🌿 Squashes – Care & Information
Fabio di Vetro – Artisan Glasssmith
What are Squashes?
Squashes are thin, kiln-formed glass elements made from murrini that have been fired at high temperatures until they soften and expand into delicate, organic shapes.
Also known as glass wafers, Squashes transform structured cane patterns into fluid, painterly surfaces.
Each piece is unique and may vary in:
• pattern clarity
• transparency
• thickness
• organic shape
How They Are Made
Squashes begin as murrini pulled through a vitrigraph process and carefully annealed.
They are then re-fired at higher temperatures, allowing the glass to:
• soften and spread
• flatten into thin layers
• naturally distort the internal pattern
This process gives each piece its distinctive expanded and expressive appearance.
Glass Compatibility
All Squashes are made using COE 96 compatible glass, suitable for kiln-forming techniques.
Surface Finish
Some Squashes may appear:
• slightly matte
• softly textured
This is a natural result of the kiln process or surface preparation.
A light re-fire can restore a glossy finish if desired (see below).
Cleaning & Care
To clean your glass item:
• use a soft or microfiber cloth
• if needed, clean with lukewarm water and mild soap
• dry gently with a soft towel
Avoid:
• abrasive materials
• harsh cleaning products
• dishwasher cleaning
Handling
Due to their thin structure, Squashes are delicate.
Please:
• handle with care
• avoid bending or pressure
• store flat where possible
Re-Firing Information (For Glass Artists)
Squashes can be incorporated into fused glass work.
To preserve their shape, thinness and pattern:
⚠️ Do not exceed 715–730°C (1319–1345°F)
Lower range (around 715°C):
• preserves detail
• maintains structure
Upper range (towards 730°C):
• increases flow
• softens edges
• may enhance gloss
Higher temperatures may cause:
• loss of pattern detail
• excessive spreading
• full melting of the design
✔ Ideal for tack fuse or light contour fuse
✔ Light re-fire can restore surface gloss
Handmade Character
All Squashes are handmade in small batches.
Variations in:
• size
• pattern distribution
• thickness
are part of the process and make each piece unique.
Sustainable Making
Squashes are created from different sections of the murrini pull.
This means:
• every part of the glass is used
• variation is natural
• waste is minimised
Designed for Creative Use
Squashes are suitable for:
• fused glass
• jewellery
• mosaic work
• stained glass accents
• mixed media
📷 Instagram: @fabiodivetro