Fused Art Glass

Last week the Princess and I signed up for a fused glass art class. I have worked with glass in the past and was excited to be doing something creative with glass again. This was the first time Princess had experienced working with glass. Unfortunately Little Man was not able too participate due to being to young. However he still came with us and entertained himself with his DS game as well as played the garden of the artist studio. Considering this class was nearly 3 hours long I was amazed at how well Little Man entertained himself while we were busy in the class.

Ahead of time we were given instructions to bring a drawing or picture to work from. Princess got right to work and came up with five various drawings of dragons.

I on the other hand did not come prepared with art work and had to think of something to create while I was there:)







After a long and careful consideration Princess finally chose a dragon from which to work from. I think this was the hardest process for her.







She had to score her drawing onto a copper foil using a sharp awl.










Then she had to carefully cut out her shape








Once the basic shape was cut out in copper foil then other types of foil were used to embellish the art work. There were aluminum, bronze, and brass foil available to use.








Here Princess is using brass foil to cut out the dragon's wings!








While Princess was busy doing hers, I got to work trying to create something for myself.






So here are our before pictures:


Princess's Dragon







My very unimaginative flower. Best I could come up with at the time. Next time I should not procrastinate on the homework assignment:)!!










After we cut out all the pieces a second glass was added on top and the pieces were put into a kiln for firing. Drum roll please.....Results......


Princess's two-toned dragon; she is very pleased with it:)








My very weird looking flower. I like the before picture better:(









The artist explained that during the fusing process you can never really predict how the glass, air, heat and the various foils will interact with one another. So each design is one of a kind.

Here are some of the other creations before and after pictures.

This drawing was done by another of the mothers who had obviously done her homework








The before and after firing

I thought hers turned out very good, I am a bit jealous of it actually.









These were done by an 12 year old girl, pretty good!











Done by a 9 year old boy








Done by a 12 year girl, very cute







Lots of fun and an interesting form of art! Princess know just where to hang hers in her room. Mine will probably end up in a drawer somewhere:) Better luck next time!