Island of Murano

Welcome to Murano!
Murano is a little island north of Venice. It is know for it's glass making.
When you think of Venetian Glass, it's likely actually made on the island of Murano.
This little island has many shops that sell glass - you can get anything from gaudy chandeliers to vases to jewelry. Of course the jewelry was more popular with Kim and me since it was more affordable.

This man is making a glass cat. It's amazing all the pounding they do to create a masterpiece.
Of course you couldn't stand in the doorway and watch for free!!! It's Italy - you have to pay for everything. He expected you to put a euro or 2 in his dish!

We were walking on the street and came across this boy making grasshoppers out of grass. He's quite talented. I was afraid to see how much he charged for one of his masterpieces. Plus, I couldn't conceivably get it home without destroying it.

Here are 2 glass sculptures found on the island. This gives you an idea of the intensity they hold.
A common thing you see among the glass pieces is the brilliant colors used. Rarely do you find a piece in 1 color. The true splendor of the work is to artfully use many colors together.