Glassline Chalk

07/30/09 - Glassline Chalk - Chalk is a simple and great way to add an embellishment to your fused glass pieces. Some people enjoy using the chalk and then outlining the area with Glassline paints. Since glass is a slick surface, the surface to be covered needs to be rougher. A rough area will allow the chalk to grip the surface.

This page is linked from the Embellishments page. There are many items that can be used as embellishments in glass fusing, check out the page.

Kiln Furniture

07/28/09 - Kiln Furniture - Prepared from alumina, silicon carbide, sillimanite and zirconium silicate, kiln furniture is all the refractory objects created to prop up fusing pieces inside a hot kiln. Kiln shelves and posts are usually the items referred to as kiln furniture. They require a several coatings of a kiln wash to shield them all through the firing progression. Covering them with a shelf primer or kiln wash helps to protect them from any glass that could get touch and stick to them.

This is yet another page that has been added to the site to assist individuals new to glass fusing. It is linked from the Tools and Materials and the Technical Terms pages .

Jewelry Findings

07/27/09 - Jewelry Findings - Jewelry findings are the small extra items that allow a fused glass art piece to be turned into a piece of jewelry. These pieces can range from clasps to pin backs. These are usually purchased and added to your piece, but some items can actually be made inside the kiln.

This is another page added to the site to update the Technical Terms and Tools and Materials pages .

High-Temp Wire

07/20/09 - High Temperature Wire - Another page added to the website to update the Tools and Materials page. This Hi-Temp Wire can endure the scorching heat of a kiln. There are many usages for this wire in glass fusing. Even though it can hold up against the high heat, it doesn’t stay bright and shiny after firing.

Haik Brush

07/16/09 - Haik Brush - Continuing to fine-tune the website. I am adding helpful pages to answer any questions beginners might have about all the diverse supplies and tools and that are useful in accomplishing glass fusing. The haik brush is used to put on kiln wash. The wash is applied to pertinent items that might come into contact with glass during the firing process. It has very fine wispy bristles with a bamboo handle. It allows the kiln wash to go on with only a few brush stroke marks.

High Temp Gloves

07/14/09 - High Temperature Gloves - When searching for high temperature gloves, compare and inspect what you are purchasing. Pricing can vary a lot. Be sure to find out the temperature rating, glove length and the materials used to construct the gloves.

These high temp gloves are a needed item when reaching inside a hot fusing kiln. There are various types and styles available for this purpose. Be sure to read more on this page to find out which ones are best for your particular need.

Glass Combing

07/13/09 - Glass Combing - Summer is finally here and if it isn't sweltering enough outside for you, fire up that kiln for a smoldering combing process. This particular technique involves working in a sizzling hot kiln, where you rake a stainless steel rod across molten glass. It is an exhilarating procedure that will have you eagerly awaiting the kiln as it goes through the annealing and cooling off stages so you can finally view the finished product. There are a few safety precautions that need to be met to assure a rewarding and dependable outcome.

Dust Mask

07/10/09 - Dust Masks - Dust masks add protection from any flying glass or other small particles. They cover your nose and mouth area during processes such as cutting glass. These paper thin masks don’t add the needed protection when doing some of the fusing projects, but they are simple to use and a very necessary addition during basic fusing projects.

Now that June is over, I am updating the web site with some of the basic technical terms, tools and supplies that are needed for glass fusing. Although these pages won’t be helpful for those more experienced glass fusers, they are here to help the individuals who are just learning the processes and to assist them to understand some of the basic fusing equipment.