See How the Muralla Pendant Light Is Handmade in Our Hot Shop

It is our pleasure to introduce the latest addition to Niche's hand-blown pendant line: the MurallaInspired by the top of ancient castle walls, the defined edges of this glass pendant light will add a unique handmade touch to any space. The Muralla pendant is available in an array of glass color options including colored Optique glass in Gray, Condesa, and Fig, and our traditional smooth glass in best-selling colors such as Crystal and Gray. 

Every Muralla pendant is handmade by a team of talented glass artisans in our state-of-the-art Hot Shop. Learn more about our glass-blowing process to see how this stunning silhouette comes to life.

 

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1. BLOCKING

The gaffer shapes the molten glass in a wet block, which is typically made of cherry wood, creating a cushion of steam that helps the bubble move smoothly and take shape.

 

 

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2. OPTIQUE MOLD BLOWING

An additional step is added to the glass-blowing process for our Optique Muralla pendants. Before the molten glass can be blown into the Muralla mold, it must be blown into a cast aluminum one, which ultimately creates the ridged effect distinct to our Optique glass. 

 

 

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3. MOLD BLOWING

Next, the gaffer will inflate the rounded mass of glass in the mold, a technique that is called mold blowing. The gather expands within the wooden frame and eventually takes the shape of the Muralla pendant.

 

 

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4. WRAPPING

A wrap, or a small gather of glass on an additional pipe, is used to stop cracks from traveling through the pendant. This technique will ensure that when the gaffer removes the glass from the blowpipe, it will not splinter and jeopardize the quality of the final product. 

 

 

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5. BOXING

A Hot Shop member suits up with heat-resistant gear and holds the glass as it cracks off the pipe. Then it is "boxed," or put into the annealer to be gradually cooled and cold-worked. The final (and most exciting) step is packing and shipping the Muralla pendants for their new home!

 

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