Below are before and after photos of some part sheets I made using powdered glass. For two of the sheets I used some keys placed on the glass as a stencil. For the other sheet I used a razor blade to “cut” in the design. I am looking forward to using these in some future designs. Follow me on Facebook to see what becomes of these.
Lessons Learned:
- Powdered glass works better than fine frit.
- Creating handles from tape helps in removing the stencil.
- It is difficult to get an even application of powder, though I rather like the uneven look. I think it gives it more of an antique look. But if it is even you are after then look for the Bullesye Online Education video series. It has a good video on how to work with frits and powders.
- Allow more room around the edges of the design. Because this is one layer of glass the edges will shrink in when fired. Later, when incorporating the part sheets with other glass, I cut off the edges to get an even straight edge on the glass.
- It always takes more powder than I think to get the result I want.
Bullseye Kiln-glass Education Online
I love how you used the keys to make stencils. I’ve done the razor blade through powder, but only with black powder. I think I apply too much to get the effect I want. I want a light coating that I can layer over a stripe of solid colour for a 2 dimensional look.
If the even application thing ever bothers you, get a silkscreen. My mother gave me one, because I wanted to try screenprinting on glass, and I haven’t coated it. However, it works great to do a smooth application of powder to the glass. Just make sure you elevate it 1/8″ or more above the glass, or the powder won’t go through. You don’t even have to press hard, just gently drag a flat piece of cardstock across the silkscreen and powdered frit.
Stephanie – What a great idea. Definitely need to look into that. Screenprinting on glass is also on my list of things to try someday.
I want to take the screenprinting class at Bullseye (I live in Portland) but I haven’t had the time or money. But I have watched the videos and seen the demonstration, so I was able to get an idea.
Screens are cheap, you can get them online, and any basic screenprinting screen works. I think mine is a 100 or a 137
I would love to take a course at Bulls Eye some day. It’s on my list. But for now, the videos will have to do for me too. Thanks for the info on the screens. I will look into that.
I live in Wangaratta , Victoria and would like to do some powdered glass art workshops , I have googled but havent found anything yet, can you suggest some classes? regards lesley
Hi Lesley. I had t look up where Wangaratta, Victoria was! I don’t have any direct knowledge of workshops in your area, but check out these links to see if there are any places close to you. http://www.warmglass.com/courses.htm#Australia and http://www.aisg.on.ca/classes/australia.html And, as I mentioned in the post, check out the Bullseye Eduction On-line videos. I have learned a lot from them. There is a link in the side bar of my post as well as on the front page of my website. I am getting ready to take a powdered glass workshop next month, I hope to blog about.
Also try Bluedog Glass in Oakleigh South Melbourne. Brenda regularly schedule a class around working with powder and frit. Google Bluedog Glass.
Would anyone have a link to screened powder printing videos?
Thx!
Irene,
Check the Bullseye website. They have some. I have a link somewhere on my page to the video lessons.
Margot
is it possible to make stwncils myself?
Absolutely! A google search will find tons of info on how to make stencils.
Could you please explain what can be used to prevent glass in the kiln sticking to a mold….or object to have glass slumped over.
I use either Bullseye or Hotline primer on my molds. Take a look at this post: Hotline Kiln Shelf Primer Review