How to Make Dichroic Glass Pendants

Dichroic pendant

Dichroic glass contains multiple micro-layers of metal oxides, which gives the glass a vibrant appearance that mirrors that of an optical illusion. Dichroic glass can be quite expensive, but when you add small amounts of it to regular glass, the result is a pendant with an "expensive look" for a fraction of the price. A beginner can make a dichroic glass pendant, but you'll need the tools to fuse the two types of glass together.

Things You'll Need

• Kiln
• 1-by-¾ inch piece of colored glass
• 1-by-3/4 inch piece of dichroic glass
• Sterling jump ring (16 gauge wire)
• Glass cutter
• Fusers glue
• Rag

Instructions

1. Line up the colored glass and the dichroic glass next to each other, making sure they match in size and shape. If they do not, use a glass cutter to trim away any excess.

2. Apply a small amount of fusers glue at the top of the colored glass piece. Add the jump ring, leaving half of the ring on the glass and half hanging over. The area of the ring not split should be the part that is hanging over. Let the glue dry for at least 30 minutes before moving on to the next step.

3. Apply a small amount of fusers glue in the center of the colored glass, then place the dichroic glass on top, sandwiching the two pieces.

4. Fuse the glass pendant in a kiln, letting it go for 25 minutes at 500 degrees, 25 minutes at 800 degrees, 20 minutes at 1,000 degrees, and 10 minutes at 1,500 degrees.

5. Allowing pendant to cool, then polish with a rag.

Tips & Warnings

• During the last 10 minutes in the kiln, keep an eye on the pendants making sure they don't over fuse. If you use dichroic glass you can see through, you will be able to see the jump ring through the finished product.

• Never use a kiln in an area that isn't well-ventilated, as kilns can generate harmful fumes when firing certain materials.

References

• Create Quick Dichroic Pendants