Things You'll Need:
- A kiln
- Glass suitable for firing
- Glass supplies and kiln supplies
- Place to use kiln
- Knowledge of glass cuttting
- Jewelry finding for finished pieces
- Glass grinder for smoothing edges
- Breaking pliers
- White craft glue
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Step 1
Making jewelry with a kiln is a specific process and takes some general knowledge of how glass is worked. This can all be learned in a class or on your own with books and supplies to study and use. Talking to a shop that sells supplies is a good starting place since they will have the materials you need and steer you to the right kinds of products and glass for firing. A kiln can be purchased through a shop or online. But study them carefully for your needs and budget. Buy what you plan to continue to use. If you aren't sure you will want to do it long term then take a class first. The kiln need for glass firing is different than for ceramics.
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Step 2
Read before taking a class, this will help you to learn terms and techniques that will be presented. Don't worry about knowing it all, that will come. Getting to know the terms and general techniques you will use.
Glass jewelry making with a kiln has very specific tools and supplies. -
Step 3
Visit a shop that teaches and see first hand what they will require you to purchase, and what the shop furnishes for the class. Let them know what you want to do, jewelry or other glass items. Much of it is the same, but the size of the kiln needs to be considered.
This research prior to beginning will lay a ground work for the beginning work on firing glass jewelry. Be sure that you have purchased glass with the right co-efficient, since you have to have glass that will not fight itself. A glass shop will make sure you have the right glass. Always ask questions as you purchase and learn all you can so you don't waste money on glass or other supplies you won't be able to use. -
Step 4
After you have the tools needed assembled, a class completed or practice on your own the cutting, grinding and assembly of the base glass pieces. Cut the basic shape of the piece you start with. Make a fairly large pendant for ease of learning. Grind the edges of the glass smooth before final firing. Cut any small shapes and grind these edges smooth also. Next glue with a small drop of white glue to hold the design pieces in place until placed in the kiln. It will burn off during firing, but too much and it leaves a haze on the glass. The glue needs to dry completely before fiis ring. So wait until you know it is completely dried to place in kiln.
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Step 5
The firing process needs to be done to the specifications of the kiln you have chosen. Learn about your kiln, and use prior to beginning. Some kilns are automatic, others take more babysitting. None should ever be left unattended during use. Keeping yourself and your home or shop safe is of prime importance. Large kilns will take longer to get up to temperature and small ones hold less. These are things to consider prior to buying or using the kiln. Cost is a big factor in original purchase and utility use while firing.
Having considered all the prior steps, deciding to make fired glass jewelry can be a fun hobby or even a business. Follow the general steps in basic firing to get the feel for it then expand your efforts as your skills sharpen. This project takes time, patience and specific tools. The reward will be worth it.
