Stained Glass Stuff

Friday Night Fusing Clinic

December 12th, 2008 - Sugar Firing in Colour de Verre mold to make Christmas Tree decorations

"Sugar Fire" Snowflakes

This is a technique that can be used with all of our molds, but is extremely effective with our snowflakes. The result resembles packed ice crystals that catches the light in beautiful ways.

Always start by giving your mold four to five thin, even coats of Hotline Primo Primer. It is the only primer we recommend, because it doesn't obscure the mold's fine details and the glass won't stick and ruin the mold. Use a soft brush to apply the primer and a hair dryer to completely dry each coat before applying the next.

Even though they may look funny, put on the safety glasses. Put the dichroic glass scraps into the heavy, plastic bag. Fold over the bag's opening. Use the hammer to crush the glass scraps into pieces the size of dry, split peas.

Sprinkle half the crushed dichroic glass into the mold. And then sprinkle a few grams of your favorite frit color or colors into the mold's design recesses. Tap the mold to settle the frit evenly.

Measure out 25 grams of Water Clear fine frit. Distribute this frit evenly into the mold. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crushed dichroic frit into the mold.

Fire to a "sugar fire" - about 1300°F (705°C). Use the following schedule.

Casting Schedule

Seg 1: 350°F/hour to 1300°F, Hold 10 minutes
Seg 2: Off, Cool kiln no venting

Wait until the mold is completely cool and remove it from the kiln. The castings should fall out. If they are stubborn, turn mold facedown and tap it against a hard surface cushioned with several layers of newsprint.

Turn the casting into an ornament, create a 3" loop of monofilament and use either "super glue" or hot glue to attach the loop to the mold's back. A casting can be made very special by attaching a inexpensive jewelry pendant finding to the mold's back. Use a silk or satin ribbon to hang the casting.

Thoroughly clean the mold with a stiff brush between every firing to remove all the old primer. Avoid breathing any dust by wearing a proper dust mask.

Note: These schedules are for Uroboros COE 96 glass. Exact temperatures will depend on your particular kiln. You may substitute your favorite brand and color frit. Fire COE 90 glass about 10 to 20°°F hotter.

Tools

Colour de Verre Snowflake mold
Small, soft primer brush
Balance or digital scale
Small plastic bag and hammer
Goggles or safety glasses

Supplies

Hotline Primo Primer
Water Clear fine frit
Your favorite colors of fine frit
5 grams of dichroic glass scraps