What is Glass Fusion?

We had an opportunity to attend a glass fusion class a while back.  I've been waiting to blog about it until we got our completed pieces back.  The boys and I each worked on our own project and then we had to leave them at the studio to be fired in the kiln.  The boys each chose a nightlight and so we also had to wait for the light kit to be attached to the glass fronts they designed.  It has been torture waiting for our projects!!  We had so much fun and can not wait to go back again.


When I signed us up for this class I had no idea what glass fusion was.  I looked it up on Google, read the description and checked out a bunch of pictures of completed projects. Layering glass pieces together and then firing them in a kiln to "melt" them together.   I love colored glass and something about the play of light through the colors just captivates me.  As soon as I looked it up I was hooked and determined that even if the boys didn't love it this was a class I wanted to take! Luckily, they were just as excited as I was!

We arrived at our class and there was a whole table set up with displays of possible project ideas.  It was so hard to choose!  We wanted to do them all!  I finally settled on a trivet for the table and the three boys decided to make a nightlight.  With our projects chosen we awaited instructions.


   We were acquainted with our tools:

  • protective goggles
  • glass nippers
  • alcohol wipes
  • glue & paintbrush
  • Glass pieces, chips, etc.
We had free reign for what we wanted to make.  Ian and I chose abstract designs of line, colors, and shapes while both Alec and Evan decided to make a specific picture.  Alec wanted to try and make a Minecraft looking guy standing outside with grass, sky & sun.  Evan wanted to make a face with hair.  

"this is fun!" 

Ian was the first one done! 

Alec worked with great determination the whole time
We learned a lot of different techniques and since everyone in the class chose a variety of projects to complete we got to learn even more by listening to their questions, watching how they completed their project, and seeing the materials they used.  

We could layer glass on top of glass (up to 3 layers) and kept moving all our pieces around until we were happy with our final product.  Then we glued the pieces into place, labeled them with our names and what we were making and left them to be fired and finished for us.  There were just interesting colors, sizes and shapes to chose from and, of course, we could use our nippers to further shape the pieces.

Alec's Minecraft guy
part of my finished trivet 

We learned about the kiln and how glass fusion works.  We learned how they make shaped pieces like bowls, tea glass holders, and plant stakes.  We also learned a bit about painted pottery since they offer that there as well.  It was a wonderful day and we had so much learning a new skill together. It didn't hurt that we all got to meet lots of new homeschoolers and make a few friends along the way too.

  Our completed projects:


Ian's night light

Alec's Minecraft guy 

Evan's "Face" 
Linking Up With:



The Virtual Refrigerator is an art post link-up hosted by Every Bed of Roses, Homeschool Coffee Break, Raventhreads, and This Day Has Great Potential #VirtualFridge #art




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Comments

  1. Teresa BMay 19, 2016 at 1:27 PM

    I love the end result. I had no idea you could do this, but it's really a great idea! Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party! Pinned!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mother of 3May 19, 2016 at 5:19 PM

      I said the same thing when a homeschooling mom contacted us for this event. I had NO idea what it was but I thought melted art/ glass; that sounds pretty cool!

      Delete
  2. Kym ThorpeFebruary 9, 2017 at 1:57 PM

    Those are so neat!! What an interesting class to take. Thanks for sharing these on the Virtual Fridge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mother of 3February 9, 2017 at 6:37 PM

      It was so neat and I have been wanting to do it again ever since!

      Delete
  3. Lisa TFebruary 10, 2017 at 9:31 AM

    That looks like so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mother of 3February 10, 2017 at 2:26 PM

      I loved it! Definitely something I'd really love to do more often.

      Delete
  4. Doodle MomFebruary 11, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    Wow that looks like fun!

    ReplyDelete
  5. thepaintedapron.comOctober 12, 2017 at 9:34 AM

    How cool!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mother of 3October 12, 2017 at 4:45 PM

      Thanks! It is so much fun. We want to try another class/session soon.

      Delete
  6. Linda SOctober 12, 2017 at 11:01 AM

    Wow! Just plain WOW! I want to do this! Your creations are all amazing and beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete

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