Glass fusing is the art of taking colored glass and layering it in such a way that it fuses together in a glass kiln. I’m often asked, can I bring in some glass that I have, such as sea glass collected on the beach, or stained glass pieces. Unfortunately, the answer is always no, it won’t be compatible. Every piece of glass has a temperature where it softens, thereby allowing the glass to fuse to a base piece. If those fusing temperatures are not the same in the two pieces of glass, the glass cracks when it cools.
Our glass is all tested compatible, and in the Art Barn, we use system 96. I find it’s the easiest to create with.
What can you expect when you sign up for a glass fusing class in the Art Barn? Firstly, advance reservations are almost always required in the busy part of our summer season. Call me at (269) 857-5566 to reserve a spot. I don’t require a deposit, but I do require you to consider that spot a commitment, as I only have 8 spots to offer each day. If you can’t make the time you’ve reserved, please call me as soon as you can so that I may offer your spot to another. The minimum age is 18 in the glass room, per my insurance policy rules.
Before the class time, it would be great if you had an idea where you would like to display your glass. Do you want to make something for your garden? Do you want something to display on a shelf? What about something that hangs in a window, or a nightlight? All these and more are possible! I always suggest that you spend some time googling glass fusing ideas, and I absolutely love it when you bring in a printed idea. It helps me help you so much!
Our classes begin promptly at 10 am each day (and I occasionally offer 1 pm classes when the morning is full). Feel free to arrive a few minutes early, and you’ll have a chance to wander through the garden to see dozens of examples. Copying one of my ideas is wholeheartedly encouraged! The first thing I’ll ask of you is to decide the shape and size of the piece you’d like to make. We have square, round and totems for the garden. If you are wanting to make something for your garden, the price will be around $100 and up with the display stand. If you are wanting a less expensive project, a small hanging piece will be in the $30 and up range. Do realize that sometimes smaller can be a little harder to do, as it can be difficult to manipulate the glass into a small space. I’ll teach you how to cut and assemble the glass, and then I’ll fire your glass. It’s a long tedious process in my kiln, so you’re glass will be ready to pick up 2 days later. I do offer shipping on most glass projects if you can’t return, and an additional shipping fee applies.
Here are a series of photos to show you the process of creating a piece of glass. In this case, this base piece of glass is 10 inches. This glass could then be displayed in a garden stand, or in a tabletop stand.
Hope to see you in the fused glass studio soon!
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