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Powder Techniques:
Layering Powder and Frit
Sifting glass powders onto a base sheet of glass is a first step
in many powder manipulation techniques. Here's one variation
that uses sifted powders and frit scraps to create some interesting
and unique patterns.
1. Begin by evenly sifting a contrasting layer of glass
powder onto a base sheet of glass. Opaque powders will show
off the patterns best. The base glass can be any size or
color; clear works well, too. The layer of powder should be
thick enough to completely obscure the sheet glass beneath.
2. Place pieces of clear glass frit on top of the sifted
powder. Large or mosaic sized frit work best. You can just
break up scrap clear glass if you want. The frit should cover
the entire powder layer, from edge to edge. Don't worry if you
disturb the powder as you add the frit.
3. Place the piece in the kiln and fire. Use
your standard full fuse firing schedule; roughly 500F/300C degrees
per hour to a full fuse temperature. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes
(longer will give you a flatter final surface finish), then anneal
and cool as normal.
4. When the piece emerges from the kiln, you'll find that
the powder has migrated to the edges of the the small glass pieces
on top, leaving behind an interesting pattern.
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In this example, black powder was sifted
over a white base glass, then small clear pieces were place
over over the base powder. Finally, the piece was
fully fused. This piece is
by Gordon Marchmyers. |
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Here's a closeup of the above piece.
Note that firing to a full fuse causes the
powder to migrate to the edges of the frit. |
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Copyright 2006 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
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