When you are looking to expand your tool kit of cool things that can be used to make recycled glass art, don’t overlook the craft store! Not all cool glass tools come from glass companies, there are a ton of scrap-booking and craft store items that can be (mis) used to good effect in the glass studio. Here are a few:
Scrapbook Department
1. Scrapbooking molds
These silicone molds are in the scrap booking department, I’m not exactly sure what their purpose is, I’m not a scrapbooker! What they are to me is a great way to make plaster elements that I can fuse glass over. Like so:
2. Mini-punches
These little punches are inexpensive and used with thin copper sheet, make awesome little inclusions:
3. Mold Making compound
This is a two part mold making compound, it’s a little expensive, but a great way to rapidly make a mold that can be used to pour plaster into and then fused over.
Model Making Department
1. Copper (and other) Foil leaf
These extremely thin foils can be layered in between glass to create a color and shaded effect.
2. Aluminum Mesh
Aluminum turns black when fused, so this mesh will make a cool black web effect when fused.
Cake Decorating Department
1. Fondant Mold
These silicone fondant molds can also be used with plaster to make fused elements. These are particularly nice for borders.
Pastry bags and tips can also be used to pipe plaster onto thin fire for an interesting texture.
It helps to have an open mind as you wonder the craft store, don’t dismiss an area because you don’t do that craft, glass crosses all borders, and lots of things can be appropriated for the studio.
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