Glass Fusing
What is fusing?
• Fusing is the process of melting glass together
in a kiln at a temperature of about 1485 F.
• Slumping is heating glass just enough to
soften it so it will conform to a shaped mold,
about 1210 F.
The Firing Process
• Fusing and slumping are always done in two
separate steps.
• Both the fusion and slumping cycles take
about 22 hours each. The glass must be
cooled very slowly in order to reduce stress
and avoid thermal shock.
• Pieces are loaded into the kiln cold, heated,
cooled, and removed cold.
Glass Compatibility
• Since different pieces of glass are being melted
together, they must expand and contract at the
same rate or they will break as they cool.
• Special tested compatible fusion glass must be
used on all fusion projects. Other glass could
crack or devitrify in the kiln.
• ONLY USE FUSION GLASS ON FUSION PROJECTS!
Decorative Techniques
• There are literally
endless possibilities in
fusing glass…enough to
have an entire fusing
class. Here are some
of the easiest and most
popular for beginners.
Appliqué
• Appliqué is cutting
pieces of glass to shape,
setting the pieces on
top, and fusing together.
• Pieces must be held on
with Glas-Tac so piece
may be moved into kiln.
• When fused, pieces will
be slightly raised.
• Appliqué can be several
layers thick. When
fused, the glass will sink
into the layers beneath
it, leaving the appliqué
only slightly raised.
• Different layers do not
require separate firings.
If gravity holds them in
place, they can all go in
at once.
Frit
• Frit is ground glass that
is applied to the base.
• Frit can be sprinkled on
or mixed with Glas-Tac
and painted on.
• You must wear a
particle mask if using
fine or powdered frit.
Frit has a mottled look of spray paint. It’s great
for flowers, landscapes, and animals. It’s not so
good for fine details.
This one was cool until it was ruined with the sloppy
kindergarten writing. Sometimes less is more.
• A really amazing artist can “paint” with frit.
Stringers
• Stringers are long thin pieces
of glass shaped like
spaghetti. They make stripes
when fused to a base.
• Stringers must be stuck on
with Glas-Tac or they’ll roll
around on their way into
the kiln.
Confetti
• Stringers can be bent over a lampworking
torch. They must fully contact the base
and be stuck on with Glas-Tac.
• This dish is made of two layers of clear glass
with a full layer of stringers fused on the top
without gaps.
Nuggets
• Nuggets are like half-marbles,
rounded with a flat back.
• Nuggets are easily made by diagonally stacking
two ½ inch squares and fusing them on the kiln
shelf. They automatically pull into a rounded
shape.
• Nuggets must be made of fusing glass, and are
done in a separate step before fusing of your dish.
• In order to keep the
raised look of the
nuggets, your project
will need to go in a
“tack fire” instead of
a full fuse. Don’t put
the project back with
the regular full fuse
projects.
Strips
• Strips are glass that you cut into long thin
pieces. They can be laid out into lacy patterns
with voids, or can be sandwiched together to
form a solid sheet.
• If you want more cylindrical, 3-D strips, lay
them on the kiln shelf and fuse them before
using them on your project. The tops will
automatically round up like the nuggets. Then
you can put them together on the base. Like
nugggets, they will retain their dimension.
• This bowl is made by fusing strips together,
then cutting the circle. The bowl is then
slumped and polished at the top edge. This
takes a great amount of skill and fancy
equipment we don’t have. But it is cool.
Project 1: Appliqué Fusion
•
•
•
•
•
Minimum 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches
Minimum 2 layers thick
Round, oval, square, or rectangular form
Maximum 4 colors
Geometric or organic pattern featuring repeated
shapes and motifs--No logos, words, pictures, etc.
• May also include other decorative techniques
• May be slumped or left flat
Geometric Pattern
• A geometric pattern includes
repeated recognized shapes,
such as circles, squares,
triangles, etc.
• Symmetry is not required.
Organic Pattern
• Organic designs are freeflowing and derived from
natural forms. They make
use of irregular, curving
shapes.
• Organic patterns should
not be symmetrical, but
should still be balanced.
“A+” Quality Appliqué Projects
• These projects show planning
and precision in cutting and
layout
• They make good use of color
through contrast and limited
palettes.
• They feature repeated shapes.
Not bad, but…
• Repetition of shapes, but
limited use of repetition of
pattern (both)
• Less planning and precision in
cutting and layout (both)
• Less effective use of color
through contrast (top) and
limited palettes (bottom).
What I don’t want
• This looks like the artist
picked up bunch of
pieces from the free box
and randomly laid them
out on a white base.
• No craftsmanship, no
creativity, no effort.
Consequently, no points.
Designs to Inspire You
Appliqué Fusion Procedure
• Choose mold. Trace top of mold onto design paper and
write mold number. Put mold back on shelf.
• Draw design on paper. Make tag board pattern if
necessary for both the appliqué and base. Sign up and
buy glass.
• Cut pattern pieces and two bases. Wash and dry.
• Stack two base pieces, clear on top. Use Glas-Tac to stick
pattern pieces on top.
• Put project back on fusing table. Put design paper with
name and mold in fusing order box.
A note about money…
• Fusion glass is expensive! It’s about $6-8+ per
square foot, and you need two layers, so a 12”
square plate will be upwards of $16. Be sure you can
afford your project before you start!
• You will need about $15 for your final project, the
stained glass panel. If you don’t have enough (or
STILL haven’t paid your fee!), you’ll need to use the 4
½ inch precut squares ($3.50 for 2 pieces) and the
free glass for your appliqué. This will limit your color
choices.
Project 2: Copper Inlay
•
A very thin piece of copper is
•
cut out with scissors and
•
sandwiched between two
•
pieces of fusing glass.
• The kiln heat turns the copper various red shades.
• Because the copper does not stretch when
heated, only minor slumping can be done in areas
with the copper inlay.
• This 12 x 24” tray by Charleton Glassworks
costs $175. They sell these downtown. You
could make one for Mom in 20 minutes and
be the favorite kid this Christmas!
Procedure for Copper Inlay
• Choose mold and cut two pieces of fusing glass to fit.
The top piece must be clear. Wash and dry.
• Draw sketch for copper pattern on newsprint. Be sure
the size fits a flat area of the mold, since the copper will
not stretch to shape like the glass.
• Transfer pattern to copper by tracing over to dent
copper. Cut out with scissors. Flatten copper.
• Put your name and desired form number on your design
sheet. Put project on fusing table and paper into fusing
order box.
Copper Inlay Requirements
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4.5 x 4.5”
2 layers thick, top layer must be clear
Soap dish form
Complex, intricate copper cut.
Copper cut must be in one piece
Copper cut must fit in flat area of slump mold
Finished project may be slumped or left flat
Inlay project must be ready to fuse by _____ .
These don't really meet
the assignment criteria,
but they’re kind of fun.
If you have some extra
time….
Have a little scrap left?
This plant stake is fused with the
copper wires between two layers,
which are curled and painted after
firing. You could also make sun
catchers or Christmas ornaments in
this way.
Advanced Techniques