Each paperweight combines delicate glass elements with the beauty of a crystal dome encasement. Elements featuring flora and fauna are made by the process of lampworking. This involves using colored rods of glass and a torch to melt the glass so it may be worked into the desired shapes and designs.
After the elements are created, they are assembled together into a composition to reflect the environment that Smith wants to create. Next, glass crystal gobs encase the assembled design in a kiln. The crystal mass, including the assembled design inside, are formed into a spherical shape with tools, torches, and a hot oven called a glory hole.
The paperweight is cooled very slowly in an annealer from 960 degrees to room temperature for 40 hours. Finally, the bottom is ground down to a polish and the paperweight is signed.