Fused Glass Bubble Pendants Using Copper Carbonate

[@nachshoncohen7752]

Thanks!

[@jenipowell]

You show the best stuff. Thank you for sharing

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Aw, thank you!

[@robertcoyle1532]

I have used a slurry of copper carbonate with dilute white glue. you can draw lines with it or draw pictures. You will get lines of bubbles where the drawing was. Also try it with cobalt carbonate or nickel carbonate. They give different colors.

[@i.t.577]

Ohhhhh! This sounds amazing!

[@Bob-Is-A-PotterNow]

This has me thinking about experimenting with some of the mineral colorants I use in my ceramic glazes. Great idea!

[@LBCGD]

Hi Jameson, I watched this a few of weeks ago and down the rabbit hole I went. I am wanting to make a rather large bowl which gives the feeling of the Pacific Ocean as a gift for my dad. I have now tested various ways of laying the chemicals down. Yes I bought several to test. What I found which worked the best was two ways. First is the method you are showing works. I also tried water, CMC, and aloe. I found aloe to be the best medium for laying the various chemicals down an mixing them to create the shades when combined. I am in the middle of a final test tonight. I sifted 3 different copper bearing transparent glass powders very very light and then sifted the copper & cobalt over them while also blending. Thanks for sharing.

[@JamaisonSchuler]

This sounds like an amazing project!

[@watcherinlaa8736]

I gave this a try and it worked beautifully. As you showed, I only used a light dusting on a solid white base and capped with clear. The results are terrific. Thank-you for such a great video.

[@denlarson6966]

Jamaison, this must have pre-professional KZbinr. Lol. Love it.

[@judyjohnson2699]

Thank you - great job! I have some of this powder from a class at the Vegas Expo - need to get it out and start playing!

[@HannMadeStudio]

this is such a clever idea. thank you for sharing.

[@winterwhitechocolate]

Thank you for this video. I bought some of the copper carbonate and used some of the massive amount of clear art glass I have to try and make pendants. I just make sure that the two pieces of glass come from the same larger piece of glass and no COE problems. I only have microwave kilns right now, but as soon as I get a proper kiln, I am going to make a bunch of pendants. They are really pretty and very unique. Thank you for sharing this technique with us!

[@AbelieverofourLord]

What a wonderful idea. You did such a great job demonstrating the technique. I love these... Thanks a bunch for sharing!!!!!

[@3PairDesigns]

OMG! Why am I just now finding your channel? LOL! I am super excited to give this a whirl. They are so fun! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really am enjoying your channel, please continue to share when you can. Your work is fun and wonderful. Thanks!

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Aw, thank you so much!

[@tarajones5835]

What kind of kiln are you using? I love the pieces!!

[@JamaisonSchuler]

This is an old video so this was my previous Olympic kiln. I now have a Jen-Ken which I’m also delighted with.

[@ghislainesabbagh-hughes]

I just ordered some copper carbonate. I can't wait to try it out!

[@jenipowell]

Hi Jamison, was there any glue involved between the glass?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Nope! Dry powder only!

[@carynpittman6465]

Love these!

[@dondoyle111]

Another great video - have you tried Copper Oxide as well - I understand it is slightly different than Copper Consentrate

[@JamaisonSchuler]

No, haven’t tried that

[@kristycannon7923]

Those are just beautiful! I am definitely going to give this a try! I'm so excited! Thank you! :)

[@supersonicjett3572]

Thank you for this! I bought a bottle of the copper carbonate from Amazon to do this with. My pieces ended up with mixed results and a bunch of holes. I will try your schedule and sifting better :D

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Jim Treese I’m just using 3mm glass and the lightest level of sifting. Maybe test some different amounts of powder and see what happens? Have fun and good luck!

[@donroy992]

I'm just a very beginner beginner so this might be a dumb question but what would it look like if you didn't cap it. What if you put the second 3mm piece behind the piece with copper carbonate? Thanks in advance.

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Not certain. Haven’t tried that because it was never my intent with this product. Just guessing, but I would think it may just blacken and then most of it would dust off after firing because very little would get stuck to the glass.

[@lindaherrick2189]

@@JamaisonSchuler Don't think there would be any bubbles because they form between the glass.

