Fusing with Brass – Loops

Solid brass plumbers chain
Solid brass plumbers chain

Fusing brass loops into recycled glass artwork is relatively easy and is a great way to add loops for wind-chimes and sun-catchers.  The loops are probably a bit too chunky for jewelry, unless you’d doing industrial style jewelry, then you’re good to go.

Begin with solid brass plumbers chain (available at the hardware store, or online).  The chain must be solid brass, not brass plated steel.

Open the links

Open brass chain link

Cut the loops

cutting brass chain loops for fusing

Glue the loops onto your glass

brass loop glued on bottle glass

Stack your glass

Stacked recycled bottle glass and brass loop

Fuse Glass

Fused Brass Chain LoopThe brass will oxidize slightly, and can be brushed back into brightness with a brush.

Your fused piece can then be incorporated into a larger piece or you can add a string for hanging.

White flower windchime

This Tech-Tip was featured in the weekly newsletter.  If you would like to receive exclusive tips and hints for recycled glass art, please sign up!

Tips and Trouble Shooting:

  • If the gap is too small to slide pieces together, you’ll need to widen it with either a diamond file or a diamond bit on a dremel tool.  Use plenty of water and wear a mask.
  • Make sure the feet are level, if your vase isn’t balancing, you may need to grind the feet larger and flatter
  • If your fiber paper doesn’t come out cleanly, add water and dig it out with a skewer or hooked wire.
  • Yes, the vase can hold water

Fused Window Glass Heart Puzzle Vase

Puzzle vases are multiple part projects that slot together after fusing to create a 3 dimensional design.  I love them because not only are they a fusing challenge, they are an engineering challenge.  The finished art is a little mesmerizing, how does it work??  It's...
Read More

Bottle Glass Fish Sun Charm

What’s a Sun Charm?  A little something that’s more than a sun catcher, but not quite a wind chime.  I was in the mood to do some fusing and also use up a bunch of my jewelry making stash, so here we go!  Materials: Fused Bottle Glass Fish Jump Rings Split Rings...
Read More

Lentil Bead Molds – Instructions

Lentil Bead Molds – Instructions Materials needed: Lentil Bead Mold (any size, or ALL the sizes for extra fun) Kiln Wash Glass frit Step 1. Prepare the mandrels. Each bead kit ships with a dozen mandrels and a tube of bead release, so you’re all set to go when your...
Read More