FUN GLASS FUSING CLASSES, SESSIONS & PARTIES FOR Adults and Young People
Classes are for people new to glass fusing. Look at the online schedule tab or call the store to check our schedule and sign up for classes or sessions at (616) 454-9666.
In our classes, you learn how to use basic glass cutting and burnishing tools and how to assemble a fused project. Then you assemble your project and leave it at the store to be fired in the kiln. Come back the next week to pick up your artwork.
You also learn the basics about how fused glass works, glass COE (coefficient of expansion), glass types, and project possibilities.
Our two main types of glass for fusing that we utilize are COE90 and COE96. Each COE for example, COE96 glass is tested to expand and contract at the same rate during firing, so any glass rated COE96 is compatible and may be mixed with other COE96 glass. COE90 may only be mixed with other COE90 glass because those ‘rated’ glass types are ‘tested’ to fire at the same rates in the kiln.
Any glass can be melted in the kiln, but each glass may expand and contract at different rates. Mixing glass of different COE rates on a project may result in cracks, breakage or shattering during firing.
Classes are Saturdays 10-12 or by appointment. Each class is one 2-hour session.
All basic tools and supplies are included.
Classes are $70/person for adults, children and repeat students.
Maximum number of participants in a class or party is 10, although there may be exceptions.
Examples of projects typically includes one from the following list.
-Wall/window hanging artwork of size up to 8"x 10“
-Wind-chime with upper portion size up 5”x8” with 4-8 small dangles
-Four coaster size projects 3.5”x3.5”
-Six smaller ornaments size sun catchers (Christmas trees, stars, with a smaller base or no base)
-Three sun catchers of sizes up to 5”x5”
-Four sun catchers of sizes up to 4”x5”
-*-Four 3.5” square coasters that require full fusing will be an extra kiln cost for a second run.
Projects can include hooks for hanging or be mounted in a stand or frame.
We’ll allow extra pieces for repeat students for an extra fee. For example, to make an extra small ornament, the fee will be $10 for the extra materials and space in the kiln.
Any Project that requires two firings or a special firing may need special consideration. There will be an extra cost for the second firing projects. Some of these projects may take longer to return, depending on our firing schedules. Examples:
-Slumping that requires first a full or tack fuse firing before a slumping firing, so two firings required to get the desired shape as in a curved plate, bowl, soap dishes for example will be an additional cost for the second firing and will take longer to complete. Talk to us about the shape your looking for to make sure we have the mold.
-Full fuse projects require only one run at a higher temperature but may also take longer to complete, as we sometimes perform infrequent full fuse kiln runs, so it depends upon our schedule.
-Our most frequent runs are tack fuse.
bring in projects for firing
Many experienced glass fusers purchase glass in our store to ensure the correct COE, do the project assembly at home, drop their prepared glass art projects off for firing/fusing in our kiln, then pick it up after the firing. The amount of time between drop-off and pick-up and the cost depends upon our firing schedules and the queue. Call ahead for scheduling, especially if working on a tight deadline. The firing fee depends upon the amount of space you fill in the kiln, the number of kiln runs, our time required, and the type of firing needed.
