My Fusing class with Patty Gray

As I’ve mentioned several times I love learning new techniques in fused glass. One fused glass instructor that has been on my list since I began fusing, is Patty Gray. I was lucky enough to attend her 3 day workshop in Denver and what made it even better is one of my good friends, Pam was able to attend as well.  Patty is a great instructor and more importantly she is very kind and giving person and teacher.  She explained several techniques in fused glass.

fusing
Me and Patty

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we were able to create a myriad of fused glass pieces, several of which were techniques I’ve never done before.  Additionally I got to use several tools and molds I’ve never used before.

fused glass
just some of the fused glass pieces I made in class
Fused glass
these are glass parts so to speak, vitrigraph, murrine, and a pattern bar (that I will cut up)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also got to make some vitrigraph, I’ve done this before but it’s always fun. Vitrigraph is basically when hot molten glass is coming out of the bottom of a kiln and you can manipulate it. It was a lot of fun.

vitrigraph
Patty demoing vitrigraph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But the most fun part I must say is the combing of the glass. It’s when you reach into a hot hot hot kiln with a stainless steel rod and manipulate the glass. Here is a picture of mine.

my fused glass combing
my fused glass combing
combing
Patty demoing Combing

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just think it’s so fascinating to be able to manipulate the glass then have it harden back into a solid. So very cool.

When I pick up the rest of my fused glass pieces I’ll do another blog. Since they are in Denver and I’m in Colorado Springs it may take me a little bit but I’m very happy I took the class and can’t wait to cut up my pattern bar and murrine. The one thing I have to remember is I used 96 COE and not my normal Bullseye glass so I’ll have to be careful of how I use them.

I have my next show on Saturday so I hope to see ya’ll there.

Keeping my kiln warm,

 

Karen

 

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