Beyond the Basics DVD

11/29/10 - Beyond the Basics DVD - In the newest DVD, Beyond the Basics, you will learn a few easy and simple beginner processes. This DVD will help you go beyond your basic knowledge of glass fusing. These projects are very basic and simple. With this information you will advance in your understanding of glass fusing. The video is over an hour long with step-by-step instructions on each procedure. Here is a list of the chapters.

Ch 1 - Introduction
Ch 2 – Reading a Firing Chart
Ch 3 - Molds
Ch 4 - Fused Tile
Ch 5 - Business Card Holder
Ch 6 - Glass Stand
Ch 7 - Comb Honey
Ch 8 - Coral Bowl
Ch 9 - Fused Barrette
Ch 10 - Glass Donut
Ch 11- Pre-cut Pieces
Ch 12 - Painting on Glass with Glass
Ch 13 – Sifting Frit onto Glass
Ch 14 – Soap Dish
Ch 15 - Fused Glass Dots
Ch 16 – Drilling a Hole
Ch 17 - Glass Powder Wafer
Ch 18 – Sifting Into a Stencil
Ch 19 - Stringer Project
Ch 20 – Layering Powder and Frit

Glass Wafers

11/24/10 - Glass Wafers - You can make one-of-a-kind glass wafers out of any desired pattern. These are generally made using powder or frit. Quick and simple adornments can be made out of glass.

Design a pattern from a stencil or outline. Next trace the design onto a thick piece of fiber board. Cut out the pattern and fill the area with frit. Use any color desired or mix them up. When fired, the glass molds down into the shape.

Sifter

11/18/10 - Sifter - There are a few various types of sifters that can be used in glass fusing. Purchase sifters for embellishing glass or sorting frit sizes.

When sorting glass frit, the purchased sifters come in an array of sizes. These will help you sort your glass into; powder, fine, medium and coarse. They look like medium sized metal colanders. Once the glass has been sorted into the different sizes, store the sizes in plastic bags. Be sure to mark the color and size on the outside of the bag.

The other usage for sifters is to enhance your artwork. Using a sifter will offer you the chance to lightly cover or sprinkle frit over your glass. Using a sifter will give your piece a nice even coat.

Powder Glass

11/16/10 - Powder Glass - Powder glass is very finely ground glass. It resembles talcum powder and is soft. There are many diverse processes and techniques that can be accomplished using powdered glass.

The newest page on the site will list some suggestions and ideas to help you along in your venture. As more techniques are found and accomplished, they will be added to this new page.

Powder Techniques

Glass Painting – mix powder glass with a medium and then use the mixture to paint on glass.

Crackle Glass – sift powder glass onto a piece of damp fiber board.

Sifted Dry – using a sifter or strainer dust powder onto glass.

Powder Wafer – pour powder into a pre-cut stencil.

Glass Lace – cut a round stencil and fill with powder glass.

Freeze and Fuse – add water to powder glass and press into molds.

Glass Clay – mix powder with Aloe Vera or other medium to a clay consistency.

Pate de Verre – making a paste out of glass and a liquid binder.

Jewelry – use powder to enhance your design.

Embellishments – accents to your other fusing glass items.

Hotline Fusers Glue for Glass Fusing

10/23/10 - Hotline Fusers Glue - Hotline Fusers Glue is the very last type of glue placed on the website. This particular glue comes in both a powder and a liquid form. Like all the other glues discussed, it is used to hold glass in place while decorating the piece or moving the project to the kiln. It also burns off clean inside the kiln during the firing process. Some people think that Klyr-Fire and Hotline Fusers glue are very similar in outcome and appliance. Check out the prices and compare the outcome for your projects.

Klyr-Fire Glass Glue

10/23/10 - Klyr-Fire - This month the main topic has been all about different glass fusing glues. Today a page was added on Klyr-Fire. Klyr-Fire is another type of glue that is used in fused glass. The product is also used for mosaics. It is a clean firing glue that is easily applied to your glass projects. Use a toothpick to drip a small amount on your glass pieces. It will run down and allow the glass to stick together. It is however another slow drying glue. Be sure that the glue has dried completely before firing your piece.

