About Decorative Glass Marbles
Marbles have brought joy to children and even adults for centuries. They are among the oldest toys known. They are made in all shapes and sizes. They have been made from a variety of materials, but none prettier than glass. Glass marbles are used in decoration as well as played with.
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History
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Marbles were first made of stone and clay by the ancient Egyptians. Glass marbles were not made until 1846. In 1846, a German glassblower invented marble scissors, a tool that easily made glass marbles. Because they became so easy to make, glass marbles with intricate, swirling patterns became very popular throughout Europe and Asia.
Manufacturing
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Making glass marbles is a relatively simple process. Glass is melted in a furnace, and then poured out. Next, colored glasses are inserted into the melted glass. Shears cut the glass into small cylinders as it falls from the furnace. The cylinders go into moving mechanical rollers which make the marbles round and let them sit to cool.
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Names and Games of Marbles
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In the game of marbles, there are shooters or taws and alleys. Alleys are the best marbles. Taws or shooters are the marbles being used by the player. Usually, cheap glass marbles are used for play, and expensive are decorative. However, decorative, beautiful, expensive marbles can be used as alleys. Expensive marbles cannot be relinquished to the winner. Only the cheap ones can.
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References
- Photo Credit glass art image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
