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T H E   D E S I G N

 

Designs are created by combining and layering a variety of materials to produce beautiful effects. These materials range from various types of glass including beautifully coloured transparent, opaque and iridescent glass; beautiful dichroic glass (which changes colour in the light) and glass powders and grains (called frit). Inclusions can also be added to create special effects such as metal oxides, metal foils and wire and specially created papers and decals some of which are encased within the glass during firing.

Fused glass is just one of many forms of glass art, some of which have evolved over many hundreds
of years. Really beautiful glass objects can be created by melting glass in a kiln (this is sometimes also referred to as kilnformed,  warm, or kiln-glass).

A B O U T   F U S E D   G L A S S 

T H E   K I L N

 

The artworks are then placed carefully into a kiln which is fired gradually (in order to prevent thermal shock) to around 830 degrees C and then cooled very slowly to stabilise the glass. Firing programmes vary depending on variations of the materials and pieces being fired. During the firing process layers of glass are fused together to form a single piece. The size and thickness of the piece and how many firings are involved, determines how long the process takes. Generally a piece will take considerable time to design and layout, followed by several hours of firing – and then cooling. Some pieces may also need several firings over a period of time. After the initial firing the object can also be slumped over a mould to form a shape such as

a dish or a decorative curve.

A N D   F I N A L L Y

 

Every piece of fused glass is totally individual and has its own characteristics. Very often bubbles will appear in the glass during firing - this is a fantastic natural occurrence and adds to the beauty of each piece.
 

All this means one thing for certain - no one will own anything exactly like the piece you have chosen – it is truly original!

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