Beginner Glass Fusing Class Book - How to Fuse Glass

10/23/10 - Beginner Glass Fusing Class Book - How to Fuse Glass - Recently, I have turned The Beginner Glass Fusing Class video into a book. I love craft books...I don't know about you. Once the DVD began growing in popularity, I started thinking about all the individuals (like me) who would prefer to have the material in book form. If you are like me, then this book is definitely for you!

I have a large bookcase that is filled with various types of crafting books. There is nothing like refreshing your information by pulling down a book, sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee and gleaning the pages.

The information in this particular book is identical to the information on the DVD. It has all the basic information to get you going on your fusing adventure.

Hairspray - Glass Fusing Glue

10/16/10 - Hairspray - Glass Fusing Glue - Furthering the topic of glass fusing glues, today we are taking a look at using hairspray for gluing your projects. Hairspray is my preferred glue when it comes to adhering my glass adornments.

Purchase the pump type of unscented and inexpensive brand. Most individuals prefer to use either Suave, White Rain or Rave. The long thin tube can be used to apply the smallest amount to glass.

Glastac

10/16/10 - Glastac - Glastac is a light pink glue made to glue glass together. It is not a permanent glue, but will hold the pieces together during your decorating stage of your fusing project. This sticky substance will burn off during the firing process and leaves no residue on the glass.

Simply drip a little of the liquid on your glass edge and it will run down and around the bottom of the glass. Once dried it will make transporting glass to the kiln a breeze.

Fuse It Tack Film for Glass Fusing

10/14/10 - Fuse It Tack Film for Glass Fusing - The topic for this month is fusing glues. The product called Fuse It Tack Film is a fusing glue that is manufactured and distributed by Kaiser Lee LLC. It takes this particular glue about 30-60 minutes to completely dry and set up. Kaiser Lee has tested this material and it has held up and preformed to their satisfaction. Petra from Kaiser Lee, LLC has also put a video on YouTube demonstrating this product.

Elmers Glue for Glass Fusing

10/12/10 - Elmers Glue for Glass Fusing - I am sure that everyone knows Elmers glue. Did you know that a lot of individuals use this glue to hold their glass embellishments in place while fusing? Mix it with water to dilute the mixture and apply with a toothpick. The material should be applied sparingly. A lot of individual like the Elmers Blue Gel School Glue brand instead of the white substance we all grew up with.

Create for Less - for crafting supplies

09/29/10 - Create for Less - Create for Less is a supper store to buy supplies in volume. They sell items in bulk. When you are getting ready for an upcoming fair or show it is wise and thrifty to buy your items in bulk to finish off all your fused glass artwork.

Although most of their merchandise is not in related to fusing, they do have materials to help you with other craft projects, or to finishing off your glass pieces. Check them out!

Delphi Glass

09/28/10 - Delphi Glass - I really love Delphi Stained Glass supplies. Their vast selection of products and fair pricing is fabulous. If you are interested in any type of glass work this is the ideal place to make all your material purchases.

Check out their site and you will find that they are always adding new products to enhance your glass craft experiences. They have a convenient shopping cart that even calculates your shipping information. Purchasing from their online store is very simple and easy.

Then there is their customer service, which is A1. They are more than willing and eager to assist with just about any problem. Friendly and helpful are the best way to describe their customer service.

If you aren't familiar with Delphi, I highly recommend their online store.

Fused Glass Supplies to Enhance Glass Fusing

09/21/10 - Fused Glass Supplies to Enhance Glass Fusing - This newest page will home the links to pages that will help you in either making homemade supplies or using common items that can be found around the home for glass fusing.

Glass fusing supplies can be very expensive, and it is really nice to save a few bucks by creating supplies. These various items would include things like making kiln wash, bead release, etc. This page is very helpful in discovering common household items that can help you in your glass fusing endeavors. Check it out!

Homemade Tools

09/20/10 - Homemade Tools - A search around your own household will yield a lot of items that can be used as tools in glass fusing. These homemade tools are various things that would normally be use for another purpose, but can also assist you in your glass fusing ventures. Once you find these obvious things, you will find yourself checking around the house for other things that can be used in glass fusing.

