Fused glass is the art of melting glass together in a planned (or random, if you wish) way to create something new out of the raw materials that you started with. The idea is pretty basic - you melt glass together. The options, though, that one has are limitless. You can make jewelry, beads, plates, wall art, bowls, and a million other things.
In order to get started you need glass, a kiln, and molds. Once the kiln is heated to the proper temperature, arrange the glass on top of the mold in the manner you wish and let it melt. If the glass heats or cools too fast, it will break. Monitoring the kiln during this process is extremely important. As soon as the glass cools, you now have your newest creation!
\"Large Wall Art\"
Making jewelry such as pendants and beads is one of the most popular glass fusing techniques. In order to create unique pendants, you must have unique molds. Since molds are usually made from ceramic or metal, they can be difficult to create on your own, but there are many places around the web that carry many different options. When the glass is in its molten state, you can reach in the kiln (carefully!) and swirl the molten glass to create new designs.
Another cool thing to do with fused glass is recycling old wine and liquor bottles to create something new. Since glass can be melted and reused many times, this is a great use for all of the old wine bottles laying around your house. You can melt bottles down in to plates or bowls that will be useful for many years to come.
Depending on the size of the kiln, you can make large wall art. If you have a smaller kiln, smaller pieces can be arranged on a wall in many different creative methods. With careful fusing, you can put patterns and designs into the glass that would look great on any wall. Or you can do the exact opposite and let it melt to see what happens. This randomness will make great art more often than not!
With a large collection of molds, you can make plates and bowls in any shape and color you like. Glass plates are sturdier than the traditional ceramic glass plates we are used to eating on. You can also create individual plates for specific members of the family that will make dinner time more fun. After you have some experience making glass plates and bowls, you will gain consistency in their shape and thickness. With this consistency you can start making sets of plates and bowls that would be great to sell on the handmade websites, such as Etsy and 1000 Markets.
With practice and patience you can develop you skills to be able to create beautiful art and make a living with fused glass.
Fused Glass Art
Geoff Willis writes about hundreds of different things, fused glass included. Check out this great fused glass art blog and shop at this fused glass art store.