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.
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| "this is fun!" |
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| Ian was the first one done! |
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| 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.
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| Alec's Minecraft guy |
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| 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:
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| Ian's night light |
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| Alec's Minecraft guy |
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| Evan's "Face" |
Linking Up With:
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
DeleteThose are so neat!! What an interesting class to take. Thanks for sharing these on the Virtual Fridge!
ReplyDeleteIt was so neat and I have been wanting to do it again ever since!
DeleteThat looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI loved it! Definitely something I'd really love to do more often.
DeleteWow that looks like fun!
ReplyDeleteWe had a great time! It was a lot of fun.
DeleteHow cool!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is so much fun. We want to try another class/session soon.
DeleteWow! Just plain WOW! I want to do this! Your creations are all amazing and beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so fun!
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