Free Stained Glass Patterns

09/17/10 - Free Patterns for Stained Glass - A search of the internet will provide you with a trillion patterns that can also be used for glass fusing. Alter the patterns so that they are overlapping, or place them on a solid blank bottom. Remember that glass needs to overlap to fuse together.

This page has a list of various sites on the internet where you can locate these free patterns. They range from very simplistic to very intricate detailed designs.

If you are looking for a pattern to fuse, don't discount these free stained glass patterns. You might find just what you are looking for.

Hot Embossing Stamps

09/11/10 - Hot Embossing Stamps - When you want to create one-of-a-kind pieces that have depth and dimension, then embossing stamps are the answer. These copper stamps are attached to a long handle for ease in manipulating the glass inside the hot kiln.

They can be purchased in a variety of patterns, or customized to your specifications. You can also make some stamps of your own. This page has all the crucial details and information to get you started in embossing glass.

Art Glass Supplies for Fusing Glass

09/11/10 - Art Glass Supplies - Where do you buy all of your warm glass supplies? When purchasing from your local supplier you have the opportunity to actually see the glass you are purchasing and the gratification of bring home your spoils. But in this day and age the convenience of shopping on-line has made shopping for all of your other items much easier. You not only save in gas money but also a lot of times on the purchase of your other items.

Delphi Glass and Dick Blick are my particular preferred on-line stores. They not only have a fabulous supply but they are constantly coming out with new products to try and explore.

Craft Fair Booth

09/08/10 - Craft Fair Booth - The holiday season is right around the corner and now is the time to start considering your set up and display. Why do some displays draw customers while other booths everyone just walks by? Learn some of the tips and tricks of making your craft fair booth a success. Check it out!

Glass Fusing Jewelry Blanks

08/30/10 - Glass Fusing Jewelry Blanks - I recently purchased some jewelry blanks from aaeglass.com. These blanks come in three different designs...two bracelets and one pendant blank! They are very user friendly. Simply cut your glass...fire it inside the kiln...and glue to the blanks! For even more information and instructions, be sure to check out the site!

Selling Jewelry Crafts

08/29/10 - Selling Jewelry Crafts - If you have been fusing for quite a while, then you will have an abundance of finished pieces. Most of mine are given to family members and friends, but after a while they have seen it all!

Now it is time to explore other ways of dispersing the items and making some money in the process. There are many various ways you can actually profit from all you glass fusing expenses.

Look into these venues on this particular page. More suggestions and ideas will be added in the near future.

Aloha Surf Board Pattern

08/26/10 - Aloha Surf Board Pattern - Of course you know "Aloha" means hello and goodbye. For now we are saying goodbye to our Hawaiian influences page with this easy surf board pattern. Two months have passed as we have shared patterns and designs influenced from a trip to the island of Kona.

This pattern reminds me of that Beach Boy song "Catch a Wave". It is ideal for any young man who is interested in surfing and loves to spend his days at the beach.

Programming a Kiln

08/24/10 - Programming a Kiln - So, you have purchased a new kiln and are beginning to wonder just how you program the unit. Before you do anything, get to know your kiln and how it fires. This can be done by taking notes of what has transpired at various temperature.

To begin entering your information into the unit, you should first write down your information. This will assist you in placing the correct numbers in the required information.

The first thing it will ask you is how many segments are in this firing. You can determine this by how many steps you have written down.

Now it will go on to each step of the firing. In the first section determine the temperature of your ramp temperature. This is basically how fast you want the kiln to heat up per hour.

Next will come the goal temperature. This is the set temperature you want to reach before the kiln goes on to the next step.

The last information for that step would be whether or not you want to hold the temperature and if so for how long.

If you would like more information or to watch some fantastic videos provided by Delphi Glass - Art Glass Tools & Supplies be sure to visit the site.

Pineapple

08/21/10 - Pineapple - Revisiting the island of Kona this month with this pineapple design. It is a very basic design that does require the use of a glass saw to cut out the tiny details. Dichroic glass is used for the body of the fruit to give it texture and glimmer, while a simple green glass is being used for the leafy foliage at the top of the fruit.

Visit the website if you would like another more complicated outcome of this pattern.