[@daisygirl9814]

Thank you for sharing! So pretty - Would you use the same schedule for a bigger piece? Say 8x8 or 6x6?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Daisy Girl good question! I’ve only dabbled in these smaller pieces... but I think I would start with this schedule even for a larger full fuse? Let me know if you try it!

[@laurar8486]

This is a great idea! I have a question about the full fuse schedule - What is 9999, no ramp, straight to the desired temp? Would you please explain this schedule? Do you do all these steps or do you just choose one of 4?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

You do all of these steps. 9999 is a way to program a kiln to “as fast as possible.” If you are new to fusing, invest some time in studying what ramps and programming is. This free tip sheet from Bullseye is a good start, but consider in investing in some books as well. Good luck! www.bullseyeglass.com/images/stories/bullseye/PDF/TechNotes/technote_4_2020.pdf

[@laurar8486]

@@JamaisonSchuler thanks!

[@lynneasearls7813]

Hi Jamaison, thank you so much for this video! It is amazing! I tried a batch and they came out very nicely! I am wondering, can I grind these on the grinder, or does the carbonate need to remain encapsulated in the glass? I wasn't sure if it would be safe if some of the material became exposed? Also mine did emit fumes for the first couple hours of firing. I think it smelled until the glass was completely melted, so i am only firing during the day when i can open the doors. I decided against firing other pieces in the same batch, for fear of contaminating other pieces. Do you agree? Again, thank you so much!

[@JamaisonSchuler]

I’m not sure about grinding the edges as I’ve never had to do that. Have you looked up a material data safety sheet on copper carbonate to see what it says? On the fumes… are you certain they were from the copper carbonate? I’ve never experienced that (not saying it doesn’t happen) but I also wonder if something else may have been fuming. New kiln wash, any fiber paper and even fiber kilns can all emit some smells in the early phases of fusing. Just curious… I have fired CC pieces in the same kiln loads as other pieces and never had a problem.

[@lynneasearls7813]

@@JamaisonSchuler thank you so much! I'm going to try again today. Another glass artist said it's just baking soda, so grinding shouldn't be an issue! I'm glad to hear it doesn't affect other pieces in kiln!

[@Bob-Is-A-PotterNow]

@@lynneasearls7813I know this is couple of years old, but copper carbonate is toxic and most definitely is NOT baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate).😱

[@lindaherrick2189]

I'm curious about the color result for copper carbonate. I went to Amazon and the copper carbonate products indicate malachite rather than any blue colors. Should I look for copper sulfate? Thank you very much for your videos.

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Sorry, I do not really know the answer to your question. I will say that my powder (which is from Loudwolf) does tend to have a greenish hue similar to malachite before firing but fires to the blues you see in my video. Maybe mine is a malachite source? I’m not home to check the bottle if it specifies or not…

[@martjassir]

Hi! loved this idea. Do you know what mineral would cause the same effect but orange?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

I don’t… but look up BubbleArt from Colors for Earth. You might find something there in the color you want?

[@reneeneligh88]

If you get unwanted bubbles in a piece of glass is there any way to salvage the piece?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Gosh, so many variables that contribute to bubbles that it’s hard to give a general response. Have you researched some of the online forums? Lots of great Facebook groups for fusing and answers within those groups. Many people have probably tackled a similar situation!

[@reneeneligh88]

@@JamaisonSchuler thank you, I put grit in between my base glass and clear glass. I got some tiny bubbles that I could have lived with but one ugly one. Didn’t know if you can refuse

[@nygrl6102]

I love your experimental nature! I have some of that powder and haven't tried it yet. Have you tried using just baking soda?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

I have and yes, that bubbles well too! I need to practice more with baking soda

[@yelena4170]

What do you use to hang the pendant ?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

I’ve drilled some and used a pinch bail, but I use glue-on bails most often

[@jenniferfragomeni8064]

Did the copper carbonate create any fumes when fired? I can see making a cool bowl with this!

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Never detected any fumes. I always use my respirator when using it just like other powders. I know it’s been used in ceramics for years. Here’s a safety sheet on it: www.mnclay.com/sds/pdf/chem_raw/cuca.pdf

[@annaalsina4260]

Hi Jamaison, really helpful video, thanks a lot. I want to try copper carbonate on optical glass casting and was wondering if it's also compatible. I understand it should, right? I just want to make sure my kiln doesn't explode XD. Thanks a lot.

