Diane Virbick–Fused Glass
The Beginning Fused Glass Class at Bella Glass Studios is a fun exploration of basic glass techniques, from cutting glass in a straight line to using kiln fusing and slumping methods to create artistic pieces. Learning to work with fused glass as an artistic medium starts here as you explore different glass types, designs and firing methods. You and your friends will be amazed at the beautiful creations you can make in a one-day class – two jewelry pieces, two tiles, one picture frame and a beautiful folded glass vase.
Most fused class art requires several phases – design, construction, fusing and slumping.
In the design phase, you define the desired end product and select colors and materials. In the construction phase, the glass is cut and composed in preparation for its first trip to the kiln. In the fusing phase, the glass elements of your piece are heated until all the individual components become a cohesive whole. In the slumping phase, glass is placed in a mold to be melted by the heat of a kiln into a vase, bowl or other finished work of art.
Bella Glass Studios has been assisting glass artists and hobbyists since 1999. There’s no better place to learn the basics and to continue your explorations in glass as far as you’d like to take them. Several of our Beginning Fused Glass students have moved to the professional ranks with their pieces shown in area galleries. Many students have gone on to enjoy glass as a hobby by creating unique glass art for their own homes and for family and friends.