How to create Fused Glass Jewelry

 

Since its appearance fused glass has been used to develop various kinds of objects such as plates, home decoration items, vases and all many types of jewelry. If you love to make jewelry maybe you should think on creating some fused glass pendants, using your artistic side. Here’s what you need to get started:

 

1. Different colors glass sheets
2. Glass cutter
3. Glue
4. Breaking pliers
5. Glass Kiln
6. Wire
7. Grasps
8. Bails

 

 

Use the glass cutters and the grips to cut the glass sheets in the shapes and sizes that you need. Combine those shapes to create de design you like. Use glue to make them stick together and hold it still for a few minutes.

 

Put your fresh painted creation in the kiln and check it from time to time to see if it looks as you intended. The kiln’s temperature influences the aspect of your design. So, if you want to create a 3D effect on the glass you should lower the temperature inside the kiln, and if you want a smooth aspect you should increase it.

 

If you’re design reaches the intended aspects you can start to lower the kiln’s temperature too allow glass to cool down gradually. Then, you can take it out from the kiln. If you would try to take your design out straight away it will crack.

 

The last stage is to create a link for attaching the pendant to the necklace. This can be done in many ways. You could buy bails from the same place where you’ve bought the glass sheets. You can attach the wire to a necklace link using the breaking and running pliers.

 

Another good method to attach the pendant to the necklace is by using precious metal clay. Being so easy to shape the precious metal clay is a great choice.

 

Creating glass pendant is not hard at all. However, I wrote here a few tips that can make it easier.

 

1. Only work with glass that has the same COE (coefficient of expansion). If you will do that, your designs will be durable and high quality.

 

2. Look for a professional glass studio. You can rent their equipment and they can provide valuable advices. Another benefit is that you can acquire affordable supplies if you buy from the studio.

3. Some companies offer pre-cut glass to make things easier for the manufacturers. Finally use some dichroic glass draw attention to your pendants. Dichroic glass is expensive and not very easy to find.