Depression Glass and Carnival Glass are two popular antique art glass styles that came into production during the 1920s. Both glasses are similar in appearance. Depression Glass, produced during the Great Depression, was an inexpensive glass formed into practical items, such as dishware and serving trays. Retailers frequently gave Depression Glass pieces to customers as a way to entice them to their stores or reward their patronage. Depression Glass is recognized by its variety of clear colors and iridescent sheen.
Carnival Glass was also developed during the 1920s.This glass is characterized by its variety of gem-colored tones and iridescent, metallic finishes. Carnival Glass got its name because it was frequently awarded as a "prize" at carnivals and fairs.
"Blown glass" is glass that has been mouth-blown by artisans working with molten glass gathered on long-handled blowpipes. Glass blowing is a technique frequently used to create decorative vessels, vases, goblets, stemware and intricate paperweights. Glass artisans incorporate colors into the blowing process and shape or "marver" the piece as they blow it into the desired shape.
Torched glass, also called "flameworked" or "lampworked" glass, is created using oxygen and propane-powered torches, which are used to heat glass rods into molten masses. These masses are then wound around stainless steel rods called "mandrels" and shaped into beads or small sculptures. Popular glasses used in this process include reactive glass, which turns a variety of different colors in different levels of heat; borosilicate glass, which creates a marbled effect encased in clear glass; and "soft" glass, such as Moretti and Effetre, known for their low melting points and vibrant array of colors.
Fused glass, or "kiln-formed" glass, is glass that is pieced together into artistic designs and placed into pre-formed molds that are kiln-fired. The glass fuses together during the firing process. Fusing is a popular technique for making decorative platters, elaborate display pieces and jewelry.
Stained glass is the piecing together of various glass styles that are then connected with soldered, leaded wires. The stained glass style is popular in creating elaborate window panes, doors and lamps.