What is Fused Glass?

Fusing is a process used to describe glass that has been "fired" in a kiln and requires temperatures that range between 1100 degrees F to 1500 degrees F. Glass begins to "move" at temperatures higher than 1100 degrees. General terminology agrees that between 1100-1250 degrees "slumping" occurs; 1250-1350 degrees "tack fusing" is created and between 1350-1500 degrees a "full fuse" is accomplished. Slumping is utilized to create shapes: bowls, platters, anytime you want to have the glass mirror an object used as a form or free floating. Tack fusing is process that allows you to add layers of glass that maintain their shape but are not fully incorporated into the piece(s) they are on top of. Full fusing is when the glass is taken to a high enough temperature that it flows out into one solid piece of glass. These processes are often combined to create a beautiful final effect.
There is a fair degree of calculations that are required in taking the temperatures up and down to allow appropriate expansion and contraction of the glass. If the glass is heated or cooled too quickly, it will crack in the process.
It is also important to be cognizant of the co-efficient of the glass. It is absolutely critical that glass be "compatible" so that it will heat and cool at the same rates. Fused glass comes in either 90 or 96 co-efficients and cannot be combined.
There are free tutorials available at Warm Glass. Combinations of colors and designs are only limited by your imagination. There are beautiful creations happening everyday! Enjoy!

My Beginning

This begins my journey of sharing my experiences in the world of glass, one that has become near and dear to my heart. After a wonderful woman in Salida, Colorado, Steph Brady from The Green Cat gallery, introduced me to the art forms of Stained and Fused glass I became intrigued with the concepts, chemistry and process. Stay tuned for posts about works currently in progress and "how to" suggestions for the emerging artist.