Beading Instructions

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 Fusing Frit in a Kiln 

by Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Designer and Educator,
Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
CA4S
: : : Materials : : :
  • Glass frit 
  • Glass separator
  • Kiln wash
  • Kiln paper 
  • Paragon kilns 
  • Safety glasses 
  • Dust mask
  • Paintbrush, 1-inch
    • End of Materials List
    Step 1
    Prepare a kiln shelf with either glass separator, kiln wash or by placing a piece of fiber paper onto the surface.

    If you would like, you can sketch a design onto the kiln paper to help in shaping the frit for fusing.
    Step 2
    Put a dusk mask and safety glasses on. Pour glass frit onto the prepared kiln shelf and maneuver the glass into shape.
    Step 3
    Place the kiln shelf into the kiln. Program the controller to fire the kiln to your fusing schedule. The kiln paper will disintegrate or degrade in firing. This is normal. Note the difference in size from the fused piece to a copy of the original sketched design.

    Note: Each kiln fires differently so it is recommended to test your kiln to establish the correct temperature, hold times and annealing times before embarking on a finished design.

    General fusing temperatures and hold times:
    • Ramp up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit then hold for 15 minutes
    • Ramp at Full speed to 1470 degrees Fahrenheit then hold for 15 minutes (can vary depending on dimension of frit design)
    • Ramp down to 960 degrees Fahrenheit and hold for 120 minutes
    • Ramp down to 700 degrees Fahrenheit and hold for 30 minutes
    • Allow kiln to come to room temperature
    • Do not open kiln until the temperature is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit
    : : : Additional Resources : : :
  • ''Red Glass Angel Pendant'' illustrated project
  • ''Green Glass Angel Pendant'' illustrated project
    • End of Additional Resources

    Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.

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    Permission to copy this instruction sheet is granted for non-commercial educational purposes only. All other reproduction requires written permission. Please email copyrightpermission@firemtn.com for more information.

    All products sold by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads are not intended for use by children 14 years of age and under.

    Fire Mountain Gems and Beads - One Fire Mountain Way, Grants Pass, OR USA 97526-2373
    Copyright 2013 Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, Inc. All rights reserved.