The Truth about Mixing Glass and Clay - Tips, Tricks, Risks, and Warnings!

[@GambolingwithMonique]

I am a studio potter at the local community college and I teach chemistry at the same college. I am MUCH more concerned about how most potters handle their chemistry labs (glaze rooms and supplies) as well as dry sweeping and sanding of pottery (lung damage) than the little bit of glass that might be used in the production of non-food safe items. You keep on being wonderful Jon!

[@gradybraylen3569]

i guess Im kind of randomly asking but does anybody know of a good place to watch new tv shows online ?

[@gideonzayn7237]

@Grady Braylen Lately I have been using FlixZone. You can find it by googling :)

[@geraldbraxton1092]

@Grady Braylen I use flixzone. You can find it by googling :)

[@RnldsWrap]

I just wear a mask all the time in my studio now and days

[@michaeldeleon1612]

What I like about you and your videos is you don't have a huge ego and are willing to take feedback to adjust your message. I think I can identify with you in the sense that I will do things with clay and some will say - you can't do that.....well I just did and isn't it great? Keep up the good work!

[@midnoodle]

These videos are ridiculously calming to watch. Life is pretty rough right now, but this is helping. Thank you.

[@myacrylicjourney624]

Sarah Byrne watching Jon’s videos are sure to cheer you up! 😉

[@lucie1723]

Your pottery is beautyful love it !

[@juliannehansen4801]

I love that you did a followup because sure enough, I made ALL the mistakes you talked about here! Not only that, I re-fired a piece that already had glass in it (it had pitted badly in a previous firing) and it literally shattered in my hands as I got it out of the kiln (the one piece I thought had survived, LOL). So, I will likely wear the safety gloves as I empty my kiln if there are glass-filled pieces inside. I will certainly be doing these again and I really appreciate your followup tips. There may be many MANY people who don't follow safety tips, but it is always a good idea to use safety equipment. As always, I say, use common sense. You're a super fun guy, great pottery and awesome family man and business owner. Keep up the great work!

[@ataliemitchell3606]

Some people are so critical! Jon don’t worry about the negative comments. I’ve given people advice on the glass on some Facebook pottery pages and gotten theirs crazy people just saying “NO NEVER” but that’s total ridged close mindedness. Just have to do it right! Thanks for making this video. Also I found using mason jars or thick glass does not work. Only like coke bottles and beer bottles etc. so I just want to remind the viewers NO TEMPERED GLASS or CANING GLASS! You rock Jon!

[@myacrylicjourney624]

Aia Pottery, Atalie Mitchell I was wondering about different colored glass bottles like brown, blue and green that I see at our recycling center.

[@ataliemitchell3606]

My Acrylic Journey I have a bunch of green bottles and have not used them yet. I was told by a gal that does glass fusing that the colored glass will work fine but just to make sure I don’t mix glass colors. So if I’m doing a set with green glass use only green no clear. She said there’s a chemical reaction that would happen if I mixed colors. I kinda want to try anyway but don’t want to ruin my kiln or something.

[@RyanSmith-er8kw]

Hey might be abit late (hope you tried it!) it wont break your kiln, worst case scenario it will just got a different colour (probably brown). The biggest issue i could see would be if the two different colours had a different COE (coefficient of expansion), aka how much the glass shrinks/expands with temperature. If they were wildly different it would break when it cooled but meh worth a shot. Also kiln paper can guarantee that if any glass spills out it wont fuse to your kiln below. @@ataliemitchell3606

[@ataliemitchell3606]

Ryan Smith I haven’t tried to mix colors yet, but may go ahead and try on one coaster on if these days

[@lesselavie7675]

I work with glass every day....no gloves, no glasses, no closed toed shoes...and I'M STILL ALIVE!!!! Lol...you're much more patient with people than I

[@DragonForgePottery]

I would say this with regard to safety. You are responsible for your own actions, and thoughts. If you rely on others to think for you... It is still your choice. Broken glass is sharp. ... Yep it is here's your sign. However he is not responsible for your actions. That said the warning about telling your customers... Ya that is spot on. People nowadays do not like to think... (Shakes head in sadness)

[@Necroticss]

Maze OfMind hey not everyone why do you think I think about everything (not joking at all I think about everything!)

