Itchy Glass

Itchy Glass turns raw borosilicate rod into rings, pendants, necklaces, and earrings, one piece at a time. Lara Skoric works at the flame to shape jewellery in a way that catches light and draws out the depth of colour borosilicate offers. Some of her glass is striking, meaning it carries metal oxides that shift tone depending on the flame she uses, so a single rod can settle into different shades. The work is made slowly, and it shows. Every piece is shaped by hand using a torch, tungsten, stainless steel, and graphite tools. Once formed, it is fired in a kiln at 1050F, and held for a few hours or longer depending on the thickness of the glass. For a softer finish, Lara sandblasts with aluminum oxide to bring up a matte, sea glass effect, then returns the piece to the kiln to set it. The result is a durable, modern alternative to conventional jewellery, a wearable work of art.

I am drawn to glass because of the way it holds and transforms light. I enjoy the unpredictability of the process, especially sculpting molten glass into something solid and wearable. I make each piece slowly and by hand, using a torch and a variety of tools to shape the glass. The process requires patience and attention, and I like that the finished work still carries evidence of the process. No two pieces are exactly the same, and small changes in the flame, movement, or shaping can change the final result. I am particularly interested in the relationship between glass, light, and texture. Sometimes I leave the surface clear and allow the glass to catch and reflect light; other times, I sandblast it to create a softer, matte finish reminiscent of sea glass. Through jewellery, I want to bring these qualities of glass into everyday life, creating pieces that feel both contemporary and connected to the hands and process that made them. For me, making jewellery is about slowing down and paying attention to the material. Each piece is a small exploration of colour, light, and texture.