Make a Fusing
Glass Bead
A fusing glass bead made from four strips of glass and fired in a glass fusing kiln. A piece of fiber paper is used between the layers to make a stringing hole.
This bead is simple and quick to make. Plain opaque glass has been used for this example but multi colors can be used.
It will be seen in the lower photo that the upper layer is smaller than the base and when fused will melt down onto the strips and the base.
This type of bead can be made with two stinging holes for multi-strand designs.
The following items are required for this project:
- One piece of fusing glass about 7/8" x 5/8".
- One piece of fusing glass about 1/2" x 5/8".
- Two strips about 1/8" X 5/8".
- One piece of fiber paper.
- Cutter.
- Prepared shelf.
- Kiln.
Proceed as follows:
1. Cut glass to size and clean thoroughly.
2.Cut fiber strip to size required for stringing hole.
3. Use a small drop of white glue to hold strip in the middle of the large layer.
4. Place the two strips on each side of the fiber strip, position smaller capping piece of on top of the two strips.
5. Put layers on prepared shelf and place in kiln.
Bring temperature up reasonably quickly to about 1500° F (816° C).
Hold for five minutes, witch off when fully fused .
Cool to room temperature.
6. Remove from kiln and clean out stringing hole with tooth pick or other small object.
Wash out stringing hole to remove all traces of the fiber paper
Multi colored beads can be made from a selection of different colored glasses or dichoric. Sizes can bevaried to suit the required design.
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