[@MayaRivka]

Keep teaching Jon. Some people don’t realize a little common sense goes a long way, but then again common sense is not a flower that grows in everyone’s garden. I like your teaching style. And you always answer the questions asked. STAY WARM!!

[@markinpdx7345]

Love your approach. It’s funny on the FB groups people melt down about mixing glass with clay. When really you nailed the message. No need to freak out, just be safe!

[@alicesise4686]

Oh my goodness Jon. Just be you. It’s working100%.

[@marcmorton6342]

Jon. For what it's worth, I have been doing stained glass for years and we cut and break glass all the time without gloves. You are a great teacher, dont let negative people get you down.

[@sandraderoos4318]

Jee, thank you for caring for us and doing this video (being pursuaded into doing so). But frankly don't change yourself, you are passionate and a joy to watch. Regards, Sandra (dutch living in spain and a recent fan)

[@deborarinehart2120]

LIke we used to tell our kids, "do as I say, not as I do". Not that difficult! Don't worry about the nay sayers Jon! Potter Tip: Mark the bottoms of the coasters "NOT FOOD SAFE". I have a glaze or two the isn't food safe and use it on things like coasters and such, but just so folks know I mark the bottoms. Your tips on the coasters helped , I've had some success with them, also marked "not food safe" on them. Awesome theater at the end! Keep doing what you're doing!!!

[@myacrylicjourney624]

Debora Rinehart I think that’s an excellent idea!

[@karenweidenbach8996]

Omg you make me smile so much! I just took my first wheel class and found your channel as I’m excited to learn more. Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious. So fun. Looking forward to learning along with you.

[@alexfigari7165]

I took ceramics in high school all 4 years and I miss it so much. Your videos along with your energy are amazing and inspire me to find a way to keep creating, thanks!

[@jdlevens2145]

You are an excellent teacher!!! I would totally not worry about all those negative comments people are giving you. Thanks for the extra tips on the coasters I bet it’s going to help a lot! Your awesome!

[@mrsbeckydaisy]

The most annoying people on social media are the ego maniacs who attempt to police language/grammar and safety. Jon you are a great teacher as well as a very talented potter. Those things are commonsense, if they are that lacking in that department, they should not be busting up glass nor should they fire pottery because they may burn themselves. I think some people just have an inferiority complex and are compelled to criticize others who possess far more talent. (Just my observation and experience on social media platforms) Thanks for all of the great videos and information, it is very appreciated. 💜 ☮️ 💜

[@gp_thats_it]

Exactly my thoughts, if you are clumsy like myself then yeah use gloves but if your confident or don't care about getting cuts then don't use gloves. It's common sense. The glasses/goggles are good to use however I can't stand the foggy vision. I kinda noticed Jon's glasses getting a bit foggy which can be dangerous in itself. But yes I totally agree with you, only you know yourself and if you know you need extra safety precautions then go for it, if not then don't. 👍😄

[@mrsbeckydaisy]

Exactly, it is so annoying when people look for opportunities to criticize others.

[@emj3677]

Dont worry bout thise people. I am so glad you are teaching. You are the best. I havent made more yet after those ones broke. Not discouraged, just been busy. Thank you for showing again now. I will try again. Lol Yay! 👍👌❤

[@JohnJacobJingleheimerSchmit]

This is really helpful because I am planning on making these as a project for my art class. Thanks!

[@EmilySmith-bq5np]

Thank you so much for these great tips! I love how you take comments and questions so seriously!! ❤️

[@ryanb9297]

being irresponsible is not a measure of your ability to teach. Thank you for taking the time to educate, and being constructive about the criticism.

[@Trinitysnana]

Glad the intro music is back. Glad you answered some of the critics and did it in a way that leaves everyone with their own choices. I've made these coasters and had none crack. I do put on every set that they are not meant for use with food. Keep up the good work.

