Create a fused glass dichroic pendant.

Materials needed:                    

All glass must be fusible 90 coe glass.                   

Black 3 mm glass

Dichroic 3 mm glass (preferably Ripple or Herringbone [clear or black])

Clear 3mm, (Bullseye Mardi Gras or Streamers optional)

Step 1)

Cut 1 piece of each of the 3 pieces of glass ½ inch by 1 inch.

Please note that the dichroic Ripple or Herringbone should be cut for best  effect with the raised lines going horizontal to the length of the piece. (Sideways on the short length) the valleys in the texture will allow the black base glass to show through.

 Step2)

Stack the 3 pieces on top of each other in this order:

Base piece black 3mm

Then the Dichroic on the base

Then the cover piece (Clear 3mm, Mardi Gras or Streamers.)

If you want to add stringers or frit you can place those in the valleys of the dichroic piece & then cover with your top piece.

 Optional Step)

 If you wish to make a hole for a chain or leather cord you can lay a 1/8th inch strip of fiber paper (cut it significantly wider than the width of the glass)  underneath the top layer of glass approx. 1/8th to ¼ inch from the top. If doing this it is best to cut off ¼ inch of the dichroic glass, and the cut 1/8th inch off of that little piece. This will make a channel into which you can place your fiber paper. It will also give a flatter more professional look to you finished piece.

You can also use Nichrome or Sterling wire approx. 1 inch. If using wire place the wire under the dichroic & do not cut down the dichroic as described above.  Be sure to fold the wire in a U shape. Then cover about ½ of the extended wire with fiber paper to prevent the spreading glass completely covering the loop you made when firing.

 Step 3)

 Place the pieces into your kiln making sue they the edges line up evenly. Fire to 1515˚ to 1525˚ until your piece is fully fused and rounded out. The longer you hold it at the higher temperature the large it will spread and round out. The spreading will break up the textured dichroic and produce very nice effects. When the piece is at the shape you like flash vent the kiln down to 1000˚. Be sure to anneal the pendant/cabochon at 960˚ for at least 15 minutes, longer is better. Then cool down the kiln.

  Cabochon:)

 You can glue a finding (loop with a pad) onto the back of the cabochon. I    recommend DEVCON 5 MINUTE EPOXY available at Lowe’s Hardware store. Mix according to directions place a good size drop on your finding pad & hold it in place with a clothes line pin. After 5 minutes remove the clothes line pin & clean up any excess with a razor blade being careful not to scratch the pad on you finding.

 Further Notes:

 For the base glass you can use any color of 3 mm glass you like. But be sure to use clear dichroic over that piece so that the base color shows through. Also when using Mardi Gras or Streamers make sure that the streamer & frit side are next to the dichroic with the clear side up. (This will prevent any of the colors used in this type of glass from devitrifying.)

Now go and have some fun!

© 2005 Mimi Bolser, Art Glass 2 Glass Works