Basic Glass Fusing Process

We have been practicing cutting our glass into shapes.  Now it is time to make some fused pieces!

Steps for making a 4 inch coaster:

1.  You will first need to prepare your kiln shelf with kiln wash.

2.  Next, create your design.  The piece needs to be 6mm thick and the glass we are working with is 3mm, so you will need two layers.  Cut one piece of glass 4 inches by 4 inches.  Then work to create another 4x4 design by cutting and piecing together glass of different colors.  

3.  Clean the glass with warm soapy water to remove and grit and finger prints.  

4.  Arrange the glass pieces on the kiln shelf making sure not to get too close to the edge.  You will need to decide if you want the piece to be designed down or designed up.  The difference is explained in the video you be watching at the end of this post.

5.  Once the kiln shelf is in the kiln, it will be time for us to program the kiln's firing schedule.  I will be programming it with you so don't stress.  

Now watch this video on the basics of fusing.  While watching, take notes in your journal.  I especially want you to note the difference between full fusing and tack fusing and also the difference between designing down and designing up.  

Fusing Basics from Bullseye Glass on Vimeo.