Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Very often beautifully engraved designs on glass are spoiled by poor lettering because, though the artist knows how to draw, he does not know the fundamentals of producing good letters. In this book, Charmian Mocatta discusses the basics of lettering, significant properties of glass such as translucence and color, and the techniques such as engraving and sandblasting by which letters can be put on glass. This is a practical handbook which uses the artwork of internationally known glass artists to illustrate the text.

Announcing Glass Handbooks

The Glass Handbook series was conceived as an introduction to various topics and techniques relating to making glass. The books are aimed at the student or the practised glassmaker who is experimenting in a new area.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface (p. 7)
• Acknowledgments (p. 9)
• Introduction (p. 11)
• Safety (p. 13)
• Use of light (p. 15)
• Posture & working position (p. 17)
• Glass (p. 19)
• Where to obtain glass (p. 21)
• Retail
• Trade
• The Glass Artist
• Cullet
• Windows, doors and panels
• Optical glass
• Antique glass
• Ways of using glass (p. 28)
• Methods of engraving (p. 31)
• Wheel
• Diamond tipped scriber
• Acid etch
• Electrically driven drill
• Burs
• Sandblast
• Gallery (p. 41)
• Inspiration & implementation (p. 49)
• First questions
• More specific questions
• Originating the letters
• Developing a design for a goblet
• Finalising the design
• Planning a monogram
• Planning letters in a circle on a horizontal plane
• Transferring the design (p. 67)
• Engraving the design (p. 71)
• The dry method
• The wet method
• Surface engraving technique
• Suggested stages of engraving
• Flourishes
• Mistakes
• Presentation (p. 79)
• Sandblast (p. 80)
• Sandblast cabinet
• Grit
• Masks for sandblast
• Design considerations for sandblast (p. 84)
• Hand cut mask: attaching self-adhesive plastic
• Attaching a commercially made vinyl mask
• Hand cut mask: attaching the drawing
• Attaching commercially made stencils
• Cutting the design
• Protecting the glass
• Cutting for deep sandblasting
• In the sandblast cabinet (p. 95)
• Working practice
• Cleaning up
• Photographing engraved lettering (p. 97)
• Sending glass through the post (p. 100)
• Pricing work (p. 101)
• Appendix Leonard Evetts (p. 103)
• Conclusion (p. 107)
• Glossary (p. 108)
• Bibliography (p. 110)
• Index (p. 111)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

These are guides for the surface decoration of commercially available glass objects. Le Van's book is a collection of uncomplicated, step-by-step projects for etching, bottle cutting, painting on glass, and working with stained glass. The finished products include tableware and decorative sun-catchers. Professional glass engraver Mocatta provides a manual of techniques for artists who use lettering in their engraving designs. She discusses tools and the critical considerations when designing glass objects. Both books are suitable for public library crafts collections, and the Mocatta book would also be useful in academic arts collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Charmian Mocatta is an associate Fellow of the Guild of Glass Engravers and produces their quarterly newsletter. She has taught calligraphy and lettering at various colleges and holds workshops throughout the UK.