How to Use Stencils in Fused Glass Art Work
Using stencils can add interesting dimensions to your fused glass art. This tutorial will explain how to use stencils with glass frits and glass powders when creating fused glass art work.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Glass fusing kiln
- Fusible glass
- Glass Powder
- Commercial or hand made stencils
- Sifter
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1
Sifters.
Gather your tools, materials and glass fusing supplies. Prepare your glass fusing kiln, kiln shelf and work space.
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2
Begin the project by cutting your glass. In our example we used one 6x6 inch square piece of clear bullseye glass, but you can chose any color fusible glass in any size that suits your project.
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3
Stencil.
Cut a stencil (or series of stencils) out of a file folder or 25 lb. piece of paper with a craft knife or identify commercial stencil(s) to use for your design.
Stencils can be used to create shapes as well as lines. In our example we used one stencil to make the sailboats and another stencil to sift the curved lines of blue.
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4
Determine the color pallet of powder and frit to use for your design.
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5
Scoop out the powder with sifter and sift powder over stencil.
Place your glass on a piece of paper and then lay the stencil over the glass and evenly sprinkle a liberal amount of powder through a sifter over the stencil.
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6
Lift the stencil carefully once you have applied a thick powder layer. The image from your stencil should be left on the glass.
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7
Repeat using the next stencil until your design is complete.
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8
Set the stencils aside and sprinkle the powder through sifter to even out your design on the entire glass sheet.
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9
Place in your prepared glass kiln. Fire using the following schedule as a guide:
Ramp ºF/Hr Target temperature Hold for
1 500 1440 10
2 Full 950 10
3 150 750 0
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1
Tips & Warnings
Your piece can be slumped into a fused glass plate, bowl or vessel or used as a component to a piece and fused again. Adjust the firing schedule when you fire multiple times or add fused glass layers.
Commercial stencils can be found wherever craft supplies are sold.
Sifters can be found at a stained glass store or wherever glass fusing supplies are sold.
Be sure to use compatible glass, powder and frit. In this project, we used bullseye glass.
Be sure your fired objects have returned to room temperature before removing from the kiln. Removing the items from the kiln before they are at room temperature may cause then to shatter, even if they are not to hot to touch.
Never leave a glass fusing kiln unattended when it is firing.
Take all fire safety precautions.
Protect your lungs! Be sure to wear a dust mask when working with powders.
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- Photo Credit © GeltDesigns 2009 All rights reserved.
