Pouring the mold. After the two halves of the mold are set and separated, the wax model is steamed out, hence the term 'lost wax'. The mold after steaming. Once the mold has been steamed and inspected it is ready to be filled with the glass frit. For pate de verre, filling the mold is a lengthy and tedious process.
Colored glass is crushed into different grain sizes called 'frits'.
Colors are chosen and quantities are weighed. Using a frit size comparable with sand or powder, the glass is weighed out and mixed with a binding agent to form a sort of paste. This paste is then packed into the mold, sometimes with very small scoops, in order to place the colors where needed. Some of our pieces take many hours just to fill the mold. Filling the mold.