Fused Glass Art Projects for Kids

Fused glass, also called kiln glass, blends the lines and colors of glass together.

Fused glass, a type of glass art, involves melting or fusing pieces of glass together in a kiln. Children use various sizes of glass to create the final project, resulting in an art piece with all types of variations in color. While some of the creations look random, others use specific colors in certain spots to make designs like faces.

Supplies

Children can work with fused glass kits, which come with all the supplies they need to make their projects. Another option that works is especially well for kids is to use precut class. This eliminates the hassle and danger of dealing with trying to cut your own glass. You might need a mold to shape some of your glass projects. You will also need a kiln, although the children will not be working with that.

Techniques

Additional techniques create individual effects on fused glass art projects. Glass bubble paints add "bubbles" into the glass. Kids can design all sorts of effects like tiny mini-bubbles, bubbles in only certain spots, bubbles that cover the entire plate and clear bubbles that add a dimensional look without changing plate color. They can also apply mini-pieces of glass using beads with glue or fire the pieces in a kiln to fuse them. Decals, like stickers for fused glass, come in all types of shapes and sizes. Children can also use enamel paints on their fused glass projects.

Types

Several types of fused glass art projects for kids provide a selection of creations from which to choose. Glass pendants allow children to design their own glass necklaces to wear. They can also create their own plates, using a variety of colors and glass types. Glass "faces" include eyes, mouths, noses and ears for a craft that allows each child to express his individuality. Pins provide decorative jewelry. Children can create fused glass snowflakes to hang during the holiday season.

Warnings

Don't let the dangerous aspects of fused glass deter you from making these projects. Sharp edges of the glass can cut children who are not used to working with them. In addition, young children should not work near a source of such high heat. However, they can design their creations and have an adult fire the glass for them. Plan for extra adult supervision when working with fused glass for the safety of children. Since an adult must fire the glass, students need to wait to take their projects home until they are fired and cooled.

References

• FusedGlass.org: What is "Fused" Glass?
• Glass Art Patterns: Home
• Glass Art Patterns: Products