Pattern Bar Box
Here's a simple trick for forming a box to make a
pattern bar. It works particular well for pattern bar designs
that involve frit or lots of small pieces.
Let's assume you want to make a pattern bar
that's 1" by 1" by 8" long. Start by cutting three strips of
glass, each 1" wide and 8" long. Also cut two 1"
squares of glass. You can use any color, but
remember that the color you choose will make up the outside of your
pattern bar. Many people choose clear.
You want to assemble the three strips and two
squares to make a
small box, with one piece on the bottom and the others attached
to form sides and ends. To do the attaching, use a hot melt glue gun.
The advantage of using hot melt glue to make a
pattern bar box is that after the box is assembled, it can be filled
with frit and other scrap outside the kiln, then easily carried into
the kiln and dammed as usual. Some people finish the box with
a final strip of glass laid on top, but this isn't essential. The
glue will burn off during the firing, and you'll be left with a
unique pattern bar design.
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Copyright 2005 Brad Walker. All rights
reserved.
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