Fused glass Tutorial
Want to know how it's done?
I hope this little tutorial will give you some insight into GLASS FUSION. |
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I start with glass that is all different sizes.
The larger black glass is the main part of the object I am making. In this case it is going to be a long narrow something. It might end up as part of a watch or bracelet. |
When all my glass is cut it is arranged on the main piece of glass. In this case it is the narrow black strip.
The smaller pieces are glued using a very small amount of glue applied with a tooth pick.
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The glass is placed in the kiln on a kiln shelf prepared with kiln wash or fiber paper. The fiber paper in this photo is 1/32 inch thick.The glass is covered with a cap of clear glass. The three layers of will fuse together at about 1475 to 1525 degrees in my kiln. All kilns are different but the temperature is close. |
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| The timer is set. If you don't use a timer and your kiln is not equipped with a computerized controller. WATCH OUT! I have lost a lot of projects because I was busy doing something and forgot about the kiln. Many glass artist wear a timer pined on their clothes. |
When temperature hit full fuse flash cool the kiln to 950/1000 degrees. Anneal for15 to 30 minutes or longer. Then turn off the kiln and let it cool down without opening the lid. You can remove your project when the kiln is at room temperature. Remember to always wear your safety gear when working with the kiln |
After the cooling down is finished and you are able to handle the glass it is cut and shaped using a grinder. This is when the glass will become a pendant, watchband, earrings or the whatever. When the shaping is finished place the piece in the kiln for a fire polish. The glass is heated to 1325/1375 degrees, flash cooled to 950/1000 degrees, annealed and cooled. |
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| The final step is to route a grove for wire wrapping your piece. You can avoid the routing by gluing a bail on the back. |
Wrap your wire around your glass making sure it is snug in the routed grove. Finish using your favorite wire design. |
This is the finished pendant Make sure you make the top loop large enough to fit an average size chain. |
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