Spiky Needle Points

08/18/10 - Spiky Needle Points - Spiky needle points are commonly found on glass pieces that have been over fired. They can also appear on pieces that are one layer thick or in molds that have not had enough frit added to the firing. They can be removed by using either a grinder or some polishing pads. Re-fire the piece to a fire polishing temperature to smooth out the edges.

DVD Beginners Glass Fusing Class

Tile Nippers

08/15/10 - Tile Nippers - Tile Nippers are really a fabulous tool to use when you desire cutting glass with unique and various shapes. Although usually used to cut tiles, they can be used for cutting glass as well. This tool is not only quick, but cuts the glass in very irregular shapes. Utilize this fact to create unique pieces of fused glass.

Taking Notes

08/09/10 - Taking Notes - Taking notes when you first begin glass fusing is highly recommended. Jotting down important information will help you learn the process, teach you about your particular kiln and give you some insight into the firing process. These notes are fantastic to refer to as you venture on to new processes. Referencing them will provide you with vital information on what went right and what went wrong.

For more information on journals that can be used to help you in this process, be sure to check out this page.

Firing the Clay

08/06/10 - Firing the Clay - Previously the discussions were on all the various ways glass clay can be made. There were three different ways discussed: Purchasing glass powder with a binder already added, using a powder mixture to make the binder and adding glass powder, and making glass clay from scratch.

In the main section of Glass Clay, suggestions are made on how to maneuver and manipulate this material to achieve various results.

In this section the final process of firing the glass is discussed. Check it out to find out more about this process.

Beginner Glass Fusing Class Video

07/12/10 - Beginner Glass Fusing Class Video - After several long months of work, the “Beginner Glass Fusing Class” DVD is finished and up on the website. This is a very informative instructional DVD that will help beginners in the basics of glass fusing. There are a total of 18 chapters on the DVD, each one of them is filled with essential instructions and information to assist beginners with the fundamentals of learning this hot craft.

Aloe Vera Clay

Steider Studios Glass Medium

GlasClay Powder

Glass clay has been around for ages, but this new product called "GlasClay" is new to the glass fusing market. The package contains 12 individual small vials of powder that is mixed with distilled water and turned into clay.

It can be used like any type of clay. Press it into polymer clay molds, use it to freeze objects in candy molds, or mold it into your desired shape.

Introduction to Glass Fusing Class Video

Glass Clay

Octopus

07/12/10 - Octopus - The newest design in the Hawaii Inspiration section is this simple octopus pattern. He has a large round head and some extending arms. Decorate this pattern to your specifications.

In this particular piece, I have used brown glass for the body and then simply added large black dots for the eyes. Millefiori has been utilized to represent the many suction cups on his arms. Stringer pieces were added to give a touch of interest and depth to the piece.

Flower of Hawaii Design

07/12/10 - Flower of Hawaii Design - There is so much inspiration on the island of Hawaii. I think the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden was so amazing and really motivated this particular design.

This is a really simple and straightforward design. Choose your preferred glass for the petals and decorate. I added large dark dots on the purple glass.

Simple to Make Glass Frit Blends

07/11/10 - Simple to Make Glass Frit Blends - I don't know about you, but I save all my scraps of glass. These can be used to make various mixed shades of glass frit blends. These small pieces of glass can add a lot of interest and depth to any of your fusing project. Cut up your scrap glass, mix the colors and add the pieces to any project. Make sure that before you begin the glass has been cleaned to remove any debris.

Fused Decals

06/29/10 - Fused Decals - This month the site has been all about Hawaii and our recent trip there. These glass decals are perfect for the palm tree pattern. Before discovering the decal, I was going to etch a palm tree into some dichroic glass and fuse it, but these decals are so much easier.

There are only a few steps in using these simple decals. It is recommended that you first fire two or more pieces together before actually firing the decals into the glass. This gives the piece a smooth surface to adhere the decal on to and also helps to eliminate bubbles in your final piece.

Palm Trees

06/28/10 - Palm Trees - A Fused Glass Decal Pattern - Everyone has seen the dark silhouettes of palm trees as they stand gracefully against the gorgeous sun setting horizon. There is absolutely nothing like experiencing this very romantic tropical scene in person.

