Freeze and Fuse

Trying my hand at a new technique.
Molds purchased from Amazon.
Powdered glass sample set purchased from: ArtGlassSupplies.com
I will post the fusing schedule I used after school.
When using a Paragon Caldera, this is schedule I use:
Segment Rate/hr Process temp Hold time
1 200 400 30
2 400 1284 35
3 9999 950 60
4 200 700 00
5 500 200 00

[@markgallagher325]

Do you have a link to where you got that amazing collection of powders?

[@KathyFitz1113]

Yes, Art Glass Supplies. They have powder and fit sample sets, and they occasionally go on sale. That’s when I buy. 😉 www.art glass supplies.com/

[@judihaller8051]

We were told to fire them right away instead of waiting 24 hours.

[@KathyFitz1113]

Hmm. I heard the extra moisture could damage my kiln so they should dry out first. I never even considered firing them sooner. I’ll have to give that a try. Thanks!

[@dianacrick5089]

I have always wondered why the freeze and fuse pieces are so, so shiny?

[@KathyFitz1113]

The powders smooth out when fired so you end up with a glassy finish.

[@dianacrick5089]

They almost look plastic to me. What do you think? @@KathyFitz1113

[@KathyFitz1113]

@@dianacrick5089 Yes, I agree. I don’t like how they look after the first firing, but once they’re tacked to a larger piece they look good. I often sprinkle the whole project with clear powder before firing which really improves the look and reduces the chance that things will move around in the kiln. If you skip to the end of this video you can see a finished project. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pofVlnmLe5WHfbssi=YmXNOd7KiGZAszbK

[@dianacrick5089]

@@KathyFitz1113 You have encouraged me to try. I must have over 50 molds some of which I use with polymer clay. There is just too much selection. I usually add clear at the end too. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Kind of you.

[@KathyFitz1113]

@@dianacrick5089 That’s fabulous!! I wish I had so many molds. 😀 I’d start with the ones that don’t have super fine details. I have a deer mold that worked great with chocolate but the antlers broke off every time I used it for glass. I will eventually get it to work but it has been frustrating. I’m glad I didn’t start with that mold. 😉

[@jasonhull1342]

Can I ask what firing schedules you use?

[@KathyFitz1113]

I adjusted these a few times to get the finished look I wanted with my kiln. (Paragon Caldera) Hope they work well in yours too. To fire the freeze and fuse components: Segment Rate Process Hold 1 200 400 30 2 400 1284 35 3 9999 950 60 4 200 700 0 5 500 200 0 To attach the freeze and fuse components to the base. (It’s somewhere between a tack fuse and a contour fuse, the pieces are firmly attached but the texture and detail is maintained.) Segment Rate Process Hold 1 400 1250 30 2 600 1390 10 3 999 900 120 4 150 700 end

[@jasonhill4094]

Hi enjoyed your video, just wondering if you would use the same firing schedule for larger pieces?

[@KathyFitz1113]

Thank you. I’m glad you liked it. This is the largest piece I can do with the Paragon kiln. I’ve tweaked all of my schedules to best suit that kiln, so I’m not sure. I’ll give it a try in my bigger kiln and let you know. …great excuse to make a sunflower piece large enough to turn into a bowl. ;)

[@zacpackman9186]

could i please ask where you got your set of frit from? awsome work btw

[@KathyFitz1113]

Thanks! The frit sample sets came from Art Glass Supplies. Here’s the link to their current offerings: www.artglasssupplies.com/assorted-bullseye-glass-frit-sampler-pack-coe90

[@zacpackman9186]

@@KathyFitz1113 thank u

[@KathyFitz1113]

@@zacpackman9186 You’re welcome. :)

[@herbalannie7707]

Can you use enamels for this? And what was your fuse temp and for how long?

[@KathyFitz1113]

@herbalannie7707 Thanks for the great idea! I haven’t tried yet, but the temperature for both firing segments is within the range for firing enamels. (They are too delicate to paint for the first firing though.) I use this schedule to fuse the pieces: Segment Rate Process Hold 1 200 400 30 2 400 1284 35 3 9999 950 60 4 200 700 0 5 500 200 0 I use this schedule to attach the fused pieces: Segment Rate Process Hold 1 400 1250 30 2 600 1390 10 3 999 900 120 4 150 700 end

[@roseannarteaga4632]

What is your fusing schedule?

[@KathyFitz1113]

Hi, sorry for the delay. I write everything down and couldn’t find my notebook. Guess it’s time to clean my studio. ;) This is schedule I use: Segment Rate/hr Process temp Hold time 1 200 400 30 2 400 1284 35 3 9999 950 60 4 200 700 00 5 500 200 00

[@kathylittlemorecom]

Thanks for a great video. Would it be possible to do this in a microwave kiln?

[@KathyFitz1113]

Thank you. 😊 I don’t know if that would work as I’ve never tried it. I imagine it would be pretty difficult to get the timing right, but it’s worth a try.

[@ediehunter2699]

Someone else said no, when asked that question

[@KathyFitz1113]

Makes sense. Freeze-and-fuse is hard enough with a programmable kiln.