This ruby-throated art glass hummingbird figurine in vibrant transparent green will delight any nature-loving glass collector with its lifelike attention to detail.

I hand-make each piece, one-at-a-time, without the use of molds, using techniques learned from master Venetian glass artists. Initially working from photos and sketches, I start by melting glass rods in a torch flame and spontaneously build up the sculpture from bits or "gathers" of molten glass. The Italian soda-lime glass I'm using is finicky and tricky to work with - too much time spent on any given detail will often cause the piece to crack (irreparably), so an intense focus and a little luck are essential to each finished hummingbird.

Once finished and allowed to cool, the piece is annealed in a digital kiln for lasting stability.

I especially love the effect of combining transparent and opaque colored glass to create a uniquely beautiful and luminous glass ornament. Measuring a life-size 3" x 3.25" x 2" it comes suspended on a gold cord, ready to hang in your favorite window or on your tree for Christmas.

The listing photos show three different pieces and accurately represent the slight variations in form and pose between each one-of-a-kind sculpture.

Also available at www.andrenigoglass.square.site