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Sorry, my only experience with it is in my typical fusible glass from Bullseye.

[@glynesmewton7033]

Would this/these work in a microwave kiln? Thanks

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Great question, but I have no experience with the microwave kiln at all. Sorry I can’t help.

[@hitzjk]

Hiya - Precious Snowflake above in comments days she only uses a microwave kiln, so I would say yes! I just ordered 4 oz and will try it in both my regular kiln and microwave kiln - fun!!!

[@laurabaltzley9110]

I tried this same technique with Slumpy's Tack fuse. The powder just turned black between the clear glass. Is that because I didn't do full fuse?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Not sure... sounds like some additional experiments are in order? Perhaps the temperature needs to be hotter for the bubbles and color to develop? You are using copper carbonate specifically? Maybe you put the same pieces back in the kiln for another firing with a full fuse schedule?

[@maradaniel94]

Same thing just happened to me using a contour fuse. No bubbles - just an ugly black mess. 😩 Maybe I used too much?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

@@maradaniel94 You definitely have to use a very fine amount, but I've never tried anything less than a nice hot full fuse (1475-1490 range in my kiln)

[@minimutt1408]

I am not a chemist, but a couple of quick searches returned some explanations. Look up copper calcination. Per the bottom of this page heated copper turns black chemed.chem.purdue.edu/demos/main_pages/9.9.html so not doing a full fuse quickly may be your problem. Any time you're working with metal or chemicals there is probably an a chemistry explanation.

[@spiritgonewild]

Have you tried Copper Oxide by any chance?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

No I haven’t... copper carbonate works well for me and I have so much! 😂

[@elinorbell3140]

I tried this a few times and my bubbles came out so tiny you can hardly see them - what could I be doing wrong?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Hmmmm…. That’s interesting. May have to keep experimenting with your firing schedule? Wondering if there’s a not enough heat/time to allow them to fully gas?

[@elinorbell3140]

@@JamaisonSchuler thanks - I'll keep playing

[@elainefuehrer5739]

i even like the one that looks amber.

[@dmfclay]

Hi Jamaison...I love the bubbles and tried to do this using 3mm glass, sprinkled the copper carb, then covered with 3mm glass. I didn't get any bubbles :). As I am a scuba diver, I am faascinated by bubbles and really want this to work. My tests came out dark - almost black. I used a full fuse schedule from a book on making pendants. What fuse schedule should I use? These were about the size of yours - I think. My fuse schedule was: 500/1150/30. 300/1260/10 9999/950/45. 125/700/0 then cool to 75. It looks like some people found your fuse schedule but I don't see it....I had 5 test subjects, some with only copper c and others with decorative glass bits between the two clear sheets. I'd love to try again...Thanks so much. Dianne

[@dmfclay]

PS: Found the fuse schedule. Sorry about that...I'm using COE96, which may also be a problem.

[@JamaisonSchuler]

It sounds like you did not go hot enough… I would go full fuse in the mid-1400s at least. Also be sure you don’t use too much powder or even at full fuse it will come out dark/blackish.

[@JamaisonSchuler]

If I were you, I would try to stick those pieces back into the kiln and fire them a second time, just hotter. They may still work or may not but worth a shot before you toss them.

[@dmfclay]

@@JamaisonSchuler Hi there. I didn't realize you had replied until now. Thanks so much for the advice! Will try again. I sometimes get good results, but when I go too hot, as you say, I have black instead of blue...Love these!

[@daviddourte1373]

Jamaison, Do you know how to get different colors with this??

[@JamaisonSchuler]

This is the only color you are going to get with copper carbonate. Colors for Earth has some bubble powders in other colors that I’ve not used - check them out and maybe they’ll have what you are looking for.

[@jollyandwaylo]

@@JamaisonSchuler Randomly, I sometimes get red. I use copper carbonate on my shelf under window glass, not encased in glass. Doesn't work on top of glass, I think because of too much oxygen available.

[@kenyoung4174]

what coe of glass?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Hi Ken. I use Bullseye tekta glass for this, so COE 90.

[@robertcoyle1532]

Probably doesn't matter much. I did this on window glass and it worked. Just have to fire it higher.

[@robertcoyle1532]

Probably doesn't matter much. I did this on window glass and it worked. Just have to fire it higher.

[@nachshoncohen7752]

Thanks!