How I came to Glass Engraving
Many years ago I came across a magazine at my Grandfather's house. It featured an article about glass engraving with pictures of beautifully engraved glasses, bowls and vases. The art of glass engraving was explained and with it came a few instructions about how to try it out yourself! I was immediately fascinated and bought my first set of diamond burs and drills and started to engrave my first wine glass.
Over the years I experimented with new tools and improved my skills with learning from books and videos. I engraved glasses, mirrors, bowls, vases and other items for my family, friends and colleagues.
Born in Switzerland I emigrated to New Zealand with my family in 1994. In our gift shop I started to display my work which brought me many customers. Today I do all my engraving from my home studio and feel the same excitement when I create a new piece.
Besides hand drill engraving I use hand sandblasting and sometimes combine both methods. As well as drawing I spend a lot of time on the computer designing or converting a design to make it engravable to complement my work.
These are the first tools I used and everything was drawn and designed by hand
Hand drill engraving a detailed design
Granddad's magazine
Hand sandblasting
My first electrical hand tool
My sandblasting cabinet; sometimes an item is too big and needs to be blasted outside
I also enjoy carving eggs, all sorts; hen eggs duck eggs or even emu or ostrich eggs. Hen egg are by far the most difficult as they are so delicate and break easily!
Carved real Hen Egg.
Little Lamb on a real Hen Egg
Emu Egg
