If it does, it sags. It never shatters. She holds the glass tube over a flame and adds the electrodes, necessary to light the glass. As she heats, blows and bends the glass, she said she is always thinking ahead. After the tubes are bent and electrodes added, air is vacuumed out, and the tube is bombarded with electrical current to purify it.
Gas is added, and the tube is sealed.
Neon lighting was developed for advertising, and one of the attractions is high visibility, especially clear red, which is less costly than other color choices. It's an art she describes as dirty, hot and unglamorous. Cuts and burns come with the daily use of fire and glass, and the fiberglass is itchy. As she describes each step in the process of neon sign making, Reynolds' enthusiasm and enjoyment of her work is evident. After hearing about a school in Florida, she was just about ready to move there and live in her van.