Library
Welcome!
I happened into the fused glass space in 2001 and combined a love of recycling with fusing and the rest is history. When I started there was very little information available about fusing with recycled glass, and I like to think I’ve helped change that. Problem solving is my happy place, and glass problems are my favorite flavor. Luckily for me there are still so many questions to be answered!
Whether you are interested in a specific topic, or just getting started, I have tutorials for you!
The buttons below will take you directly to a category. Scroll down to see all of the articles in no particular order. Search for topics of interest in the search bar.
Most of all, have fun! This is art, we have fun here.
Topics of Great Interest to Glass People
Search for a Specific Topic
See All Articles
Fused Bottle Templates
Creating Bottle Templates One of the tricky parts about fusing bottles is knowing how far apart to place them, and if the end result will fit on your mold or texture tile, or even your kiln carving pattern. It’s very easy to create reference templates to help you most...
Texture Tile Molds For Fused Glass
Texture tiles are essentially flat ceramic molds for fusing glass. If you are making your own texture tiles, there are a few things to consider before you start. 1. End purpose of the glass piece What will you be using the textured piece for? Will it stand alone? Be...
Making Custom Molds with Firebrick
Firebrick is the type of brick used to make kilns, it’s a soft white refractory material that stands up to high heat. In my area, you can buy them through the local classified ads for about $3 to $5 each. I use them for a number of things, one of which is sawing into...
Glass ‘Tools’ From the Craft Store
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...
Fused Bottle Glass Stars
These stars are a major player in my life during holiday seasons. I make 7-10 dozen just for ONE client every Christmas, and many, many dozen more for other customers. They are quick, showy and I can pack them into the kiln like nobodies business! Classic StarRetro...
Alternative Floral Formers
Slumped glass vases are fun to make and really quite lovely. It’s fun to see the random draping of the glass. But, what if you need a more clearly defined drape, or you’d like a more wide open shape? It is really quite easy to make your own custom floral former using...
Kiln Carving with Bottle Glass
Recently there was a question about how to flatten bottles enough to use in a kiln carving project. The short answer is: You don’t have too. The long answer is more easily explained with some photos and instructions. The cool thing is, this works for texture tiles...
Removing Steel Filings from Glass Frit
When you begin making your own frit, you’ll notice that there is a largish quantity of steel filings in the end product. Particularly as you filter down, the filings will end up in same container as the smallest particles, usually powder. I find it fairly annoying to...
Fused Bottle Glass Donuts and Rings
A common question from new recycled glass artists is “How do I make glass donuts and rings?” Happily, I’m here to tell you. Recycled bottle glass donuts are made from the neck of bottles, cut into slices, typically with a tile saw. There are some easy things to...
Address
82 W. Louise Avenue
South Salt Lake UT, 84115
By Appointment Only
Sales@GlassWithaPast.com