Northstar Glassworks
Aurora
A highly saturated exotic striker producing blues and magentas when oxidized, or greens and earth tones when reduced; a brief reduction bath at the end yields a brilliant mirror-like metallic sheen.
Outcomes
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Blues and magenta hues with potential mirror-like metallic sheenWork in a super-oxidizing flame throughout. At the very end, bathe the piece in an extremely reducing flame for only a few seconds to develop the brilliant mirror-like sheen strike.
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Greens and earth tones when reducedReduce the color for greens and earthy hues; can then encase in clear for additional effects. Dragging clear over the surface creates interesting patterns.
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Greens/earth tones encased in clear with dragged surface patternsReduce first, then encase in clear. Dragging the clear over the surface produces interesting layered patterns unique to this color.
Working notes
Preheat / heat slowly
- Must be worked on a super-oxidizing flame to prevent unintended reduction.
- Sensitive to heat — work slowly and gently.
- Does not strike or change in the kiln; color is controlled solely by flame chemistry.
- Heavy encasement is not recommended.
- Anneal carefully — metal oxide saturation increases cracking risk.