Create Colored Glass Bubbles
In Art Glass Jewelry
Turquoise colored glass bubbles can be introduced into art glass pendants by fusing copper oxide powder between layers of glass in a glass fusing kiln. Please visit the copper oxide page for additional information on using this material. The following pendant has been made by sandwiching copper oxide powder between two layers of glass. When fused in a glass kiln the powder will change to a turquoise color and bubbles will spread across the glass. Copper oxide is available from some art glass suppliers as well as ceramic and pottery supply stores. Glass stringers have been fused to the top layer of glass. Bubbles may come through far enough to bend some of the stringers. Instead of stringers, glass confetti, dichroic glass or small pieces of glass can be fused to the top layer. It is sometimes easier to tack fuse items to the top layer before adding copper oxide powder to base glass and fusing both pieces together. The following items are needed to make this glass bubbles pendant: Clear Bullseye Fusing glass Glass stringers Copper oxide powder Fine sifter Face mask Rubber gloves Glass cutter Prepared kiln shelf Glass fusing kiln To make this fused art glass pendant proceed as follows: Step 1. Cut two pieces of clear fusing glass 11/2" square. Step 2. Cut or break multi colored stringers into various lengths. Step 3. If desired, stringers may be lightly tack fused to the top layer of glass. Do not let glass overheat as it will become distorted. Step 4. Wearing face mask and gloves sift copper oxide powder evenly and lightly onto base fusing glass. If powder begins to clump, shake from glass and start again. Powder may also be sprayed as per the instructions on the copper oxide page. Step 5. Place top fusing glass cap on top of base glass . If stringers have not already been fused place very gently on top of glass and then put glass art work pendant on prepared kiln shelf. Load shelf into glass fusing kiln. Step 6. Bring temperature up quickly to fusing temperature, about 1500° F (815° C). Hold for twenty minutes. Step 7. Check glass to see if it has fully fused and that bubbles have spread through the glass. Turn glass kiln off and let glass cool down to room temperature. The change to turquoise colored glass bubbles will not be fully seen until the glass has cooled.
A pendant bail can be glued to the glass or the glass can be drilled to accept a large jump ring.If there are areas of black in the glass, this is usually caused by too much copper oxide being used.
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