How to Make Fused Glass Rings
People have been making kiln-formed glass for over 4,000 years. Fused glass is intriguing because the movement of glass in the kiln results in no two identical pieces of fused glass, even when the same design is used. Fused glass rings provide the rich color of gemstones without the expense. Rings made with fused glass add interest to most outfits--whether you are headed to the office, a picnic or a night on the town.
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Things You'll Need
- Fused glass cabochon
- Ring blank
- 220 grit wet/dry sand paper
- Acetone
- Distilled water
- Craft stick
- Epoxy resin
- Clamp or third hand (optional)
Instructions
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1
Select a fused glass cabochon to use for your ring. A 1-inch square or round cabochon works best.
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2
Select a ring blank. Any metal ring blank can be used. Be sure that the ring blank has a large pad on which to glue the fused glass cabochon. (If you are not using an adjustable ring blank, size the ring before you begin making your fused glass ring.)
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3
Prepare the fused glass cabochon and the ring pad. Sand the pad of the adjustable ring and the back of the fused glass cabochon with 220-grit wet/dry sand paper until each are quite rough. Creating a rough surface by sanding both the ring pad and the glass cabochon allows the epoxy resin to bond better.
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4
Clean both the pad and the back of the fused glass cabochon after sanding. Clean with acetone, then rinse with distilled water. Acetone will remove dirt and oils that may prevent the epoxy from curing. Distilled water will remove all residues the acetone left that might cause a chemical reaction with the epoxy. Allow both items to dry.
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5
Mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a craft stick to place the resin on the ring pad. Once the ring pad is well coated with epoxy resin, firmly push on the fused glass cabochon. Wipe off any excess glue.
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6
Set the fused glass ring aside until the epoxy resin is completely dry. To prevent movement, place the ring upside down. Set the ring so the fused glass cabochon faces the work bench and the ring shank sits above the fused glass cabochon. You can use a “third hand” or other tool to clamp the ring shank to prevent the ring from falling over as the epoxy cures. Depending on the type of resin used and the atmospheric conditions in your area, it can take from an hour to overnight for the epoxy to completely dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Always take safety precautions and work in a well ventilated space when using epoxy resin.
Do not touch the epoxy resin to test whether it has cured or you may be left with unsightly fingerprints on your ring.
