• Kilns - First, you have to see the kiln that Mike made in 2008!  We are pleased to announce that the studio is still standing! The kiln is based on the design by Richard LaLonde, described in his book, "Fused Glass Art and Techniques". The book can be purchased from his website at http://www.richardlalonde.com.

  

  
  
• Pot Melts -

  When you create fused glass, you end up with a lot of small scraps left over.  One of our favorite ways to reuse them is to create pot melts.  We use small clay flower pots and either enlarge the hole or drill multiple holes in the bottom, then fire the kiln up to 1700^0.  It is kept at that temperature until all the glass has melted onto the saucer below.   Every pot melt is different, and most are quite beautiful.  They often become the main focal point of a new piece.  Here's an example of one of our favorites.

  

• Mesh Melts -

  Mesh melts are similar in concept to pot melts, but instead of putting the scraps of glass into a pot, you put them on a piece of wire mesh that is elevated above the kiln shelf. We fire the kiln to 1700⁰ and keep it at that temperature until all the glass has melted onto the kiln shelf.  This is one we purchased, but others are hand made using non-galvanized wire mesh wrapped around a frame and propped up on kiln furniture.

  

  Here is an example of a finished melt.

  

• Pattern Bars -

Pattern bars are somewhat difficult to describe because there are so many variations!  They are typically made from different colors of rectangular glass stacked in different ways to make the desired pattern, and then fused into a brick. When fusing the bar, the sides have to be dammed to keep the glass from just making a big puddle! The brick is then typically sliced crosswise with a tile saw to reveal the pattern. 

These similar or identical pieces can then be used as part of the design, as shown below in our very first endeavor using pattern bars. (We've learned a lot since then!!).  The striped rim is from one type of pattern bar, and the 9 pieces in the middle are from a more eclectic bar.  Steve Immerman's site, listed at the bottom of this page, has a great tutorial on making pattern bars with much better pictures of the process! 

The following picture is of the pattern bars before going into the kiln.

 

Below are a few web sites that have great tutorials on some of the processes we use.  We have learned a lot from the information shared on these sites, and sincerely thank them for making this information available to the public.

• Steve Immerman is one of our favorite glass artists. He has been kind enough to share his techniques on his website. Rather than try to reinvent the wheel, we will just refer you to the master! While you are there, be sure to "ooh and ah" over some of his fabulous creations.
  • http://www.clearwaterglass.com/Kilnforming.html

• One of our favorite web sites is provided by Brad Walker.  He offers an excellent tutorial regarding working with warm glass. 
  • http://www.warmglass.com/basic.htm