Fused Glass Basics: Level 100

Class Description

Course Objective Provide 8 hours of instruction in a small class size environment. The studio provides all glass and tools. By the end of this class, students will: -Understand the essential tools, materials, and safety practices in fused glass. -Learn how to cut, arrange, and layer glass for fusing. -Explore basic techniques such as full fuse, tack fuse, and slumping. -Create at least one finished fused glass project. Class Structure (4 Weeks) Week 1: Introduction & Safety (2 hours) -Overview of fused glass art and its possibilities. -Studio safety: handling glass, using tools, kiln safety. -Introduction to materials: sheet glass, frit, stringers, dichroic glass. -Demonstration: basic glass cutting and scoring. -Practice cutting straight lines, curves, and circles. Introduction to design principles: color, transparency, layering. -Hands-on exercise: create a simple geometric design for a coaster. Week 2: Understanding Fusing Techniques (2 hours) -Full fuse vs. tack fuse: differences in texture and finish. -Kiln schedules: basics of heating, soaking, and cooling. Project: design and prepare a tack-fused piece with texture. -Using frit, stringers, and noodles for detail work. Week 3: Slumping & Shaping (2 hours) -Introduction to molds and slumping. -How to prepare molds with kiln wash or shelf paper. Project: slump a fused piece into a dish or bowl. Week 4: Finishing Techniques (2 hours) -Coldworking basics: grinding edges, polishing. -Group critique and discussion of projects. Final project: student choice (plate, panel, or art piece). Materials & Tools (Provided) -Glass cutter, running pliers, grozing pliers. -Safety glasses, gloves -Kiln with programmable controller. -Sheet glass, frit, stringers -Kiln shelf paper or wash, molds for slumping. Student Outcomes -Confidence in cutting and designing with glass -Understanding of kiln firing schedules and fusing outcomes. -Completed projects showcasing different techniques. Foundation for intermediate fused glass classes.