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.