[@marleagaskins334]

I have watched your glass coasters. I just watched this video as I was waiting for the results of my attempt to do the same. Every thing you shared happened to me. I put to much glass in some of my coasters and of the 20 plus over half broke because I put too much glass (before I didn’t put enough). Everything you said in your last video came true. I enjoy your videos very much. Safety first!!!!

[@darianlosey2364]

I know this is an old video but it answered my questions. Someone I work with was wondering about putting glass in the bottom of a mug and I said "as long as you don't drink out of it because it's not safe" she wasn't convinced and I tried to explain to her there are small pieces and that the glass wouldn't be sealed, as you said in the video, but she still wouldn't listen. As other people have said do what you do Jon! I love your videos and I'm glad you don't get so bent out of shape from rude comments. As long as you stay safe and keep making videos, I will be a supporter and viewer

[@andreag7822]

There will always be the ‘doom and gloom’ brigade. You have always made it clear regarding the safety needed and O my gosh people, glass is sharp. It’s as you just said, ‘It’s an effect’ It’s art using natural materials. I’m very much a beginner and have used glass to good ‘effect’ but my safety is my responsibility. End of rant people! Thanks again and yay! the intro music was back!!!! 🇬🇧

[@haleywhitehall7942]

Thanks for explaining how to do this technique properly. I love how your coasters turned out and will try to make my own.

[@lizziemasters5511]

Made my first glass coasters this weekend. Thanks for all the advice.

[@OscarZarco]

Glad you made this video! Thank you so much. You answered some questions I had about this process. I'll be trying this out!

[@gurleensahney1502]

Your spirit is so motivational. I love coming back again and again tk watch your videos as you are so talented and funny too. I love your pottery and your personality is a cherry on top.

[@susanjaracz1574]

Everybody is a critic. Your follow up is informational.

[@robertcole1098]

Well done Jon, it sounds like you've been getting a hard time with adverse comments, unfortunately you have assumed that you were showing the demonstration videos to responsible adults who would know how to handle broken glass!! Oh well, I think you have addressed this problem now, I don't think you could have been more clear about the dangers. Keep on with what you do, I so enjoy watching your videos. Cheers Bob 🇬🇧

[@littlesammyf7380]

Can’t believe how critical folks are, end of the day you are a grown man who has made a bunch of those things. Any way fab video, I’ve been saving glass bottles specifically for coasters so it’s great timing and I need all the tips 👍🏽😻

[@katrinamasales523]

Thank you Jon. You have been my main instructor for pottery. You are a brilliant teacher. Please don’t stop.

[@soulak6332]

thank you for taking care of yourself with the protective gear! Good look by the way

[@BrenzerM]

everything has a place in pottery/ceramics, that is how we learn and invent! great information, thanks so much :)

[@BookLoverrr23]

Back in high school we actually had an assignment in ceramics were you had to use glass in some way on the piece. Another art class made glass mosaics every semester so there was a LOT of extra already broken glass. It was pretty cool

[@benpatterson4452]

Some people are critical, no matter what you do. I found no issue, with your original video. I don't feel that "Glass is sharp, be careful" is something that needs to be emphasized. In regards to ceramics, irresponsible would be showing glaze mixing, while not wearing a respirator, or using materials that may leach. There are many other examples I could give, but suffice it to say, your video wasn't one of those. I think the coasters are a great idea, and had never seen them prior to your video. I may give them a shot, sometime in the near future. I think you clarified, what form works, why it does, and the quantity of glass needed. Just keep doing you!

[@claymazingartworks5682]

Wish I could send a picture of the things I made in high school 1966-1970 . My 93yr Dad still has sitting on his 50yr old coffee table LOL. We would always put marbles in the bottom of our ashtrays ( when we are allowed to make ashtrays in high school) before putting them in the kiln. I took pictures of them the other day. The pieces were a little dusty but glass is still smooth and looks great. I think it's a fabulous idea to incorporate glass with your coasters. I made a tic tac toe board and I would like to filll the hashtag in with glass. Have any idea where to purchase some pulverized glass in cobalt blue? You're a sweetheart and you have a beautiful family ♥️💃

[@videoburns1]

Hi Jon, great video as always! What cone are you firing with the glass added? Thanks

[@isisgrein2332]

You are very patient with comments here, people can be very annoying!

