t o slumping.
Ceramic molds
c an be used
approximately
s ix to seven
times
before they
are unsuitable.
Molds made
of stainless
steel can be
used, as well
as auto hubcaps
and ready-made terra
cotta pieces. Glass suppliers carry ceramic fiber
materials, which include fiber
blanket, fiberboard, and ceramic
fiber insulation. These products can
be treated with a solution that will
make it rigid enough to use as a
mold. Wet felt can also be shaped to
make a mold.
I follow the same guidelines
when firing ceramics or glass, and
have gotten good results. I do not
ramp kiln settings or flash cool the
kiln. If you have made a considerable investment in glass materials, I
suggest that you read Contemporary
Warm Glass by Brad Walker (Four
Corners Intl. Inc., 2000), “Infinite
Possibilities in Glass Art” (Jeanine
Smith, SchoolArts, December 2004),
or visit the websites listed below.
Heather White is an art teacher at E.P.
Rayzor Elementary School in Denton,
Texas. hwhite@dentonisd.org
NATIONAL STANDARD
Students select media, techniques,
and processes; analyze what makes
them effective or not effective in
communicating ideas; and reflect
upon the effectiveness of their
choices.
WEB LINKS
www.DelphiGlass.com/teach
www.warmglass.com
Materials and Resources
• kiln
• kiln wash: ceramic or
shelf primer made
specifically for glass work
• glass cutter—pistol grip
• glass nippers
• safety gloves
• grinder
• safety goggles
• glass: float (window glass)
or stained glass
• molds
• dust mask
Firing the Kiln
The top shelf is the best spot to
place the glass mold. For slumping,
fire between 1200˚ to 1300˚ Fahrenheit (cone 017 or cone 016). Firing
schedules and results for different
firing temperatures vary, and experimentation is necessary to discover
what temperature range suits your
kiln. This unpredictability can lead
to happy accidents. Mistakes can be
refired or recycled into other glass
projects. Remember that persistence,
patience, and practice will produce
exciting results.
Safety Tips
I require students to wear gloves when handling glass. Students should not bring their
gloves from home in case glass gets embedded within the fibers. A note home with the
students or a message in the PTA newsletter
requesting glove donations usually works.
Gloves are saved and reused. Students should
use safety goggles when cutting or using
the glass nippers. The teacher should apply
all primer to the inside of the ceramic molds
with kiln wash. Students should wear face
masks if grinding glass.
