Fiber optics, which relay information in the form of light pulses that shoot down hair-thin glass threads, is already a mainstay in telecommunications.

When they are real, they are not glass threads or frostwork, but the solidest thing we know.

Those are glass threads, like very fine wires, with light running through them.

We don't have one here because we don't use glass thread.

Working with glass threads, he draws lightning, rain, clouds, spirit faces or water designs on glass forms that resemble pottery, ceremonial bowls, baskets or other vessels.

The early ones are monochromatic and incorporate thick glass threads; the later pieces are multicolored and use hair-fine threads.

"Barbed wire inspired me to use hot glass thread," she said.

Making objects with glass threads goes faster today than it did when she started.

To fuse the glass threads, she moves the board to an oven.

And it looks fragile-the condensor plates apparently hang from a glass thread.