Dot-Stack Marbles - Stacks On Deck
The dot-stacking technique in glass-blowing is a decorative method used to create patterns and designs on the surface of glass objects. This method can be used to create a wide range of patterns, from simple geometric shapes to complex, abstract designs - or even arranged to create a recognizable object or character. The technique is often used in the creation of marbles, vases, and other decorative glass objects.
Primarily used in lampworking, which is a type of glassblowing that uses a torch or lamp as the heat source to melt the glass, the glassblower applies small dots of glass, usually of different colors, to a larger piece of glass and then stacks them on top of each other. This creates a layered, multicolored effect that can be used to create intricate patterns and designs. Dot-stacking can also be used in traditional furnace glassblowing, but this technique is more commonly used in lampworking due to the precision and control that it offers.
The dot-stacking technique in glassblowing is a relatively recent development and its origins are not well documented. It is believed to have been developed in the late 20th century as a lampworking technique but it is possible to consider similar methods via furnace work as “dot-stacking”, which can be dated back to the ancient Egyptians. It's hard to determine a specific date of its foundation as the techniques in glassblowing are constantly evolving and being developed by artists across regions at similar times.
How It's Done
The process of dot-stacking starts with gathering a small amount of glass onto the end of a glass blowing pipe. The glass is then heated until it becomes a molten ball, called a gather. Once the gather is heated to the proper temperature, the glassblower will use a variety of tools such as tweezers, paddles, and shaping tools to shape the gather into a small dot.
The dot is then placed on a prepared surface, usually a smooth and flat marver, where it is cooled slightly. This process is repeated multiple times, with each new dot being placed on top of the previous one, to build up the pattern or design.
As the dots are stacked, the glassblower must pay close attention to the temperature of the glass and the size and shape of the dots to ensure that they adhere properly and maintain the desired shape.
After the desired number of dots have been stacked, the glassblower will use a variety of tools to shape and smooth the design. The object is then reheated and cooled again in an annealer to prevent stress fractures.
Sqwishy Q&A
What advice would you give to someone interested in learning the dot-stacking technique in glass-blowing?
“When first learning to dot stack I recommend focusing on even placement and having each dot be the same amount of glass. Creating an even and consistent heat base at the tip of your color rod when applying will help create a natural round shape for clean dots and will help you get the feel for laying the same amount of glass for each dot. The most important thing for consistency is even spacing and an even amount of glass for each dot even half a millimeter off is very noticeable to the rest of the pattern. I like to press the glass onto the surface and when pulling away I kind of swirl the rod away in what I call “the Hershey Kiss move” this pulls the dot into a even cone shape that can melt into the surface easily and helps me compare dots and also tapers the rod to an even amount that I use to place the next dot.“
What tools and materials are essential for dot-stacking?
“The only thing necessary is the color and heat. Your mind and your ideas are what creates the patterns. The dots themselves are simple.“
What is the most amount of dots you’ve put on a marble?
“When I make my designs I make smaller patterns with a few dots and then multiply that across the surface to make larger more complex designs. I can then count the total dots by multiplying how many times the original pattern is repeated. The most I’ve done on a marble recently was about 1500 which was made of multiple layers of dots encased in clear.“
What is the fewest?
“A simple stack of 2 or 3 dots begins to look like a bullseye, this pattern has been dated all the way back to even Egyptian beads.”
How long does it typically take to complete a dot-stacked glass piece?
“On my smaller pieces they take me about an hour or so now as I’ve gotten used to the setup and layout but for larger and more complex works it can take hours or even days to finish.“
How does a very simple dot-stacking pattern differ from the encalmo/incalmo technique? Is dot-stacking a type of encalmo?
I personally see that a dot stack is different from an encalmo, but I could see the similarities. I would consider an encalmo technique to be the joining of two or more sections together linearly mostly done in hollow work. But dot stacking is more of a pattern-oriented technique based around repetition.