These glass strawberries are the most technically difficult berries I make. I form them using the lamp working process, which involves melting colored glass rods in the flame of a torch. The glass is melted over and around a loop in a length of copper wire of appropriate thickness, which then becomes the strawberry stem. Because of the loop, the stem can never be pulled free of the glass strawberry.
Although the strawberries you see pictured here are a ripe medium red, I can also make them in a darker over-ripe purple red, or even a white "alpine" variety. The size (not including the stem) can be anywhere from small (about 3/4 inch high) to large (a little bigger than 1-1/4 inches high).
Once I have made the basic strawberry shape, the time-consuming job of adding the seeds begins. Each seed is placed one at a time into its own recessed seat in a process that takes up to a minute per seed. The smallest strawberries have more than 100 seeds, and the largest have several hundred seeds.
After all the seeds have been placed, it's time to finish the strawberry by adding the green sepals (leaves). This is the most dangerous time. The challenge is to keep the entire body of the strawberry evenly warm (about 900 - 1000 degrees F) while adding the sepals, because if any portion of the strawberry becomes too cold the whole thing will explode due to thermal shock. If the sepals get too warm, they melt into green blobs. It’s quite a balancing act! The final step is to put the strawberry in the kiln for controlled cooling.
Each glass strawberry is priced according to its size. The cost of your order will depend on how many strawberries you order, and their sizes. Your order will be carefully packaged with biodegradable plant fiber batting inside a 100% recycled paper gift box with a pretty red stretch bow.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
About Me:
I have been working with glass for about thirty years in total, and have made my living as a glass sculptor and jewelry designer for the last fifteen years.
About My Work:
My current work focuses on lifelike fruits and berries which I make from glass in the flame of a torch. I sell the glass berries as sculpture as single pieces or in customized groupings, and I also incorporate them into unique jewelry pieces, often custom-designed for individual clients.
The jewelry designs can range from very simple pendants and earrings to complex statement pieces. Take a look at my Custom and Quick Order listings to get some ideas of what can be done. I would love to design a custom piece just for you.
My Business:
My work is also available for purchase around the United States at major glass and art galleries, and my pieces have found homes in private collections all over the world. I also do business under the name GlassBerries.
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.
Christine Alvarez
For Glass Blackberry Necklace With LeavesThis necklace is beautiful! I love it! Elizabeth was extremely communicative and helpful, and finished the project quickly. I could not be more happy with her and with the final result.
Lee Seidel
For Red Raspberry Earrings With Glass Leaf AccentsThe earrings arrived very quickly and where well packaged. The earrings themselves are beautifully hand crafted and exceeded my expectations. I am sure my wife will be pleased with her Valentines gift this year!
Jan Amend
For Raspberry Necklace With Glass Berry And Leaf Cluster, Adjustable Length.I know it will be perfect! From my two other necklaces, I can hardly wait for my twin to open the box and see her delight of the raspberry necklace! I already know she has received it...and I've asked her to wait until I can be there. Ms. Johnson's necklace is not only beautiful, you know she is such an amazing artist with her creative details!
Jan Amend
For Glass Blueberry Necklace With Leaves And Water DropsI ordered two neckaces and though very different, it was absolutely breathtaking when I opened the box! Elizabeth Johnson is meticulous and an absolutely fabulous artist!! Her blueberries looked like I could just pluck them off and eat them!! I received many compliments from my colleagues!! I will be giving them the website so they too can order and admire her work! Elizabeth was very caring about the particular details I wanted and more than delivered!! She was very timely in making the necklace, and in communicating and shipping it to me!! You will love her wearable art!!!
Jan Amend
For Blueberry Cluster Pendant On Adjustlable Sterling Silver ChainThe necklace was absolutely perfect in every way! Elizabeth Johnson was fabulous on asking about exactly how I wanted it designed and made sure she sent it to me the way I needed to have it delivered! I loved this necklace so much, I've asked her to make me another for my twin sister! Elizabeth's professionalism, expertise, timeliness in communicating, making this necklace and shipping it were just outstanding!!!! I LOVE THIS NECKLACE AND PRAISE MS. JOHNSON FOR SUCH AN OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCE!!
mitchell schmidt
For Realistic Glass Blackberry NecklaceRe: Elizabeth Johnson, Working with Elizabeth was a pleasure and timely, reflected in my ratings. But her work is what I am considering here, for the most part. My wife, on receiving her Blueberry Necklace from me, asked me weather it will stain her blouse when she puts in on. But truly- this necklace is just beautiful!!! Mitch Schmidt
jane sonders
For Glass Blueberry Earrings With Cubic ZirconiaIt was a pleasure working with Elizabeth. She made me a beautiful custom set of earrings and necklace. She was very amenable to any suggestions or alterations that I wanted to make. The set came out just as I imagined and were made and shipped promptly. The whole process was smooth from start to finish. I would highly recommend Elizabeth's work as well as working with Elizabeth.
Debra Borgen Borgen
For Realistic Glass Ripe Blueberry Earrings With Swarovski CrystalsBeautiful and unique
Aaron Shields
For Red Raspberry Earrings With Glass Leaf AccentsCarolyn
For Triple Glass Ripe Blueberry Necklace With Swarovski CrystalsWonderful!
Chloe
For Glass CherriesI ordered glass cherries from Elizabeth, and she crafted, shipped them, and they arrived within seven days of ordering. Stunning and increadibly realistic. Keep in mind that the photographs come out quite a bit brighter and lighter. The tones of the actual pieces are softer and really beautiful. Definitely recommended!