[@anthonysangerman9128]

Thank you for your content I took ceramics in senior year it was amazing even thoe I wasn’t talented at the time but from stepping back and seeing videos I like remember being stuck on the steps I would have questions then I would learn watching you I’m planning to throw at home soon

[@addicted367]

These are gorgeous. I want to buy some when I find a job again.

[@zahrafahd172]

Absolutely love the coasters u make!!! 👍👌👍

[@marynelson4477]

I make plates with glass on the bottom- they are made to hang on the wall and decorative use only is how I sell them. I also explain that the fractured glass can cut so you should not rub it with your hand. After all this a woman still stood there rubbing a plate for a full 5 minutes ( I timed her!) and she ended up with a cut which she promptly showed me. Oy! I explained AGAIN that was why I had explained all this the first time. There’s always one that has to test the limits...

[@briannaauge7356]

I would like to begin using glass in this way too! Would you mind sharing what type of clay you like to use, what glazes, and what cones do you fire too?

[@Sweetpixels01]

Could the glass on the coasters be sealed by the application of a clear glaze over the melted glass? It would require an extra firing but may reduce the risk of cut fingers. Also dont let the nay sayers get you down! As your videos increase in popularity the jerks come in larger numbers.

[@feliciamorris4965]

Sealing the glass dosnot work it clouds the glass and still dosnot make it food safe. Just use decorativly. Glass requires a ridiculously slow during process that ceramics don't like. I use glass in jewelry, and decorative pieces.

[@Sweetpixels01]

I certainly wasn't thinking of making anything food safe, I was thinking to prevent the possibility of cutting fingers, cloudiness would depend entirely on the clear glaze you choose to use.

[@Starrydragons]

@@feliciamorris4965 at first I thought "dosnot" was a spelling mistake but then you did it twice. Why

[@neilanthonyhaywardlewis8978]

Glass comes from Silica which is the base of all glazes to which you add other raw materials e.g feldspar contains a high proportion of silica, to this one can add flint, whiting, China clay, oxides, etc to formulate the glaze recipe.

[@neilanthonyhaywardlewis8978]

This is a typical Stoneware glaze, very basic but through experience and experimentation you can learn how to formulate your own. Earthenware glazes need a commercially prepared glaze base called a Frit which is a low temperature base just like high temperature feldspar is a Stoneware glaze base.

[@marycolebeck5663]

I have crushed glass chips. Can I add it into the plain glaze for a different effect. Will I be able to fire at cone 06

[@andreaeyzaguirre6208]

Wonderful video, better idea!

[@janeneh.3093]

Hey Jon, I watched a video a few months ago and the guy was using broken glass on his pottery like you do. The way he broke the glass was pretty cool. He bought a 5 gallon plastic bucket with the lid. Then he cut a hole in the center of the lid, about the size of a door knob. Then he had a sledge hammer, slid the handle thought the hole of the lid, inside to the outside, then put the hammer in the bucket that had a bunch of glass in it, after the hammer with the lid was put on the bucket sucurely, then start to smashing the glass. It will look kind of like a butter turn. That way you dont have to worry about finding glass here and there and everywhere. You dare devil you. 😊 😁 Keep up the good work 👍❣️

[@shoejl]

Jon, I’m in MPLS and you’ve been inspiring me for years! I even planned a bike trip to your coffee shop but weather intervened. I have no concerns for your safety in the studio but bro PLEASE get a helmet! You have precious kiddos! I shattered my clavicle and broke my brain when riding my bike to work, with a helmet on! Was riding 100 miles a week, anyway. I care about you and the well-being of yourself, art, and family! Protect your noggin! Love from Bee’s Pottery!

[@lesliewiechmann-roddy3320]

"Not for use with food" should be inscribed into bottom of each pottery piece containing glass. Just telling customer or writing warning on paper given with piece is not safe enough.

