A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

K

Kiln — art glass, handblown glass, ceramics
A insulated chamber for firing clay, forming glass or melting enamels; studio kilns can achieve temperatures up to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit and can be fueled with gas, wood or electricity, fuel oil or propane. In ceramics, materials used to heat the kiln can affect the work: wood ash can build up on the surfaces of a piece and form a glaze at high temperatures. Some potters introduce chemicals into the kiln to influence the effects of the firing.  
 

Kiln Casting — art glass, handblown glass
Fusing small pieces of glass (called "frit") inside a mold at temperatures between 1500 and 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. A warm glass technique.  
 

Kiln‒forming — art glass, handblown glass
Process of forming glass that uses a kiln to heat glass in a heat‒resistant mold, slump glass over a form (slumping), or fuse two or more pieces of glass together.  
 

Kiln‒formed — art glass, handblown glass
Glass that is altered, fused, shaped, or textured by the heat of a kiln.  
 

L

Lampwork, Lampworking — art glass, handblown glass
A form of glassblowing using a torch where the cold ends of glass tubing or rod are held in the hands or a glass lathe while the other ends are heated and melted together. Usually used for small detailed work such as beadmaking but also includes neon and scientific glass work.  
 

Latticinio — art glass, handblown glass
Threads of white or colored glass within clear glass, sometimes lace‒like in pattern. Associated with Venetian‒style glass.  
 

Leaf — art glass, handblown glass
Very thin sheets of gold or silver or platinum originally used on surfaces, applied with sizing (glue) for a shiny effect. Some artists roll glass in leaf, picking it up and then case it and further blow, which tears the leaf apart in an organized way, giving decorative effect.  
 

Leather‒Hard — art glass, handblown glass
The state of raw clay when most of the moisture has evaporated, but is still soft enough to be carved or joined to other pieces.  
 

Limited Edition — all
Artworks produced in a deliberately limited quantity. Each item in the edition is identical and is an original work of art. The limited size of the edition enhances the value of each piece.  
 

Lip — art glass, handblown glass
The edge of an open topped glass piece. Often shaped for graceful appearance and useful need (as in pouring or grip). The lip may be crimped, bent, curved, or wrapped. A lip is almost always an edge between the inside and outside, while a rim will often include an upper and lower surface flat or otherwise shaped to form a surface.  
 

Lip Wrap — art glass, handblown glass
A contrasting line of glass added around the lip of a piece just before finishing, often a contrasting color. Usually larger than a thread, but applied the same way. Often used in contemporary art glass.  
 

Lost Wax Casting — art glass, handblown glass, handcrafted jewelry
The object is modeled in wax and cased in a ceramic or plaster mold. The mold is heated and the wax flows out; powdered or molten glass is poured into the mold.