Experimenting with Copper Inclusions

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I have spent much of this year experimenting with different fused glass techniques. Some of the things I’ve been experimenting with are working with mica powders, using different metal inclusions and organic matter, and using recycled glass. Some of the experiments have been nothing short of disasters. Some have led me to other ideas, and a few actually surprised me. I take great solace in the fact that Thomas Edison did thousands of experiments before he invented the light bulb. So if it takes me a dozen tries to get something I like out of the kiln I think I’m doing pretty well!

This pendant with a copper Fleur de Lys inclusion is the result of some of my experimenting.  I used a scrapbooking paper punch to punch out a piece of thin copper sheet. I cleaned the copper sheet well, and placed it between 2 pieces of glass. Then I fired it with my standard pendant firing schedule. When heated in the kiln, the copper will turn to a red or burnt umber color. I think it’s a great look.

The pendant measures approximate 1” x 1.25” and is for sale at my 1000Markets shop.