[@oldturtlepottery2667]

Thanks for the extra tips

[@anamedrano26]

Just came across your video's today and I've been watching non-stop where can I get some of the things that you make?

[@Hannipp]

what cones do you fire them at? both the prefire and with glass? : o

[@supoh4352]

Thanks! Doubts cleared

[@karenryker5740]

Wish I had a butterfly ashtray. Remember these from my childhood. Started in ceramics when I was 10, and these butterfly ashtrays were all the rage. What made them special was they used glass in the bottom. By the way I was 10 in 1976. So to those who tell you that glass and ceramic has no place together. I say they are wrong we've been doing it for along time. True it is for only decorative uses and caution should be used when working with it.

[@collinsglass8625]

Does the COE of the glass matter how you fire it?

[@littlecoffeebean6744]

I don’t know how to make pottery, I just like watching it! I have a question! What would happen if you made an item, and rolled it in sand, and THEN fired it? Like a sand type of glaze?? Haha would it become glass coated? I’ve been searching online for someone who has done it but can’t find anything! If you’re looking for video ideas, please try it!! I’m dying to know! 😂

[@paulrobinson6000]

There are speckled glazes which have solid particles in them, but what is in those melts at the right temperature. Sand on its own is almost impossible to melt. The reason we can make glass is because of other chemicals which lower the melting point; glass without these chemicals tends to form from EXTREMELY high temperatures, which are usually produced by volcanos, lightning, or nuclear bombs. As for your question, I haven't tried it, but could tell you that the sand would probably not melt. The temperatures needed are just far beyond what ceramics are fired at. Assuming the sand is the only glaze, you would probably either have a pile of sand on the kiln shelf or a very rough-textured pot. If you mixed the sand in with your glaze, there is a higher probability that the surface would turn out better, but I'd still be surprised if the sand actually melts. It is quite an interesting idea though, I'll probably try it.

[@nilanroy85]

I have used glass once in incense burners and shredding it to almost a powder makes it less prone to breakage... Also requires less glass

[@maggiebannenberkowitz9254]

I love watching you!

[@CardsbyMaaike]

i think these might look really cool as pendants for a necklace, smaller ofcourse, but with the glass in the middle and a bit of color around the edges, seems perfect

[@shannonquelch]

People need to take responsibility for themselves!!! Everyone knows glass is sharp!

[@CeeJayKay]

I love this effect on coasters too and wonder what if we were to refire them with a coat or two of clear glaze?

[@peterbruun8478]

could you make the glass pottery foodsafe by adding a layer on top, like clear resin or something like that?

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

so, you want me to be careful? I think I got that - I think - Thanks Jon ha ha!!

[@MotherNaturesEdge]

This would be functional if you put food safe resin over top to seal the glass. I loved the first video. But thank you for helping us with our issues

[@j.t.4732]

Do you think it would be food safe if you gave the whole thing a few thick coats of food safe resin? Thanks for all the informative videos by the way I always learn a lot

[@raquelreyes4325]

The coasters are really pretty! 👍

[@nadakodsia2635]

My opinion is you are a Genius potter and a generous artist. 🌷 Subscribed 👍

[@gabriellagrafakos5521]

I feel like crafters work with glass all the time and do not use gloves or anything. My mother works with stain glass and I’ve never seen her wear gloves. I worked with mosaics in high school for a mural making organization and we didn’t use gloves.

[@hellbunni7957]

I made a jewelry bowl aith a ring peg (?) Holder thing in the center and put seaglass in the center and it turned out beautiful. Since its not for eating on and just for jewelry I figured itd be fine :)

[@LWJCarroll]

Mmmm you could possibly use these as glass molds.....for glass only coasters?? Laurie

[@DanSolSko]

Maybe you could use it to eat out of etc if you put a layer of food grade epoxy over it, depending on how well epoxy would bind to the glass and oxide.

[@Cate7451]

No

[@swaroopasatish7760]

Hey, can we put glass below the bowl maybe at the foot area?

