I love to learn about fused glass whether it is through classes, eBooks, or actual books, therefore, I thought I would write a few book reviews on the various Fused Glass books I’ve read. Please understand this is my personal view and is not intended to offend anyone. I just like to read and I would like to share my experiences with others. I am not paid to write these reviews.
I really liked Glass Fusing Book 1. Even though it was published in 1983, you would be shocked at how much information is still valid. It was so fascinating reading about how bullseye and the artists behind it started out. It is interesting how far fused glass has come yet how many possibilities still exist. I enjoyed his story about Camp Colton and how he and his wife made it into a glass haven. I found the history and contemporary work chapters wonderful. It is remarkable to see names I am familiar with and their early works.
There are some things with the advances are not required any more like some of the kiln procedures, firing self paper prior to use (e.g., papyros), and the majority of enamels are compatible with various glasses now. To me that just shows how much easier we have it than they did just a short time ago.
That being said so many of the topics discussed in Glass Fusing book 1 are still required e.g., testing your kiln to see what temperature works best for tack and full schedules. We are lucky with testing for compatibility as long as we stick with one glass manufacture there should not be an issue. If you do want to combine, manufactures make sure you stress for compatibility. BTW, the chapters on compatibility, stress, and annealing are very good and easy to understand.
The book also covered molds, how to create molds, and coldworking. There are not a lot of projects (there are a few patterns), this book is meant to inspire people to learn and teach fused glass. There is even an outline to aid teachers. It amazed me how so many glass techniques are in this book that are still considered new to most people including on edge construction, combing, etc. It just goes to show that even though we have come so far in fused glass in many ways and not far in others.
Again, I am glad I have Glass Fusing Book 1 in my glass library and I really enjoyed reading it. For those of you who don’t know who Boyce Lundstrom was, he is considered a founding father of modern fused glass. Sadly he died of Brain Cancer on December 2, 1912. Luckily for all of us fusers he left a legacy in his books and his son who is active in the fusing world.
Keeping my kiln warm,
Karen
