Glass Techniques

Kiln-Formed Glass

Kiln formed glass, often referred to as warm glass, can be made by layering or combining one or more types of glass together to create a design that is fired and often then reheated multiple times to achieve a desired look. This process is highly scientific in nature and requires an deep understanding of the various qualities which glass, in its many forms, has due to color, chemistry and allowable heat work. Art glass that is kiln formed can take many forms from sculptural pieces to jewelry or tableware.

Kiln-Cast Glass

Kiln-cast glass is a process where molten or solid glass in various forms from sheet to powder to frit (crushed glass) are placed in a mold and heated above 1400° to create a new solid shape. In several of my kiln cast pieces I have cast a brick of glass with unique colors and combinations and then used a saw to slice and reveal the patterns within. This glass is used to create unique one-of-a-kind designs.

Glass Powder Printing

This new technique created by Stacy Lynn Smith of Bullseye Glass helps glass artists create images on glass with clarity, rich textures and colors that can't be achieved with traditional printing methods. In powder printing, images are produced by pressing dry glass powder through a UV prepared silkscreen. Various levels of heat work are then applied to create a smooth or textured surface that resemble relief printing or sandblasting.

Enamel on Glass

The process I use for enameling designs on glass consist of using powdered glass mixed with a binder to create a paste like texture. The paste can then be hand applied to the surface of a glass piece to create a unique pattern or design. The piece is then fired in the kiln. This process insurers the durability of the design by fusing it completely into one solid piece of glass. The design will not wash, scrape or wear off. It is a challenging and tedious process that garners beautiful results.