Fused Glass Classes
——> Remember: 3 classes = 1 whole class.
Learn to make your own fused glass creations! Classes are held in private homes in Central Florida on Sunday afternoons. The owner of the home is the “hostess.”
Here’s the deal…
I’ll come to you (within reason) in Central Florida. Please note I live in the Lakeland/Winter Haven area.
Classes are $125 / person. The homeowner is the “host/hostess” and they a discount on their class—50% off—with the agreement of having three full-price students also in attendance. The $125 each is for all three classes… 3 classes = one class.
Let me explain… $125 per student covers all three classes.
Each class is approximately two hours each — sometimes longer because sometimes we lose track of time.
By the end of the three classes you should have at least three finished matching pendant and earring sets. Often, students leave with much more! It is very common for students to leave the class with 6-8 finished matching sets, which is a very good bang for your buck!
All materials will be provided to use during the class, including the tools and glass. Don’t worry, you don’t need to operate the kiln, I will do that. In fact, I explain the two types of fusings I run, show you the general results of each, and you tell me how you want your glass “cooked.”
You will also be provided the hardware for three (3) sets, including three large silver- or gold-plated bales, six silver- or gold-plated earring bales and matching ear wires (or earring posts if not dangly), one silver- or gold-plated chain necklace, and two organza ribbon necklaces (or four organza necklaces if you don’t want the chain).
Please note: Those who require sterling silver or gold-plated findings — let me know in the first class so I can place that order. For my students requiring better metals, I cover the cost of hardware for one pendant and earring set. The others will be extra.
If you require more silver- or gold-plated bales or necklaces, they will be available for purchase in the third class. Also, additional necklaces and chokers will be available for purchase in the third class to glass students for less than what I sell them for at my booth at markets.
The three separate classes, two hours each, are broken down as such:
Class 1: Cut, layer, fuse.
Class 2: Grind, add stringers. Make more pieces!!
Class 3: Glue bales, drill holes, match finished pieces to necklaces.
Why is the class broken down into three separate days?
The class is broken down into three days because although the kiln takes about an hour and a half to ramp up to its high temps (above 1300 degrees), it takes about nine hours to properly cool down. You can’t rush glass when it’s cooling, otherwise, it’ll crack due to the stress.
1.) In the first class you will learn how to cut the glass using a special carbide wheel cutter and how to layer/design the glass for matching pendant and earring sets. We will also cover safety procedures, types of fusible glass, and types of fusings (polish and full). You will understand the difference between the different COEs, and a “full fire” vs. a “polish fire.” You will tell me how to fire your pieces! Pretty sweet!
2.) In the second class you will decide either to grind your fused piece(s) into a particular shape or leave as-is in the organic state in which it emerged from the kiln. If you’ve chosen to grind, your piece(s) will need to be polish fired so those grinded edges can get smooth again. If you decide to add stringers or more glass to your piece(s), it/they will also need to be polish fired again. Techniques learned will include grinding glass using a grinder with water. And you then get to make even more pieces after your grinding is done!
3.) In the third class you will learn how to properly glue bales to the backs of your pieces using a Dremel tool, rubbing alcohol, and E6000 glue. It’s not as easy as slapping a bale on with glue, there is a process to follow to ensure your bale does not fall off after a few times of wear. You will also match your finished work with organza ribbon necklaces and purchase extra bales and necklaces (beyond three plated sets or one sterling set) if needed. You will also learn how to drill holes in glass if you have a pendant you’d rather put jump rings through, rather than glue a bale.
To recap: at least three (3) matching sets (though perhaps quite a few more), a minimum of six (6) hours of instruction, access to all tools and glass during classes. You will be provided protective eyewear and aprons for use during the class.
If you bring a drink, please make sure it has a lid—glass can fly off in bits and we don’t need to drink the bits.
Please know that although we start at 1 p.m., we don’t always get out of class exactly at 3 p.m.; oftentimes we are there until 3:30+ p.m. or later. Again, because time flies when you’re having fun.
Please read: Any glass that is not made into finished jewelry (a.k.a. raw, un-fired glass) by the second class will not be allowed to taken home unless it is paid for (unfinished pieces will be charged $10 per ounce).
Have any questions? Check out the FAQ first, then contact me with questions I haven’t already answered.