If you’re still in to Magic: The Gathering, you’re one dedicated player. But hey, we aren’t here to judge. In fact, we want to support your “mana tapping” needs by introducing you to the ultimate glass-ware inspired by the ever so famous card game, Magic.

Craftster.org forum user Poe poe made these etched glasses out of old glade candle glasses. For a moment, I had thought she blew the glass herself, which would’ve been way cooler. Regardless, the etching of Magic was done really well. Be sure to check out the hand-painted elemental patterns, after the jump.

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Glass blowing isn’t just an art, it’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle for Tomoko Nangu, who specializes in the art of glass blowing. He focuses on crafting tonbo-damas (meaning “dragonfly ball”) for both traditional Japanese clothes and western clothes, alike. Tonbo-damas are glass beads with a hole in the center which were used in conjunction with the traditional clothing of Japan. Nowadays, the clothing is vastly different, what with people wearing nothing but leather and denim.

Nangu is working on making tonbo-damas more mainstream and fashionably sound among western design. In doing so, Nangu has broken the mold of tonbo-damas being labeled as “round with a hole in the center,” by crafting ones shaped like pears or droplets of water, and using exotic and vibrant colors and patterns. Though it’s no glass idol I’d worship, I sure can’t wait to see the tonbo-dama bong. (more…)

And this is a choice example of just that.

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Now, here’s something worth kneeling down to: The Portland, Oregon based arcade known as Ground Kontrol crafted this impressive stained-glass window inspired by the classic arcade game Dig-Dug.

Now you’re wondering what makes it cooler than your own MAME arcade cabinet? Simple: it offers gaming salvation for those who are damned to spend eternity in the fiery pits of torment (translation: it’s a safe alternative to the Wii).

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People must get really bored over in Stockholm. I mean, how else could artist Aleksandra Stratimirovic fill up 4464 small glass vials with different colored liquids? To do that would take at least a month, unless you had mechanical help. Well, somehow Alek pulled it off, arranged them and lit ‘em up with a fluorescent light. The result? “Sunny Day.”

One could argue it’s not amazing and that it’s just your standard mosaic on a different medium. However, this chick he designed looks like a hottie, so I think I’m going to let it slide this very once. I wonder if any of these vials have GH-anyways, hit the jump for the full image in all its glory.

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In an attempt to turn everyday household windows into solar panels, two MIT researchers have created “organic solar concentrators” out of dyed glass that could potentially increase traditional solar panel efficiency by 50%. Imagine fulfilling all your electrical needs with the help of your typical household glass windows.

I sure hope you haven’t desecrated your roof with inefficient solar paneling for no better reason than to impress your neighbors. In comparison to expensive solar paneling, these dyed windows will give you more bang for your buck. Which means you’ll have more money to burn on things like that stretch Hummer you’ve always wanted. Can I stop paying my electrical bill yet?

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Glass can be arranged in many ways and while it can look beautiful on its own, adding etchings or coloring can really bring a unique feel to your home. Instead of spending a small fortune on having glass etched professionally or buying expensive tools, you can easily create your own designs with some painter’s tape and other tools.

If you’re aiming to use this procedure on your door, windows or any glass that lets in natural light, keep in mind that the process requires painting the glass black or another dark color to emphasize your designs. I’d recommend making a custom coffee table, bathroom window or art piece if you’re going to try it out.

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This glass surface with the form of keys etched in it is the latest project from designer Kong Fanwen. Using a motion capture camera mounted at the top, it tracks your finger motion and translates it to the computer as if you were typing on any normal keyboard. The “No-key Keyboard” is the sleekest looking keyboard we’ve seen in awhile and is reminiscent of many other touch-sensitive glass gadgets we’ve seen.

No word on any retail information, but I’m sure that this’ll be a hit with all your co-workers at the office. I can’t wait to see the matching mouse.
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Sometimes, it’s better to let pictures speak for themselves. These amazing hand-blown glass lamps are from various designers from the Design Miami show that just took place this week. My favorites include pieces from Delphine Rumo and Julien Renault. They may not tell time, but they’ll remain timeless. Hit the jump to see more shining goodness:

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Sony’s latest prototype speaker, the Sountina, has finally arrived on store shelves. Besides its awkward shape and size, the main selling-point is the transparent organic glass tube which vibrates and expands sound to 360-degrees. In the guise of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s bong, this speaker has a larger price tag than any glass piece used for tobacco purposes only. If you can afford $10k for the single speaker, you’d know it’s the only speaker you’d ever need. After all, it generates sound in every direction and it’ll get you high.

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