Using a fused glass decal to bring this scene to glass fusing is a simple process. The fusible decals are a nice break from etching glass, which can only be accomplished on dichroic glass. With the ease of decals you can place this pattern on any color of glass desired. Bring the glass to a full fuse before attaching the decals to avoid bubbles and have a smooth surface.

Dolphin Tail Pattern

06/22/10 - Dolphin Tail Pattern - This newest page added to the Kona - Hawaiian Themed pages is for a dolphin tail. The design is very simple and basic. It would make the perfect gift for that certain male someone in your life.

Use stringers or other fusing glass to accent the piece. I have used black stringer on the brown fins to indicate the presence of lines in the tail.

Hawaiian Orchid Pattern

06/20/10 - Hawaiian Orchids - While on our latest vacation to the island of Hawaii, we took a small venture to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. There we saw unimaginable vegetation. There were plants of just about every shape, size and color. The Hawaiian Orchids were especially inspiring to me, so I wanted to try capturing this elegant flower.

This piece is made using transparent glass in the shades of dark green, pale yellow and light violet. Pre-fired fiber board was used to lift the center petals.

Green Sea Turtle from Hawaii

06/19/10 - Green Sea Turtle from Hawaii - Sea turtles are very common off the shores of Hawaii. This large Green Sea Turtle is one of the most common and also the largest.

Since the usually come in various colors ranging from a dark brown to an olive green, I have made this guy using a dark brown color of glass. He has a shell made out of Dichroic with a clear cap to give the piece some depth.

Graceful Oceanic Dolphins

06/16/10 - Graceful Oceanic Dolphins - Continuing with my Hawaiian themed page, I have added this Graceful Oceanic Dolphins page. These beautiful creatures can be actually seen from the rocky shores of Hawaii.

I have used brown glass for the body, even though these creatures are generally gray in color. Dichroic glass gives the appearance of ocean water gliding across his body.

The Coqui Frog

06/16/10 - The Coqui Frog - The Coqui frog would make a great gift for any of your frog collecting friends or family. This pattern can be turned into a pendant, pin or adorn other fused glass items with the design.

Although this tiny guy lives in Hawaii, he didn't originate from the green island. He actually transported from the Caribbean many many years ago.

I have put red eyes on this frog although they generally have black eyes. I think the red really stands out. Millefiori has been fused on to his back to indicate some warts.

Barefootin

06/15/10 - Barefootin - Barefootin in inspiring Hawaii is such a sensual experience. Feeling the warmth of the oozing sand between your toes and noticing that as you walk you are leaving prints in the soft sand. This experience can be not only sensual but also liberating. Enjoy the experience and feel this small delight yourself.

This simple pattern can be embellished with other glass fusing items, such as frit, Glassline paints, etc. I have used the Springtime Millefiori to add the indication of toe nails and Glassline paints to draw on the other patterns.

Kona - Hawaii

06/14/10 - Kona - Hawaii - Well we are back from our trip to Kona, Hawaii. This quaint city is located on the big island of Hawaii. It is quite a tourist town with shops and restaurants lining the streets and facing the spectacular ocean view.

On this trip we stayed at the Otrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. Everywhere we looked our senses were filled to overload with the atmosphere. The grounds were filled with tropical plants and flowers. I have to admit I went camera happy everyday. There was just so much to see and experience. There were large turtles basking in the sun and we even snorkeled with a few. Sail boats gliding along in the distance helped to make the peaceful surroundings complete.

All this overload of Hawaii gave me inspiration to create a few beach themed items for the web site. I have started making the patterns and fusing a few pieces for this month's theme.

Geckos

05/27/10 - Geckos - Geckos are adorable lizards that have become quite popular lately. This little guy has been accented using the "Spring Mix Millefiori Assortment" from Delphi Glass. It has been used to add some depth to his body, toes, nose and even his bulging eyes.

The Millefiori comes in various shapes and sizes. Some of the colors are the same and yet there are some variations to the patterns. The ones I chose to use for this piece have basically yellow, green and blue in different designs.

The millefiori is not even as I believe I read that they are cut from long strings of glass using a mosaic cutter. Try either finding a side that is fairly even, or sand them down before placing them onto the glass.

