What is Fused Glass and What Can You Expect?

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The items you see on this site were made using a process known as fused or kilnformed glass. This means objects are made with glasses tested as compatible for fusing when heated in a kiln. The glass, which is made by hand, is purchased already colored and comes in different forms: sheets of differing thicknesses, crushed glass (frit), powdered glass, rods, thin rods (stringers) and very thin shards (confetti).

 

At its most basic, fused glass takes some combination of the above types of glass which are arranged in the desired design. The glass is then heated at temperatures up to 1500 degrees F until it is fully fused to a flat piece. That piece is placed in a mold and reheated until it takes the shape of the mold, known as slumping, such as a bowl or plate. But there are an almost infinite number of techniques to make anything from jewelry to bowls to large art pieces.

 

The kilns for glass fusing are usually computer controlled to achieve consistent results. In spite of this each hand made glass item will be different and contain certain inconsistencies, imperfections or very slight variations in size or shape. For example, bubbles will be present in almost every piece depending on the technique used. The artist may try to minimize the size and number of bubbles, called champagne bubbles or include them in patterns as part of the design. The imperfections and bubbles add to the art and beauty of finished glass work.