glass fusing from the start.Advice please.

[Little Harriet]

Hello everyone! Have been reading a lot about glass fusing after seeing some gorgeous pendants and would love to have a go at making some myself. The thing is I’m not really sure where to start or if I have the space. I could, at a push, just about afford a kiln (if I saved for months)) but only have the kitchen table to work on and am not sure if this would be a safe or an ideal workspace. I have seen some microwave kilns but have read some good and bad things about them. Also, and this is wishful thinking, how long do you think it takes to go from a complete beginner to making something worth selling? ( I can’t really justify buying an expensive kiln just for fun as I’m unemployed at the mo but do realise it will take some time and investment to make a quality item) I’d love to do a taster course but there is nothing where I live. I know realistically I should stick to what I know but I just have an urge to have a go at this craft, there is just something about the beautiful glass... Thanks for reading :)

LH

[GLASS EYE]

Hi - good to hear from another glass fusing fan.

I fully intended two years ago to do this just for fun but the bug has hit me big time. After having done 5 weekend courses on glass fusing I have decided to buy a kiln. Lookout for offers - I got £100 off mine. So pleased now I went for something bigger than a microwave one.

There is a good course run by Barbara Coulam (Nottinghamshire). I think there is someone called Janice Bradshaw, in Lanchashire, that runs courses.

There is a business called Morpheus Glass in Wigan too. I keep meaning to visit them with my daughter living about 50miles away from them.

Good luck. Look forward to seeing your pieces.

[GlamGlass]

I think that if you are wanting to make a fair few pieces then you need to go a bigger kiln as the table top ones are very small and almost as much as a larger one. I would look at around £750 for complete start up cost ...kiln, glass, kiln wash/paper, cutting tools, cutting mat, etc. You really need to be in a safe enviroment as shards go everywhere, so the kitchen is not ideal!
If you can find somewhere to take some classes then I recommend that as it will give you a better idea of what is involved and what is required.
Good luck!!

[Prettyful]

if you can find somewhere who does lessons often they will let you use their kiln for a price, I did that at first and it cost be about £5 a firing it might be something to consider to get you going, ask here on the forum if their is anyone near your home who makes and has their own kiln they might let you have a shot to see if you want to pursue it. This can be an expensive hobby, the glass can be expensive and the dichroics are quite addictive!! You also have to factor in the cost of findings, boxes etc. Good luck with it anyway.

Audrey x

[Little Harriet]

Thanks so much for the advice, it has given me a lot to think about! I think I'm going to get some books from the library to get more of an idea of what is involved and then start saving for a kiln and materials. Can't wait! Thanks again :)

[theanimallover]

Hi Little Harriet. It's a good idea to borrow lots of books if you can. I found our local library wasn't very good though, and I ended up buying books from Amazon, I have quite a collection now!
I started with a microwave kiln and absolutely loved it. Then I bought a much larger one which was very expensive as I had it imported from America (they didn't sell them here then). I had lots of fun with these kilns, they are a good way to get a taster. But it wasn't long before I HAD TO HAVE a proper kiln!

It's a shame there are no classes near you, it was the same for me. Very expensive and very far away. So I preferred to spend the money on books, and eventually a kiln.

Good luck.

[reesee]

I also like glass work.. thanx for sharing topic like this

[Rachelll]

Hello,

I'd encourage you to go for it, although do all the research you can into kilns, batwash, different types of glass, COEs, the technical side before you buy anything expensive. A course may be helpful but the best advice i can give here is to make sure you are being taught by someone who will share their technical experience and is not just in it to make extra cash, or you'll come out with gorgeous pieces that you made but will come unstuck later when you try to recreate them in your kiln. I would recommend Midori Shinmura at the National Glass Center in Sunderland. You need to know things like what the glass is doing at certain key temperatures during firing, and why it does this.

I'm an Illustrator by qualification and found it really easy (and really addictive) to translate designs into glass and i have good instinct about what colours will look good together, so i was making and selling my jewellery pieces within a couple of months of starting. Mainly my success is down to my aforementioned tutor, who is fantastic and gave me very sound technical knowledge early on.

I keep a detailed log of what i'm firing, the kiln program and the results. Keeping a sketchbook of ideas also helps.

[clareh71]

HI I had a class at our local studio on Friday (it was a birthday present) was brilliant. Did silver art clay with them a few months ago.

They have said I can use their studio for £5 an hour (yeah) as have three kids seven and under and no room to do it at home so can pop down there every now and then whilst youngest at playschool.

Just got to save up for some glass now.

So like the other lady said if you take a class you can learn about cutting etc but also poss use their studio so cuts down on space needed, tools needed etc until you know you really want to do it for good and can afford your own kiln.