Autumn Dreams

Description

Autumn Dreams
BY: Jeanne Baruth
SKILL LEVEL: 3 (1 being the easiest, 5 being most difficult)
TIME TO COMPLETE: 3 hours
→PROJECT TIP
• Wear safety glasses when glass-crafting.
• Always read and follow kiln safety rules and warnings.
 
 
MATERIALS CHECKLIST
• Fuseworks Microwave Kiln
• Fuseworks Kiln Paper
• Fuseworks Clear Sheet Glass
• Fuseworks Red Dichroic Sheet Glass
• Fuseworks Confetti
• Fuseworks Glass Cutter
• Fuseworks Running Pliers
• Antique Circle Copper Tag Item# ctc (Nunndesigns.com)
• Copper-Tone Metal Chain 4mm X 9mm (orientaltrading.com)
• Sharpie
• E-6000
• Pattern
• Marker Colors dance and swirl on the surface of this medallion as fall leaves on a blustery day. Make this autumnal treat in an afternoon using the Fuseworks microwave kiln.
 
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Measure and mark pattern pieces on the following sheet glass: • Clear Sheet Glass - Circle 1 1/8” • Red Dichroic Sheet Glass - Circle 1 1/8” – Use the diagram to cut the red circle only into three pieces as shown.
2. Using a glass cutter, cut glass following pattern (FIG. 1) Learn to cut glass, watch a video at: http://www.diamondtechcrafts.com/default.aspx?page=itemView&itemsysid=186709

Scoring a Circle 
1. Circles can be scored freehand or with a circle cutter. To score freehand, use a marker and draw desired circle size on the glass surface.
2. Line up the cutting wheel with the intended score line. Apply light to moderate pressure to the cutting wheel and push away, following the perimeter of the circle. Do not rescore or overlap score lines. Do not move your cutter back and forth on the glass. One even score is all it takes.
3. Turn the glass over onto a piece of corrugated cardboard or towel with the score line facing down.
4. Use your finger, press along the score line. You will see the score “run” or appear to crack ever so slightly. (FIG. 1)
5. Turn the glass back over, with scored side up. Since the nature of a glass score is to travel in a straight line, score tangent lines from the outside curve of the circle to the glass edge. A tangent line should “just touch” the outside curve of the circle. Run each of these tangent score lines with a running pliers or hands. Circle should breakout smoothly.
 
3. Clean glass using paper towel moistened with water. Completely dry the surface of the glass with a lint free cloth.
 
4. Next, cut a 2” X 2” piece of kiln paper. Remove the lid from the Fuseworks Kiln. Place the kiln paper on the kiln base.
 
5. Position the three pieces of red dichroic glass on the kiln paper to form a circle, use the pattern (FIG. , which you can find examples in the pdf. File, link is found under the project title) to position pieces. Sprinkle small pieces of red, orange, yellow and black confetti on top to mimic fall leaves. Cover with the clear glass circle.
6. Carefully set the base with glass inside the microwave and cover with kiln lid. Fuse in a 1200-watt microwave at 50% for 2 minutes; 80% at 1 minute; 30 seconds. If using a microwave with a lower wattage, increase the power percentage but, keep time consistent. PLEASE NOTE: All microwave and kiln combinations will have different firing patterns. Be sure to take careful notes and log all fusing times for future use.
7. After time is up, open microwave and, using Hot Mitts, carefully lift the lid enough to inspect the fusing process. Glass is fused when the edges of the glass are nicely rounded. If necessary, continue to microwave at 15-second increments until desired results are achieved.
8. Remove kiln from microwave using the Hot Mitts and place on a heat resistant surface. Cool the kiln for at least 30 minutes WITH THE LID ON. Caution: Removing the lid or peeking under the lid during the cooling stage may result in your piece cracking. Glass remains hot for a long time handle with great care.
9. Once cooled, clear gaps will appear in the dichroic glass along the cut lines. Turn the piece over and use a black Sharpiemarker, to blacken the area where the clear gaps appear.
10. This creates the trunk of the tree. Glue the circle to an Antique Circle Copper Tag by Nunn Designs. Allow glue to dry per glue manufacturer instructions.
11. Measure a desired length of the copper-tone metal chain to slip over your head. Find the center of the chain by folding it in half. Open the center link with pliers and hook the copper tag with the glass onto the link. Close the link with pliers, securing the tag to the chain. Open a link at one end of the chain. Loop it through the remaining loose end to connect and close link.