A glass object, once formed into its desired shape, is the blank canvas for the glass artist. The surface is marked with a pattern or image and then etched or cut using a variety of techniques. The basic tool is a hard wheel on the end of a spindle. The surface of the glass is held against the spinning wheel, and lubricated with an oil-and-abrasive paste. Different profiles and sizes of wheel produce different facets and shapes of cut. Stippling and line etching is then produced with use of a fine diamond or tungsten carbide-tipped drill.

Erika's favoured technique is sand carving, or sand-blasting, where a stream of sand or powdered iron (in Van Dewark's case, silicon carbide grit) is projected at the glass surface, parts of which are masked by a stencil. This produces an 'intaglio', image which is deeply carved, three dimensional art glass.

These workshop techniques originate from those of the lapidary (gemstone cutter). Although extraordinary dexterity is required, a glass engraver without artistic flair will never be more than a fine technician. To create a thing of beauty and grace, to be an artist in glass, is a rare and exceptional calling, as it demands a combination of skill, patience and creative vision.