I hanker for a proper kiln because making fused dichroic glass pieces not only looks relatively easy but the results are simply stunning. There are some other tools like glass cutters, fusing paper and so on but the kiln is most expensive item needed.
Consider renting time in a facility - some shops which sell stained glass and such art glass supplies often have workshops and equipment which they do make available for a fee. For those of you who live in Halifax, Canada, Cranberry Studios in Bayers Lake Industrial Park has this service.
So here are some tutorials which show how the art glass is created. Each tutorial has different tips so they are all worth checking out.
Different types of glass are cut out and stacked/glued before firing in the kiln. Bails can be glued onto the resulting pendants or use a wire work cabochon technique.
The above beautiful Silver/Blue Ripple Glass pendant tutorial by Masters Glass Art is certainly lovely. Via
I also liked Glass Kanvas' Basic Dichroic Glass Tutorial because she explains the materials and tools she uses very well.
There are two types of kilns - the electrical temperature controlled ones as well as microwave kilns. The latter are much cheaper but will require some experimentation to get the firing times right. Check out Heidi Lusk's Fused Glass Pendant tutorial for 3 designs which was created in a microwave kiln. There is also an accompanying video. Note, the microwave is dedicated to fused art glass work and not used for food after.
Rio Grande has a great fused glass pendant video pendant which uses the other kind of kiln.There are other inspirational designs featured including a gold foil one.
More Glass Jewelry Inspirations
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Consider renting time in a facility - some shops which sell stained glass and such art glass supplies often have workshops and equipment which they do make available for a fee. For those of you who live in Halifax, Canada, Cranberry Studios in Bayers Lake Industrial Park has this service.
So here are some tutorials which show how the art glass is created. Each tutorial has different tips so they are all worth checking out.
Different types of glass are cut out and stacked/glued before firing in the kiln. Bails can be glued onto the resulting pendants or use a wire work cabochon technique.
The above beautiful Silver/Blue Ripple Glass pendant tutorial by Masters Glass Art is certainly lovely. Via
I also liked Glass Kanvas' Basic Dichroic Glass Tutorial because she explains the materials and tools she uses very well.
There are two types of kilns - the electrical temperature controlled ones as well as microwave kilns. The latter are much cheaper but will require some experimentation to get the firing times right. Check out Heidi Lusk's Fused Glass Pendant tutorial for 3 designs which was created in a microwave kiln. There is also an accompanying video. Note, the microwave is dedicated to fused art glass work and not used for food after.
Rio Grande has a great fused glass pendant video pendant which uses the other kind of kiln.There are other inspirational designs featured including a gold foil one.
More Glass Jewelry Inspirations
- How to Fry Marbles and Make Crackle Bead Jewelry
- Amazing Sea Glass Sculptures
- How to Tumble Glass to Make Faux Sea Glass
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I too want a kiln so I can play with glass. I've experimented a bit with torchworked beads, but can't anneal them properly without a kiln. I think fused glass would be awesome. I also am addicted to Delphi Studios. They have so much fun stuff to look at and dream about!!!
ReplyDeleteWe seem to be of like mind! I really think it is better to save up for a proper kiln with temperature control rather than go for those microwave versions.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend with a kiln and she will let me use time in it. Very lucky. Mostly though I've used it for precious metal clay. I don't think I have the temperament for fused glass. And I know I don't for making glass beads.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Yes, I would probably use a kiln for both precious metal clay and dichroic glass. Like you, I am not cut out for lamp working! But melting glass in an oven, I can do!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pieces. I want a kiln too. I would love to learn how to do fused glass and precious metal clay. But that will be a long way down the road if ever. I didn't know that they had microwaves for fuse glass. Could you do precious metal clay in one too?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! But for smaller pieces of precious metal clay, a torch and a firing brick will also work and is loads cheaper. Check out my blog for the pmc tutorial posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these tutorials! This is one of my favorite posts of yours. :)
ReplyDeleteA kiln is definitely on my (fantasy) list of things to purchase. I love dichroic glass, and I'd love to make my own sparkly cabochons.
There's even a place where I live that offers classes! I may have to ask for lessons for my birthday.
Lessons are a good start, Sarah! Then it is having to save up for a kiln!!
ReplyDeleteIf I don't like the size of my final piece, is there any way to cut it down once it is finished?
ReplyDeleteI am not quite sure that using a grinder will do the job properly. May be more work than you want. Can you not use the piece for another jewelry design?
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