exploding glass vases.

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winnierose

winnierose

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Nov 21, 2005
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Just wondering if anyone has an explanation for something that has happened a few times to me. When displaying pebbles in glass vases, either small or large stones, in the water, or even sometimes without water and flowers the vases have after a short space of time, cracked. Obviously it has something to do with adding the stones. Another florist was telling me it had happened to some corporate vases she had done. Any Ideas anyone???
 
This happened to us with 24" twisted glass towers that a bride purchased for us to use. When the first one exploded, I thought my driver wasn't careful pouring the gems into it. We did another while I watched her gently pouring them, and it exploded. Still another exploded while simply designing in it. The bottom points popped right off.

We called the bride and told her we were not willing to use them for fear they would explode on the reception tables. She took them back and we both told the company what happened and she got her money back. Needless to say, we've never used them again!
 
sounds like weak points in the glass. I've seen hand blown glass explode and thin walled glass explode - think a light bulb - I wonder if it is imported from some low grade mfg facility
 
I had this happen with a thick glass vase (it was "cheap") I poured the small river rocks in it and it cracked from top to bottom. I agree that is has something to do with the quality of the glass, in my case at least.
:( Heather
 
well thank heavens...when I first saw this topic I thought perhaps this was some type of new "trend" in the industry. I could just imagine the look on my insurance agents face when I spoke with him about the need to personal injury insurance for "exploding glass" objects...
 
Be careful how you place the stones in the vases. The impact of sliding them, especially down a long neck, can weaken thinner areas.

I think the temperature of the water also plays a roll and if it's too far off room temp, the glass can't handle expanding or contracting around the rock. Might be a combination of the temperature, glass thickness and weight of the rock. The rock seems to amplify any weakness in the glass.

Had a couple 4' tall footed glass vases with river rocks explode as they were being set in place during a wedding installation last year. Luckily we had spares but the stress was enough for me to say 'never again' to using vases of that size and style with stones.

We've noticed the smaller the rocks, the more likely the issue and now stick with thick glass and larger, fewer stones.
 
I believe Cathy has it pegged

Cathy is correct in that the stone will settle and compact into almost a solid mass. The problem is magnified when cold water is poured into the vase or when the vase is placed in the cooler. Due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion the glass will try to contract around the rock which is in effect a solid object with multiple pressure points (causing very high stress points) against the glass.

That's the unofficial Bama engineering perspective anyway.
 
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Wow amazing information here. I have friends that are using vases with rocks for a bat mitzvah next month. I copied some of this info for them to give to the florist. Thanks!
 
I know this is reviving an aged thread but the content is very relevant. I had a vase back today that had dropped its base (conical shape about 2' tall). Back in January had another one back same thing and I remember using gems in this one. I had just assumed it was not a good design for a glass vase due to the stresses applied to the junction with the base as the slightest bump when handling would no doubt cause a fracture. I tend to agree with the above regarding the contraction of the glass etc, it makes sense.
On a slightly different note, I have been asked to quote for tall conical vases with fairly large arrangements on top/trailing. Peonies, trailing amaranthus etc.
the event is in a marquee in the client's garden. I am a little concerned that the tables will not be all that stable on a lawn, even if the marquee has a temporary floor. It would only take someone to rock the table for the whole lot to go over and potentially cause considerable damage, if not personal injury. I am starting to think i should either suggest something different or withdraw gracefully. What would you do?
 
Possibly placing the vase in a container...say a sturdy lomey and doing a design around the base would add some stability to it especially if there is a ring of oasis blcoks around the vase. You'd be able to drape the ivy down to the base. Hope this helps.....did this for smaller vases when we felt they were not going to be stable enough.......worked great. Good luck....
Sher
 
I would bet anything that the stone are scoring the glass and any sort of stress on it after that breaks the vase. Just like when you have to score a piece of glass to fit a window frame.

Judy
 
Try using plastic "gems" that look like cubes or ice or pebbles, or try the polymer gel stuff from Accent Decor. We put our hydrated gel cubes in buckets with tight fitting lids & re-use for many months. Following info is from SAF 2008 new product session:
Water Pearls and Dye /
– Non-toxic polymer is safe for flowers and plants
– Absorbs 400 times their size
– Recommended for event work and other short-term use
– When finished, mix with compost to absorb water and retain
moisture in potted plant and garden soils
– Buy direct and from wholesalers
 
Fly2hi said:
I am a little concerned that the tables will not be all that stable on a lawn, even if the marquee has a temporary floor. It would only take someone to rock the table for the whole lot to go over and potentially cause considerable damage, if not personal injury. I am starting to think i should either suggest something different or withdraw gracefully. What would you do?
Click to expand...


I think you are right to be concerned. Could you suggest a vase with a more substantial base? Your client is relying on your expertise for their event. I would think they'd be grateful for your explanation and accept a more suitable design.
 
OMG this happened to me too. I had new 28" vases that we submerged glads and had marbles at the bottom to cover the frog. As I pick one up off the floor it busted right in half and tons of water went everywhere. Later that night one of them busted on the table and water again.....went everywhere. How embarrassing. Needless to say I returned the rest of the vases the next day.
 
This is a trip!!

I never had that happen..

I wonder if Bama's theory is correct?

Now I'm scared.
 
Well . . . we also had exploding vases that drowned about 10 tables! They were tall, thick cylinders and broke in a perfect circle horizontally. We did not have any rocks,pebbles, etc. in them (just plenty of water!)
Sent us on a mad scramble to replace vases and dry linens before guests arrived. Then we were on pins and needles all evening fearing that the rest of them would become Niagra Falls.( luckily, they didn't.)
They were new vases and we returned them to the wholesaler, but no one seems to know why it happened. My guess is that the pressure from the water inside coupled with a weakness in the glass caused the gusher. They had not been refrigerated and it was temperate outside. Go figure. Makes me nervous now every time I put water in a big vase!
 
Has anybody else had this happen???

Now I'm just scared of our big giant vases..
 
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