allainsglassfusion.com

The simple explanation of kiln formed (fused) glass is that it is made in a kiln.  But of course, it is more complicated than that.  The glass must be compatible so that when I heat and cool it in the kiln it doesn’t break.  I only use Bullseye Glass.  Bullseye has an impressive array of colors and high quality glass.

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Design is an important element in the process.  Will the piece be primarily decorative, such as a sculpture?  Or is it to be a functional, food-safe piece like a tray or bowl.  

 

Once I have cut all the piece of glass I need for the two base layers, it goes into the kiln for the initial fusing.  Through a schedule of controlled temperature changes often reaching 1475 degrees, the glasses soften and fuse together. 

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 Once cooled, I may add more components to the pieces and repeat the fusing process up to six times.  I may choose to change the shape by putting the piece back in the kiln in a mold and heat it again at lower temperatures to soften the glass so it will assume the shape of the mold, such as for a bowl.

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There are many other techniques that can be used to create a unique piece.   Designing the piece with a client opens up a world of possibilities.