Stabiles
The Dialogue series emerged from a desire to bring more intuition and unpredictability into the glassmaking process. Each piece is created through a kind of improvisational collaboration with skilled glassblowers — allowing the glass to evolve naturally in the moment. The resulting forms are vibrant and expressive, embodying the energy of spontaneous creation.
The works in this series are a combination of stabiles, blending bold, sculptural glass elements with delicate, hand-crafted brass structures. Milla Vaahtera began the series in May 2017 in collaboration with several glassblowers from the Nuutajärvi Glass Village in Finland. The brasswork is crafted by Vaahtera herself in her Porvoo studio.
The Dialogue series now includes over 150 unique pieces, with scales ranging from 20 cm to 1,5 meters.
Glassblowers: Paula Pääkkönen, Otto Koivuranta, Samuli Parkkinen, Penna Tornberg, Jasmiina Lehtomaa, Sani Lappalainen, Jani Kaski, Janika Sjöman and many other talents
Metalwork: Milla Vaahtera & team
Photos Hannakaisa Pekkala, Julia Töyrylä & LOKAL
Special thanks: Helsinki Design Museum & Suvi Saloniemi
Stabiles
Made to Order
MADE TO ORDER PIECES
Each stabile by Milla Vaahtera is entirely one-of-a-kind. While custom commissions may begin with reference to an earlier work — such as those shared on Instagram — no replicas are made. Every mobile is an individual composition.
CLIENTS ARE INVITED TO COLLABORATE ON:
Model, Color palette, Scale & Glassblowing techniques
For collaborations with interior designers and architects, 3D model files can be provided upon request.
LEAD TIME
Approximately 1–4 months from the date of order.
GLASS COLORS & TECHNIQUES
Color is central to the identity of each piece. Vaahtera often contrasts opaque and transparent glass, or mixes frit with solid colors, creating dynamic visual interplay within the work. Glass colors are inherently unpredictable, adding to the uniqueness and organic quality of each mobile.
MATERIALS AND FINISHES
- Brass is the primary metal used. Standard pricing includes a raw brass finish.
- Brass can be oxidized to develop a rich, matte black patina with a raw, metallic character — a surface that feels alive, unlike painted metal.
- Silver-plated brass is available on request, though size limitations apply.