Founded in 1994, Calypso Chile is a family crafts workshop based in the neighborhood of La Reina, Santiago de Chile. Through perseverance, the family successfully built a sustainable business that supports not only this family, but as well the families of others. Calypso Chile creates, produces, sells and exports their fused glass pieces national and international to several countries worldwide.
As a member of the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization), Calypso is operated under the principles of Fair Trade, ensuring that all of the artisans and crafts people are paid a fair price for their work.
Fused glass is a term used to describe glass that has been fired (heat-processed) in a "kiln" at a range of high temperatures.
The process of fused glass requires sheets of glass to first be cut into the desired
shape. Next, the glass design is put into the kiln. As the kiln heats up, the glass contracts, expands, and adheres together. When the piece is melted to the artist's satisfaction, the kiln temperature is slowly lowered to allow the glass to cool down and avoid cracking.Thera are three main distinctions for temperature application and the resulting effect on the glass. Firing the glass at the highest temperatures is a "full fues". The techniques can be applied to one glass work in separate firings to add depth, relief and shape.
All kinds of items can be made with fused glass. Wall hangings and jewelry are some of today's most popular pieces.