[@toothless489]

I put this marble-like glass but flat on one side on a heart that I made.

[@graffic13]

My friend in Az makes pottery very very very similar to this for about 20 years

[@tyannehafar6453]

Could you seal the glass with clear glaze?

[@AlisonMurray-xu5di]

Please can you share your firing schedule for melting the glass. Should I do a glaze fire first and then a glass fire?

[@jeannettedanbom4950]

Thanks you for your videos. You might try wrapping your glass in newspaper before putting it in the bag to mash or a box with a trap? I do some stain glass stuff and I'm always getting glass slivers ( always forget my gloves guess I better not make videos so I don't get harassed)!

[@weedtoad]

This is the first video I've seen of yours, and you're a potter that's interested in mixing ceramic and glass AND you're from Minnesota?? Immediate sub! :)

[@carmi7059]

I recommend braking the glaze into a cloth or a bag made out of fabric because plastic bags get holes so quickly because of the sharp edges of the broken glass and when you use fabric, you can brake much smaller particles of glaze and make like sparkles with different colors of glass.

[@SparkPlug-ml1ci]

I know this vid was months ago but do you know if you can used different colored glass?

[@Cate7451]

Definitely one can! I do it all the time!🇨🇦

[@micheledickey4066]

Please tell us what glazes you used!!!!

[@geminicouponjenny1078]

I'm sorry people are commenting instead of expressing concern. You are happy and confident in what you do and I'm certain you meant n harm...

[@chukkarfarm503]

You are hilarious....and helpful!

[@koolguy357]

You might consider a test like you do w the glazes. Weigh different amounts of glass and find out what weight makes them perfect for your diameter of coaster. You wouldn’t have to weigh them ever again because you know it by feel but you could give a really nice starting point for others. Thanks for your content!

[@bernatrosello4375]

If you coat the piece after making it, it should be good safe right? And also wouldn't have the chance of cutting you?

[@andromedastern8812]

:D Safety first :D Well done ;) Greetz from Germany

[@onjofilms]

To cover those sharp projections I coat them with epoxy. The clearest and the cheapest is from Incredible Solutions or Ecopoxy.

[@DeniseWilliamson-w7k]

So, were these low-fire clay pieces that you added the glass to? How was the second firing managed, . . .to what temp?, hold time? etc.? Thanks!

[@leahengel2790]

do you think it’s ok for a ash tray? will glass get into a joint if i put it out and then use it another day? is it ok to wash the peice? love the video!

[@oct0b3r]

Wondering what temp you are firing these at especially when using glaze?

[@logangraham2956]

it might still be useful as coasters . even if they break off their still on the outside of the cup that you placed on them. so they can be used functionally but in very niche applications that would not have you consuming anything that directly comes in contact with the plates.

[@zeldao.1800]

I would be very interested in a video about your pottery wheel and stuff. Maybe you got some good advices for beginners?☺️

[@starvingartistscollective]

For the critics....take responsibility for your OWN practice and quit fussing about everyone else's, they're over 18yr! Another option to the glass is to ANNEAL it. After melting, slow fire DOWN to 454-482 °C (850-900 °F), soak for 20mins, then let the kiln cool slowly to room temp. That will alleviate the stress fracturing that happens to heat formed glass, but then you won't get the pretty crackle effects either... choose. Love your videos Jon, TFS!!

[@wolflepe9597]

I like how it went from teaching you something to a music video

[@roberthitt6193]

Great videos... is there a way to make glass sun catchers using clay and kiln wash as a form? these are the type of glass objects that hang in windows....

[@toddwinchester7516]

Great job you have helped all of the safety warriors sleep better tonight. :)

[@okiebrown6035]

My husband has a small forge. Could I use terracotta small plates, glaze, glass and put them in the forge?

[@RaashLaura]

How many pounds do you throw with for the costers

[@waskasoometalworks3329]

I have literally no experience in pottery, but I have paired with a potter making custom mugs for our dungeons and dragons room and now I want to experiment. Have you ever tried powdered glass mixed with your glaze?