Javier and Efren "I love blown glass because of the pure imagination poured into every piece created...." The artistry of Javier and Efren has been featured in periodicals ranging from Sunset magazine to the Miami Herald. Since the 1990s, Javier Gutiérrez and Efrén Canteras have worked together to preserve Mexico's blown glass artistry. "This type of work is a beautiful craft. I love blown glass because of the pure imagination poured into every piece created," confides Efrén. "Even though the art of blowing glass originally came to Mexico from Spain, and it is practiced all over the world, Mexico's blown glass artistry is unique," says Javier enthusiastically. "I was 15 years old when I began blowing glass. Now I have the opportunity to teach the art of blowing hot glass to other young artisans. I start by employing people as my assistants, but I aim to train them to be experts, glass blowers equipped with a beautiful and useful skill. Working as a team, Javier specializes in the design of the pieces, and Efrén transforms the designs into a reality. "Efrén and I make a great team. Over the years we have worked hard to design truly original styles with a distinctly Mexican accent." Javier and Efren work with lead-free, un-tempered and recycled glass, which is melted at very high temperatures. They use a long steel blowpipe to pick a glob of molten glass and, holding the pipe with one hand, they masterfully start shaping the desired piece by blowing through the other end of the pipe using tools with their free hand. They must work fast, while the molten glass is still hot, adding color and other desired effects. When the piece is ready, they cut it off the pipe leaving a pontil on the bottom indicating the piece is mouth blown. It is placed in a tempering kiln for several hours and then left to cool. Given the handcrafted nature of the process, there will never be two completely identical pieces. Air bubbles are often present as a result of this technique, adding to the admirable uniqueness of this legendary art form.

	Customer Reviews
		The items I purchased were simply stunning. They were even more beautiful than the pictures and came quickly. They were packaged well and the giftwraping was an added delight. Thank you, I will have the most beautiful table when I entertain because of your products. - Lini M, Flushing, NY, USA Hi, Just wanted to let you know how happy I am with the set of Rustic Puzzle glasses that I purchased from you. I love their unique texture, and the way that they feel in the hand - very solid and sturdy. Any chance you might make a pitcher to match? They arrived safe and sound after their long trip from Mexico to Massachusetts, well packaged, and with a pretty ribbon on top. Thank you so much. - Susan O Leary, East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA We really love Efren's work. We have 2 sets of the cobalt blue rimmed Pilsner Glasses and 1 set of the matching water glasses. The quality is wonderful and Novica service is great, and their shipping fees are very fair. I love when they send me updates on my package location. We get lots of compliments on our glassware and always give Efren credit. Thank you, Rita and Dave in Cave Creek. - Rita B, Cave Creek, Arizona I just received the Cobalt drinking glasses, Can-Cun wine goblets, and Sangria Afternoon pitcher. They are delightful! Sturdy, beautiful. Thank you so much, Ashley - Ashley C Love the aqua Pitcher and Aquamarine shot glasses - colors are vibrant and workmanship beautiful - Thank you for the fast service! - Stephen M I just placed my fifth order with Novica just now and all five orders were for glass from Efren Cantreras. His art is always of the highest quality and of amazing skill. I thank you for this source for his work. -SM - Scott M, U.S.A. The 3 vase set "Amber Dance" we received is beautiful. We love the way the light refracts through the glass. Beautiful, beautiful work! - David B, Tallahassee, Florida USA I just received my set of 6 "multicolor specks" champagne flutes and I LOVE THEM. Beautiful!!! Thank you so much. They were very well packed and arrived in perfect condition and very quicky. I have already ordered additional glasses "Pina Colada" and look forward to future finds. You do beautiful work, Efren. - Laura M, Seattle, Washington I just received another order of beautiful handblown glasses made by Javier and Efren. These glasses are more like works of art than mere drinking vessels. I look forward to enjoying them for years to come. Thank you both for your efforts - we really appreciate your talents! - William R, Long Beach, NY USA I have purchased several different sets of glasses, desert bowls and the ice bucket. Thank-you so much for such beautiful work. I love to place different pieces and combinations on my dinning table and watch as the setting sun plays artist in my glass. This glass truely changes the experience of the drink for me! - Jlie P, LA, California Thank you so much for the lovely hand blown wine glasses that just arrived yesterday! I drank wine tonight that just tasted so much better than from ordinary ones. Also the little angel that you enclosed is delightful and a lovely addition! Con mucho alegria y gracias, Peggy Taylor - Peggy T, Montague, CA, USA both the wine and high ball glasses arrived yesterday and all are just beautiful. How wonderful to drink from vessels so skillfully made by such talanted hands. thank you so much for having this site, allowing one the oppertunity to have such wonderful works in my home. - Kevin K, irving, new york, us Muchisimas gracias por esas copas tan bellas. Las estamos disfrutando, y el jugo sabe todavia mas sabroso! - Patricia K Sometime ago i bought your amber flower vase, I forgot to leave feedback and just wanted to say thank you, it is one of my favorites, the flowers just fall right into place so easily! All the best, Michelle - Michelle C, norton, ma usa I bought a dozen of the 'Cobalt Spiral' drinking glasses. The photographs on this website don't do the glasses justice. They are beautifully made, a comfortable weight in the hand and the spirals are a simple yet gorgeous decoration. They look quite striking. - Deborah G, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia