The shimmer, the enchantment, and the epic tales hidden in glass balls.
Decorative glass balls are still common in many homes for the “sparkle” they give when placed in a sunny spot.
Since the 16th century glass balls have been popular for many different reasons. However, mainly they have been used in homes to brighten and frighten!
Brighten with Glass Balls
Reflecting on glass balls evokes the enchanting shimmer and sparkle that one associates with sunlight. Historically, glass balls have been utilized in various contexts for centuries. However, in contemporary times, they have evolved to blend seamlessly into any imaginable decor style.
Gazing Balls
Gazing balls are believed to bring luck and prosperity to a home and abundant growth to plants and flowers. First used in Venice, a gazing ball was found in most gardens. Francis Bacon remarked that a “proper garden would have coloured balls for the sun to play upon.”
Friendship Balls
Friendship balls are like sparkly little emblems of buddy love! When you gift one to your pal, it’s like saying, “Hey, you’re a treasure and I totally care about you!” Plus, if you hang that dazzling ball in your window, it’s basically a neon sign inviting friends to swing by anytime—come on over, the party’s always on!
Frighten with Glass Balls
Using a glass balls to deter and scare away unwanted people was very popular back in the day. Using the shine and glamour of a glass ball to frighten was the reason these balls were hung. Although, wouldn’t the shimmer and shine of a glass ball actually draw the curious forward? Not exactly sure they had the “brightest” idea here for glass balls.
Witches Glass Balls
Once upon a time, every home had a witches ball. These balls were believed to first be used sometime in the 1600 – 1700’s. People would hang them in their homes to protect them from spirits and spells. Then, according to legends, the glittery balls would entice the spirit of a witch into the ball where the many strands of colour would trap her for all time inside!
Butler Balls
While not exactly frightening, if you used a Butler Balls today it just feels wrong. Butler Balls were actually made from stainless steel and polished to a shine like glass. Then, located into a hidden corner where the butler could then peek at the reflection to observe guests without drawing attention to himself. When noticing anything amiss the butler would then “appear” to attend to any needs of guests. It gave Butlers a reputation as “mind readers!”
Kitras Glass Balls
Modern glass today is made by many companies and glass balls we are proud to carry are hand made by Kitras Glass. A Canadian company, Kitras has been making gorgeous glass for over 30 years. Their process begins with the base glass being heated to over 2,000 °C! Colour is then added at a reduced temperature of approx. 1,800°C and then blown to create the beautiful collections of Kitras Glass.
You can stop into Mother Nature anytime and visit our sunroom to view our beautiful collection of Kitras Art Glass!
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