Welcome to Komori Designs. I'm sure that you will enjoy my unique, one-of-a-kind, contemporary jewelry pieces, fusion-style fused glass plates, sandblasted beverage glasses and stained glass projects.

My journey began at the Art of Glass Studio in the year 2001. I was inspired to transform two dimensional stained glass projects into three dimensional works of art. Tilting glass pieces, and adding different mediums such as beads, wire and shapes made from copper sheets, created depth. I began incorporating fused glass and sandblasted techniques into my projects. My etched glassware, fused glass jewelry and plates and other wearable art became conversation pieces. Sandblasted martini and wine glasses became favorite gifts to give to family, friends…even business associates. My hobby was now turning into a small business venture.

With my past experience as fashion designer and clothing manufacturer, it was a natural progression for me to be entranced with glass. As in the clothing industry, balancing the design elements in combination with the right colors and fabrics is critical. Performing precision cutting and incorporating attention to detail with superior workmanship ultimately creates a high-quality designer product. Glass fascinates me: it's various textures, unlimited colors and patterns, the endless rainbow effects of dichroic and iridescent glass evoke an inspired creative impulse in me.

In the glass fusing process, I combine various colors and textures of opaque, translucent, dichroic and iridescent glass. Once I cut and grind the glass to shape and size, I layer the pieces and kiln fire at various temperatures, usually between 1450 - 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. This process is often repeated over and over again until I get the desired results. When "slumping" glass, I place the layered glass on a mold and fire at approximately 1250 degrees Fahrenheit, just hot enough to soften it into the ideal shape. Occasionally, I will cold polish, which is grinding the glass with a diamond head to give it a matte finish, and fire polish, which when fired once more, but at a lower temperature will soften the glass surface.

Dichroic glass, originally developed for use in space, is glass coated with a thin layer of a metallic oxide: gold, copper, titanium, chromium silicon or magnesium. Fired at a very high temperature in a vacuum furnace, the dichroic layer reflects certain wavelengths of light while transmitting others. Rotate a piece of dichroic glass and see a variety of colors play. Iridescent glass is composed of a thin chemical layer that creates a luster or a rainbow-like effect of iridescence.

My fused glass cabochons are wire wrapped with gold or "Argentium" sterling silver, which is tarnish-resistant (an occasional wipe with a soft cloth is all that is needed to maintain a lasting shine.) Quality gemstones such as Swarovski crystals and beads, sterling silver from Italy and Thailand and unusual trade beads, are also incorporated into many of my fine jewelry pieces.

My endless passion to be innovative as well as creative always keeps me challenged. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for visiting Komori Designs.

Sincerely,