July 2010 - Flower Medley

June 2010 Windows

Fusing; An Introduction

Fusing is simply melting glass pieces together in a kiln. Fusing also includes the shaping of fused glass. The purpose of fusing is to combine individual pieces of glass placed either beside or on top of each other into a solid final piece.

When you heat glass it softens. Increasing the heat will allow the glass to become fluid and flow together. When glass is heated and cooled properly, the result is a fused piece of glass that is solid and unbroken. Not all glass can be fused together, it has to be compatible. Glass expands when it is heated and contracts when it is cooled. In order to fuse pieces of glass together they must expand and contract at the same rate, so that the glass does not crack.



Slumping uses heat to bend or shape the glass. Often slumping is accomplished by using molds, heating the glass until it drops into the mold. You can also slump glass over a mold to create wavy sides. This is called draping.


Want to learn more? Beginner Fusing Workshop-Thorndale, ON

May 23, 2009; 9 am – 4 pm
Design and make 2 - 4" tiles in this fusing workshop. Learn the basics of fusing including kiln programming, glass compatibility and fusing cycles. Work with glass frit, stringers, iridized and dichroic glass. Projects will be available to pick up one week after the class. All materials and supplies are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Cost is $75, plus PST.

http://www.trickettglass.ca/

Classes at Trickett Glass

Everyone's doing it - blogging. Well maybe not everyone but I think it will be a great replacement for the Trickett Glass Newsletter and a great way to share some more personal thoughts as well. It is my intention to try and blog once a week, probably on the weekend. I do hope that you find this communication to be beneficial and will feel free to respond.

First of all, let me point you to some upcoming classes at Trickett Glass http://www.trickettglass.ca/workshops.html . If you know of someone who might be interested in any of these, please pass on this link.

Workshops ~ Winter - Spring 2009

All workshops must be paid in full one week prior to the event. This payment is non-refundable and ensures commitment to participation.

Workshop Dates:
One Day Beginner Workshop
March 28, 2009; 9 am – 4 pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Cost is $70, plus PST.

Or organize a group of four people who would like to take the class and we can arrange another day – an option for a birthday or girl’s day out.

Garden Stone Class
April 25, 2009; 9 am – 4 pm
If you have taken a beginner course and know how to cut glass, take this course and learn the essentials for making your own garden stone. We will use quick setting cement and you will be able to take the stone home with you the same day. Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Cost is $60, plus PST.

Beginner Fusing Workshop
May 23, 2009; 9 am – 4 pm
Design and make 2 - 4" tiles in this fusing workshop. Learn the basics of fusing including kiln programming, glass compatibility and fusing cycles. Work with glass frit, stringers, iridized and dichroic glass. Projects will be available to pick up one week after the class. All materials and supplies are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Cost is $75, plus PST.

If you would like to take a beginner workshop with your friends, just let me know and invite your friends. We can arrange a special date for four of you.

You're invited to follow this blog by clicking on "follow this blog" on the right side of the page. The blog will have many of the elements of the past newsletter but also some new ones. You will be able to read some "how to" articles pertaining to various aspects of glass work. There will be contests and special offers. You will be informed about upcoming events and classes. You will be introduced to new products and even special guests. Videos ... may be a possibility.

As I sit here writing and watching Hockey Night in Canada with my hubby, I wish you a relaxing and memorable weekend with your loved ones.