An example of a lovely glass pendant
Just below this post is a new video that I think is one of the better ones I’ve seen on making jewelry using fused glass. It illustrates the basic technique without any spam or excess advertising to get in the way of the lesson. If you are a “newbie” to the glass arts then please pay special attention to the mention of “coefficient of expansion” (COE). This is important because all glass used in your project must be the same COE, such as 96 COE. If you don’t follow this rule you will likely have breakage problems at unpredictible times.
To do fusing work you will, of course, need to have a kiln to heat and “fuse” the glass objects. And, two final notes of caution, be careful to avoid looking into the kiln without kiln glasses (special safety glasses) and wear heat resistant gloves and/or use tongs when handling anything going into or out of the kiln.
Now enjoy the video below from RioGrande.com
Jerry (webmaster Crafting Glass)
Try your hand at the exciting craft of glass jewelry! Easy to learn, fused glass jewelry offers a wide range of creative opportunities. A Bead, Baubles & Jewels project. For more projects and jewelry-making know-how, visit us at http://forum.riogrande.com/ or visit http://www.riogrande.com/ for all your jewelry-making tools and supplies.
Duration : 0:5:22
Mar
13
Today I have posted (just below this post) a video showing some of the inspiring work of glass artist Guy Kemper. Guy says that he started out in stained glass but now his work is hard to catagorize. He now sometimes calls himself an artist in “blown glass paintings”…..whatever you call it, his work is awesome! One sample picture is right here in this post. Now please watch the video in the next post. It is a little longer (about 8 minutes) than the usual short vids I post here but it is worth your time, believe me.
Jerry (webmaster, Crafting Glass)
Guy’s web site:
I believe this is the most awesome, unique use of glass I’ve ever seen. This work is by the artist Walter Gordinier with glass materials mostly (all?) from the great glass company Uroboros.
Please look here (below) to be inspired!
http://www.uroboros.com/images/artist_gallery/Walter_Gordanier/full_images/image1.jpg
Thanks for visiting my web site!
Jerry (webmaster, Crafting Glass)
Feb
28
I have recently added a new category (Fused Glass) to CraftingGlass.com
Some visitors are wondering just what fused glass is and how it is made. Fused glass (much different from blown glass) is glass that has been heat processed (fired) in a kiln at a high temperatures. There are 3 ranges of temperatures used in the fusing process that give different results in the finished glass object. These temperatures are: #1 (low range) 1100 to 1250 degrees F. Firing in this range of temperatures results in “slumping” of the glass. It sort of drapes over the mold. #2 (1250º-1350ºF) This is called the middle range. These temps result in what is called “tack fusing” of the glass. Finally; #3 (1350º-1500ºF), the highest range used in fusing, is called a “full fuse.”
Fused glass techniques are often used to create glass tiles or jewelry. However, the slumping process also allows the creation of larger pieces like plates, bowls and dishes. Doing this usually requires a second or third firing to fuse and shape the glass art pieces. Producing functional pieces generally requires 2 or more separate firings; one to fuse the glass and a second or more to shape it. For more information on fused glass please see: http://fusedglass.org
One practical advantage of fused glass is that it can be produced by a relative newcomer to glassworking. There is no need to melt or blow the glass and thus no need for complicated, expensive equipment. A fusing kiln can be set up in a garage or basement by any responsible, careful adult who follows the kiln set-up directions. After much study and practice the results can be impressive (see the pictures of fused glass objects )
“Purple Moons” and “Water dance” By Rhoda Baer
Fused Glass Tapestry Cup by Paul Tarlow http://www.fusedglass.org
Aurhor: Jerry (CraftingGlass.com)
Although I did not get the required ten pictures to start the contest (sadly) I did get the great pictures below (not in any particular order). I’m sharing them with you today. The first window picture is in St Josephs Chapel at ground zero in New York. The artist is Guy Kemper (www.kemperstudio.com). Second picture is a private residence window done by Karen Tarlow submitted by her husband Paul Tarlow(www.heliosglass.com). The last lovely picture is of a window in a sanctuary door in the Congregation Bethaynu in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Image courtesy of Lynn Katz Danzig (no web site given). Three different types of glass work, three different styles, yet all are stunning, IMHO. My thanks to you all.
Now please view these three beautiful glass window pictures just below. Jerry (webmaster, Crafting Glass)
Entry #1
Entry #2
Entry #3
Hello Everyone!
Starting in October I will be writing an article on an artist in one of the glass categories featured on Crafting Glass. These categories are: glass blowing, dichroic glass art/jewelry, etched (and carved) glass, fused glass, glass beads, and stained glass. There will be no particular order (such as alphabetical) in which the artists will appear. I have several artists in mind for the first and subsequent articles. If you are an artist and want to appear here please contact me and be willing to let me use an article about your work or a video or picture of your work. New artists in the field of glass arts are welcome to apply also.
Thanks,
Jerry (webmaster, Crafting Glass)