Jewelry & Beading

Get Started with Fused Glass

by Tammy Powley on August 7th, 2007

One of the things I like about fused glass is that you can make more than just jewelry. Yes, you can make pendants and glass cabs, but you can also make bowls, plates, trays, cups, all kinds of home-decor type of items.

However, getting started with something like fused glass can be tricky because of all the kiln work involved. So, before anyone tries to do this totally self-taught, I highly recommend trying to find a class to take if for no other reason to learn the basics and become comfortable with working with the glass.

I’ve created a list of schools which offer glass classes, but also check around locally through adult education programs, junior colleges, and local gem and rock clubs. Another option is to look in your local phone book for glass artists and approach one about teaching you, even if he or she doesn’t normally teach classes.

After I found a glass studio where classes were offered, I realize after taking my first few classes that there was a lot to the firing process and working with the kiln. Most students just came in and cut their glass and prepared for the firing. Then the instructor fired it after they left so it was ready for them to pick up at the next class. But, I wanted to learn the whole process, and that meant working with the kiln.

My solution?

I offered to work as her apprentice in exchange for free supplies and on the job training. Sometimes I had a lot of tedious stuff to do, like cutting hundreds of small pieces of glass for pendants, but it I learned so much it was well worth it.

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POSTED IN: Lampwork & Fused Glass