Anyone know about Glass Fusing/Smelting?
Hi!
I was recently looking around for some new projects to do when i saw a show on Glass Fusing/Smelting. The artist made glass tiles, jewelry, bowls, plates, and anything you can think of!!! i really like working with my hands so this caught my attention… Not only that, but it also would give me a way of recycling and reusing more things for both the community and our planet.
Does anyone know what to do to start out? Items i would need besides the colored glass or be willing to share any information on the craft itself on how to best get started or where learn?
Please let me know!!!
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In order to melt the glass into your various projects you are going to need a kiln that can generate the temperatures required. If you want to do small items like beads you will also need a toarch, some tools, and eye protection, but just to fuse glass, a small jewelers kiln should be enough to get you started. Have fun!
I’ve taken a glass fusing class with PMC in Albuquerque, NM. It is surprisingly easy if you have a kiln and a few simple tools. The kiln is very important. Different temperatures fuse glass differently. And it is important to anneal the glass to prevent breakage. I used to get my glass at a stained glass store, with a COE of 90, which works best with the silver clay. I’ll look through my notes for firing temps and times. You do need to vacuum out your kiln before fusing. You also need to use kiln paper on a kiln shelf dedicated to glass. You can also fuse the silver clay paper in the layers of glass (But fire the PMC and tumble it to shiny). Any specific questions, let me know! I’m trying to come to the clay play day tomorrow!