Exploring Fused Glass
Though fused glass is nothing new, it is relatively new to jewelry makers. Stained glass artists have been fusing glass for decades. Now, this technique can be used to create beautiful glass jewelry.
I’ve been curious about glass for awhile and finally decided to find out more about it and possibly learn to incorporate it into my own jewelry designs some day. I just started taking a fused glass class from Stephanie Houston of A Show of Hands Glass Studio, so I’m very new to the world of glass. However, I thought it would be fun to share my discoveries about glass with my About.com readers. So, in a series of articles, I’ll "bring you along" to my classes. Together we’ll learn about the process of fused glass, and I hope this might encourage you to consider the possibilities of using the medium in your own jewelry creations.
First, what is fused glass? As the name suggests, fused glass is the process of taking sheets of glass and attaching them or "fusing" them together. Heat from a kiln adheres the glass pieces together. The more heat, the closer together the class becomes. At lower temperatures, the heat can make the glass pieces stick together. However, each piece can still be felt and thus a 3-D effect is created. At higher temperatures, up to 1800 degrees, the glass pieces become completely fused into each other so that when you run your hand across it, you do not feel each piece of glass any more. It has become one, smooth piece of glass.
Basically, how are fused pieces created? In a nutshell, the process of fused glass requires sheets of glass to first be cut into the desired shape or shapes. Then, the pieces of glass are assembled, and a little glue is used to temporarily allow the pieces to stick together. Next, the assembled glass design is put into a kiln. As the kiln heats up, the glass contracts, expands, and adheres together. Occasionally, the kiln is checked until the piece is melted to the artist’s satisfaction (for example, 3-D or smooth). Next, the item is annealed. If the glass were to be taken out of the kiln while still hot, it would crack. So, the kiln temperature is slowly lowered to allow the glass to slowly cool down. Once the glass has properly cooled down, the fusing process is finished. Other steps can follow this depending on the artist’s needs. For example, if the piece isn’t fused to his liking, it can be fired in the kiln again.
Next, what can be made with fused glass? All kinds of items can be made with fused glass. Items for the home such as plates, clocks, bowls, chimes, and wall hangings are some of today’s most popular fused glass pieces. As for jewelry, fused glass is most often used to create cabochons and pendants.
Finally, what can a jewelry maker do with fused glass? Though there are many possibilities with glass and jewelry, here are some of the most obvious ways to include it into designs:
For more design ideas and information on the process of fusing glass, take a look at the sites of glass jewelry artists available under the Glass Jewelry section of Netlinks on this site.
Have you already started including glass in your own jewelry designs? Tell us about your experiences. Share your ideas and thoughts about glass on your forum.
Special Note:
You can meet my fused glass instructor, Stephanie Houston, at Embellishments on July 14 – 17th in Portland, Oregon. Look for her booth, A Show of Hands Glass Studio, where you’ll find her fused designs and glass beads. Tell her I said hi!
Graphics used with permission of Stephanie Houston of A Show of Hands Glass Studio.
