I get lots of questions about how to make fused glass. So I said I would write a short blurb, I am going to start with my textured pieces as they seem to really amaze people.
The first thing I do is to cut the dichroic glass into random shapes and sizes. I always cut double what I think I will need. I also cut the pieces for the base glass. Once everything is done, this includes any grinding that needs to be done I load up the kiln and take it up to a fire polish. This will be any where from 1300 to 1400 bependaning of the types and thickness of the glass. This step can take anywhere from five to seven hours depending on the program I am using. I then have to let the kiln cool down so the the glass will anneal properly. This simply means to cool down. This is usually done overnight. I then start building each piece. I use very tiny dabs of fusers glue to hold the pieces for the first layer together, then I very carefully add the second layer. At this stage less is more. I then take my small manual kiln to a tack fuse stage. This is again about 1300 degrees, I use the manual kiln for this stage because I have more control, but that means I have to babysit the kiln. As it is smaller it also heats up and cools down faster. Then after everything has cooled for about eight hours it all comes out and gets cleaned and then I add more dichroic glass and tack fuse again. When I say I am tack fussing glass it means I am melting the glass to a high enough heat to glue everything together but not melt it into one solid piece. Hopefully when this stage is finished I am ready to attach the bail, but sometimes I have to take the glass to the grinder or add more dichroic and this means another trip into the kiln. This process more than any other I do with glass is a "Hurry up and Wait" but I love it. Every piece is so different. Even if I cut all the same pieces it will change in different way when it s in the kiln. I hope somebody enjoyed reading this. If you have any more questions about fusing glass, just ask. It is my passion (besides my husband) and I love to talk about it. Jo
You are so talented Jo, I love your stuff, I just started to get some Murano glass pendants to add to my Jewelry, I have learned some people go gaga, over glass pendants(like me) don't get me wrong I love stone from one fellow rock hound to another, but your pieces are a piece of art in itself, and to include that in handmade Jewelry..... that's just awesome.... we have to talk.... I need some fused glass pendants....
Jo, you are very talented and very patient! I don't think I could take all that waiting! When I start a piece I just want to finish it asap! I absolutely love your candle holders! I have them on my x-mas list I know my mother would love one. Is it a special type of glass that you use? I have about 10 pounds of different colored large glass beads, drawer pulls, unfinished lampworks, and stuff like that and I haven't got a clue what to do with it! Most of it came in with some bulk order purchases of mixed lots. I was wondering if there is any demand for these types of things? I thought about listing it and shipping in a priority flat rate box, but if you can use it I would give it to you for just the shipping cost. Just let me know! Thanks for the great info!
Diana, email me pictures and I will take a look at it. I saw some amazing jewelry at a large craft fair a couple of months agao. I was all altered art type stuff, but the guy had some old drawer pulls that he made into amazing necklaces. The next thing I write (I am working on it) is going to be about Dichroic glass and the different types of glass used for fusing. Jo
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