From the counter
Guides
Plain advice on glass, torches, cleaning and snacks, written by the people who sell them.
All guides
9 guides
Photographing Glass: A Clear Record of Shape and Detail
A practical approach to photographing glass, from clear overall views to close-ups of signatures, colour and condition.
Sour Candy, Explained: The Acids Behind the Pucker
What makes sour candy sour: the food acids candy makers use, how the sugar-and-acid coating works, and why one bag bites harder than the next.
Cane Work in Glass: Millefiori, Reticello and the Patterns Inside
How glass artists build pattern into cane, from Murano's millefiori and reticello to the twisted linework on modern flameworked pieces, and what to look for up close.
Why Imported Sodas Taste Different
Same name, different recipe. How sweeteners, national rules, regional flavours and the bottle itself change a soft drink from one country to the next.
What Goes Into a Piece of Glass: Borosilicate, Colour and Craft
Why glass artists work in borosilicate, how fumed, dichroic and UV-reactive colour are made, and what to look for when you judge a handmade piece.
How to Clean Borosilicate Glass Without Damaging It
A practical guide to cleaning borosilicate glass: isopropyl and salt, soak solutions, brushes, hard-water film, and the mistakes that crack or scratch a piece.
Butane Torch Care: Purging, Refilling and Storing It Properly
How to purge and refill a butane torch, set the flame, sort out a torch that won't light, and store it safely.
The Snack Shelf: Sweet, Salty, Sour and Everything Between
A quick tour of the snack shelf at The Smoke Hut: sweet, salty, sour and spicy picks, plus the imported drinks that make the trip worth it.
