pieces, such as hand-building, throwing on a wheel, and glazing.

Glass crafts, on the other hand, involve the manipulation of glass to create objects with various textures, shapes, and colours. The process of glassblowing, which involves heating glass to a molten state and then shaping it with various tools, is perhaps the most well-known technique used in glass crafts, however, other methods, such as stained glass, fused glass, and etching, are also popular among glass artists.

Ceramics are objects made from clay that have been shaped and fired at high temperatures to harden and become durable. The history of ceramics dates back thousands of years, with evidence of ancient pottery found in many parts of the world. Today, ceramics are used to create a variety of objects, such as vases, bowls, plates, and figurines.
The process of creating ceramics typically involves several steps. First, the clay is prepared by kneading it to remove any air bubbles and to create a smooth, workable texture. The artist may then use various techniques to shape the clay, such as hand-building, throwing on a wheel, or carving. Once the desired shape has been achieved, the piece is allowed to dry, which can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the size and complexity of the piece.
After the piece has dried, it is fired in a kiln at high temperatures, which can range from 1,000 to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. This process causes the clay to harden and become durable, as well as to develop its final colour and texture. Some pieces may then be glazed, which involves applying a thin layer of glass-like material to the surface of the piece to create a shiny, colourful finish.
Ceramics can be used to create both functional and decorative objects. In addition to the traditional bowls and vases, ceramic artists often create sculptures, figurines, and even jewellery. Because of the wide range of techniques and styles available in ceramics, the possibilities for artistic expression are virtually limitless.
Glass art is a form of artistic expression that involves creating works of art using glass as the primary material. Glass can be manipulated in a variety of ways, including blowing, casting, fusing, slumping, and etching. Glass art can take many forms, including sculptures, vessels, mosaics, and stained glass windows.
One of the most popular forms of glass art is blown glass, which involves heating the glass to a molten state and then blowing it into various shapes using a blowpipe. This technique has been used for thousands of years and is still widely used today.
Another popular form of glass art is fused glass, which involves heating multiple pieces of glass until they melt and fuse together to create a single piece. This technique allows for a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures to be incorporated into the glass.
Stained glass is another form of glass art that involves creating images or designs by arranging coloured glass pieces into a pattern and then fusing them together with lead. This technique has been used for centuries to create stunning works of art in churches, museums, and other public spaces.
Glass art has a rich history and has been used for many purposes, from creating decorative objects to making scientific instruments. Today, glass art is a popular form of contemporary art, and artists continue to explore new techniques and ideas for working with this versatile material.
Glass bead-making and lamp-work
Glass bead-making and lamp-working are both techniques used to create small, decorative glass objects such as beads, pendants, and other small trinkets. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two techniques.
Glass bead-making involves melting glass rods or tubes in a flame and shaping the molten glass into a small, spherical bead. The artist uses various tools to shape the glass, such as mandrels to create the hole in the bead and tweezers to create different shapes and textures. Once the bead has been shaped, it is cooled slowly in a kiln to prevent it from cracking or breaking due to temperature changes.
Lamp-working is a type of glass bead-making that uses a special type of torch, called a lamp, to melt the glass. This allows the artist to work with smaller pieces of glass and to create more intricate designs. Lamp-working can be used to create a variety of glass objects, including beads, figurines, and small sculptures.
Both glass bead-making and lamp-working require a high level of skill and precision, as the artist must work quickly to shape the molten glass before it cools and solidifies. Glass bead-making and lamp-working are often used in jewellery making and other crafts, and many artists specialise in these techniques. Additionally, there are many classes and workshops available for those who are interested in learning how to create their own glass beads and objects using these techniques.
Mosaic art
Mosaic art is a form of art that involves the use of small, coloured pieces of stone, glass, ceramic, or other materials to create a larger image or design. The pieces, called tesserae, are arranged to form a pattern or picture and are often held together by a binder, such as cement or adhesive.
Mosaic art has a long history, dating back to ancient civilisations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, who used the technique to create elaborate floors, walls, and ceilings in their buildings. In the Byzantine era, mosaic art reached its peak, with intricate designs and patterns covering entire walls and ceilings of churches and palaces.
Today, mosaic art continues to be popular and is used in a variety of settings, including public art installations, interior design, and home decor. Many artists use the technique to create one-of-a-kind pieces, such as wall hangings, tabletops, and sculptures.
Creating a mosaic involves several steps. First, the design or image is drawn onto a surface, such as a wooden board or a wall. Then, the tesserae are arranged according to the design and glued or cemented into place. Once the adhesive has dried, the mosaic is grouted to fill in any gaps between the tesserae and to create a smooth, finished surface.
Mosaic art offers a wide range of creative possibilities, as the artist can use a variety of materials, colours, and patterns to create a unique and personalised piece. Additionally, the durability of the materials used in mosaic art makes it well-suited for use in public spaces or outdoor settings, where it can withstand exposure to the elements.
Stained glass
Stained glass is a form of decorative art that involves the use of coloured glass to create images or designs. The technique has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was used to adorn the windows of churches and cathedrals.
Stained glass is created by cutting pieces of coloured glass into various shapes and sizes and then assembling them together using strips of lead or other materials. The design is created by arranging the different colours and shapes of glass to create a pattern or image. Once the design has been finalised, the pieces of glass are held together with the lead strips and soldered at the joints to create a strong, durable panel.
Stained glass can be used to create a wide variety of decorative objects, including windows, lamps, and decorative panels. The coloured glass can be manipulated to create a variety of effects, such as shading, texture, and depth, which can give the piece a three-dimensional quality.
In addition to its decorative qualities, stained glass is often used to tell stories or convey messages. Many stained glass windows in churches and other religious buildings depict scenes from the Bible or other religious texts. Stained glass can also be used to create abstract designs or to depict landscapes, animals, or other objects.
Creating stained glass requires a high level of skill and precision, as the artist must be able to cut the glass to the exact size and shape needed and to solder the joints together without damaging the delicate glass pieces. Many stained glass artists also have a background in painting or drawing, as they must be able to create detailed designs and patterns to be translated into glass.