Molten glass on wood is a piece of hand-blown recycled glass fused directly over a base of reclaimed Balinese gamal wood. The molten glass is poured and shaped while hot so it flows into the natural contours of the timber, creating a one-of-a-kind vessel where glass and wood become a single object. Below you will find clear answers to the questions we are asked most often about our pieces, from materials and care to UK delivery and returns.
About molten glass on wood
What is molten glass on wood?
Molten glass on wood is a piece made by fusing hand-blown recycled glass over a base of reclaimed wood. The glass is worked while hot and molten, so it settles into the grain and shape of the timber and bonds to it as it cools. The result is a bowl, dish or vessel where smooth glass meets natural wood in a single, sculptural form. Each one is made by hand rather than moulded by machine.
Is the glass really recycled?
Yes. All of our glass is recycled. Our core molten glass on wood pieces use recycled glass, and we also make a range crafted from recycled beer-bottle glass. Nothing is made from newly produced virgin glass.
What wood do you use?
We use reclaimed gamal wood from Bali. Gamal is a fast-growing tropical hardwood, and the pieces we work with are reclaimed offcuts and timber rather than freshly felled trees. Each base is selected for its grain, shape and character.
What is gamal wood?
Gamal (also known as gliricidia) is a dense, fast-growing tropical hardwood widely grown in Bali and across Southeast Asia. It has a warm tone and an attractive grain, and because it grows quickly it is a sustainable choice for reclaimed woodwork. We use reclaimed gamal as the base for our molten glass on wood pieces.
Are the beer-bottle pieces really made from recycled bottles?
Yes. Our beer-bottle range is made from genuine recycled beer-bottle glass, melted down and reshaped over reclaimed gamal wood. The natural green and amber tones you see in these pieces come from the original bottle glass itself, not from added dye.
Craft, uniqueness and dimensions
Are the pieces handmade and unique?
Every piece is entirely handmade, which means no two are identical. Because the glass is hand-blown and shaped over a natural wood base while molten, each vessel has its own colour flow, surface texture and form. You are buying a genuine one-off rather than a mass-produced item.
Do the dimensions and colours vary between pieces?
Yes. As each piece is handmade from natural materials, size, weight, colour and shape will vary slightly from the photographs and from one piece to the next. We list approximate dimensions on every product page so you have a good guide, but small variations are part of the handmade character and not a fault.
Are bubbles or marks in the glass a defect?
No. Small bubbles, ripples and variations in the glass are a natural result of the hand-blowing process and are part of what makes each piece unique. They are characteristics of genuine hand-blown recycled glass, not flaws.
Using and caring for your piece
How do I clean molten glass on wood?
Clean your piece by hand with a soft, damp cloth and dry it straight away. Avoid the dishwasher, do not soak the wooden base, and skip harsh or abrasive cleaners. Our full care guide has step-by-step instructions.
Can it hold water?
The glass section can hold water, but the wooden base is a natural material and should not be left sitting in water for long periods. For longer displays we recommend a slimline glass liner or test tube inside so the wood stays dry.
Can I use them for plants or air plants?
Yes, our pieces make beautiful homes for air plants, succulents and small displays. Air plants are ideal because they need no soil and very little water. For cut stems, use a small inner liner to keep moisture away from the wood.
Are they fragile?
They are made of glass, so handle them with reasonable care, but they are not delicate ornaments. The reclaimed wood base gives each piece a solid, stable foot, and the glass is robust for everyday decorative use.
Delivery, packaging and returns
How are the pieces packaged?
Every piece is wrapped and cushioned by hand and packed in protective materials chosen to keep the glass safe in transit, so your piece arrives in perfect condition.
What are your UK delivery times?
We ship across the UK. Orders are typically dispatched within 1 to 2 working days, with delivery usually following within 3 to 5 working days, so most UK orders arrive within about a week. See our delivery and returns page for full details.
What if my order arrives damaged?
If your piece arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and a few photographs. We will arrange a replacement or refund.
What is your returns policy?
If you change your mind, you can return an unused piece in its original condition within 30 days of delivery. Please contact us first so we can guide you through the process.
Gifting
Are they a good gift?
Yes, molten glass on wood pieces make a memorable, sustainable and genuinely unique gift. They suit housewarmings, weddings, anniversaries and milestone occasions. Browse our gift collection.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes, gift wrapping is available to add at checkout, along with a short handwritten message if you would like the piece sent straight to the recipient.
Where can I see the full range?
Browse the collections to find the right piece:
Still have a question?
Is each molten glass on wood piece food safe?
The pieces are designed and sold as decorative homeware rather than tableware. We recommend using them for display, dry goods and arrangements rather than for serving food directly on the wood.
Will my piece look exactly like the photo?
It will be very similar in style, but not identical. Because every piece is hand-blown over natural reclaimed wood, the exact colour flow, dimensions and grain are unique to your item.
Can I request a specific colour or size?
Each piece is made individually, so the stock shown is what is currently available. If you have a particular colour, size or occasion in mind, contact us and we will let you know what we have.