Fire the piece slowly since the millefiori is thick and has been heated previously. These pieces were taken up at about 300 degrees per hour and then held for 30 minutes at 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Millefiori Embellishments

05/26/10 - Millefiori Embellishments - I ordered and just received a package of millefiori. These were from Delphi Glass. The selection I received is called the "Spring Mix Millefiori Assortment". They have quite a selection of Millefiori glass.

Millefiori actually means “a thousand flowers”. Each piece is heated inside a gloryhole and then pulled into intricate designs. Then they are cut into these irregular shapes and sizes. They look like a hand full of tiny flowers.

Once I decided on getting these from Delphi, I searched for just the right design to adorn with these flowery patterns. I didn't want to make the usual pendant, so I searched for something that I think is really different.

The piece has been cut, decorated with these pieces and is currently fusing inside the kiln. I can't wait to see the final results.

Pizza Plate

05/20/10 - Pizza Plate - This pizza pie plate was fused using an unfinished ceramic bisque piece as a mold. Even though there are actually molds for this design, using a ceramic bisque pieces as a mold is much cheaper. There isn't much preparation to turn the piece into a mold that can be used for fusing.

A mold for this piece could cost up to $16.27, while purchasing the bisque only costs around $5.62. This is really a big savings to make the same type of piece.

Make a group of them for a family and they will appreciate it as they enjoy their next pizza gathering.

Unpainted Ceramic Bisque for Glass Fusing

05/15/10 - Unpainted Ceramic Bisque for Glass Fusing - Unpainted ceramic bisque comes in millions of patterns and designs. These are fantastic to use for slumping glass.

Check the piece carefully to assure that the glass will not get stuck in any crevices. If just adding frit to the piece there is only the preparation of adding a few layers of kiln wash, but if the piece is going to be used for slumping then you will need to also drill holes.

Determine areas where air might get trapped during the slumping process. These are the areas that will need to have a hole or two drilled to allow the air to escape.

Once washed with kiln wash check to make sure the pre-drilled holes are still open and clear.

E6000 Adhesive

05/12/10 - E6000 Adhesive - E6000 adhesive is used to glue fused glass to jewelry findings. These items could include things like bails, earring wires, or jump rings. The mixture comes in a large tube which will go a long way in your applications.

Read all the written directions on applying the mixture. Make sure you clean the glass before applying. Do not use any type of soap on the glass, as it can leave a residue that will keep the two pieces from bonding.

Two-part Epoxy

05/11/10 - Two-Part Epoxy - I find that a two-part epoxy works best for applying jewelry findings to any fused glass pieces. Read the directions for the glue before beginning. Take special note of the bonding time needed. Use one that will give you enough time to be able to move things around if needed, and yet one that will set up fairly quickly.

Most of these set up quickly so keep an eye on your project. Sometimes the findings might slip a little so check on it periodically will assure that you keep your finding where you want to place it.

I use a piece of freezer paper and a Popsicle stick to mix the concoction. Apply a little to the glass and then place the finding into the damp mixture. You may need to apply a little pressure to bond the two pieces.

Chili Pepper

05/04/10 - Chili Pepper - No matter how you individually spell the name of this pepper, it is hot! Used to zest up culinary dishes or just eaten straight from the stem, the red color almost warns you how spicy it will be when consumed.

First grown in the Americas, this seems to be a fitting symbol for the country of Mexico. In fact it is almost shaped like the country of Mexico.


This page has a pattern for a simple two-piece pattern. It would make an outstanding pin, or fuse it into a salsa bowl for your celebration.

Cinco de Mayo Holiday

05/03/10 - Cinco de Mayo - Cinco de May is a popular holiday in the United States, but it is only celebrated in a few places in Mexico. Even though there are numerous holidays in Mexico, this one seems to be the one picked to represent the Mexican heritage in the US. This day is actually celebrated because of Mexico's victory over France on May 5th in 1862.

Details from the Mexican culture or used in the festivities here in the United States. Generally these items include Hispanic food, drinks, music and or course decorations. Reds, greens and yellows seem to be the favorite colors found in the theme.

This page will display links to various items to help you celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Each page will include completed instructions and a pattern for the individual projects.

Turn the designs into your desired project. Make pins, or fuse them into other objects such as bowls or platters.