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Fused Bracelet Making
This
is part two of a multi-part tip on making fused bracelets.
Click here to go to part one, which discusses the equipment you'll
need.
Begin the process of fused bracelet making
by fusing the blank that will be used to form the bracelet.
You want to create a blank that will be approximately 3/4" to 1"
(around 2cm) wide and roughly 6" (15cm) long. The actual
dimensions may need to be adjusted, depending on the size of the
mold you're using.
The easiest way to form the bracelet is to
cut and stack two strips of standard thickness glass. They
should be the same size. You may decorate the strips as you
wish, using dichroic or any other glass. You may also use
lampworking or other techniques to shape the glass if desired.
As with any fusing project, make certain that you use compatible
glass.
Once all of the glass components have been
assembled, they need to be fused into a single strip. You can
use the standard fusing schedule for your kiln. Small strips
such as the ones we're working with can be heated fairly quickly
(500F/260C degrees per hour, or even higher). Remember that
most bracelets look best if they are fully fused so that they're
flat and smooth, rather than tack fused or textured. A ten to
fifteen minute soak at 1450 to 1500F (790 to 815C) works for most
kinds of glass.
After fusing, make certain that the bracelet
is properly annealed and cooled before going on to the next step of
this process, slumping the bracelet.
Click
here to continue.
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Copyright 2005 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
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