A Beginner's Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass: * Fused * Slumped * Cast

Plot

Introduction -- An overview -- [pt. 1]. Starting out -- Materials -- Glass -- Metals -- Mica -- Tools -- The tool box -- Cutting and breaking tools -- Grinding, polishing, and drilling tools -- Miscellaneous tools -- Specialty tools -- Kilns -- Kiln furniture -- Molds -- Supplies -- Everyday supplies -- Specialty supplies -- Studio setup and safety -- Lights, water, action! -- Don't run with scissors -- [pt. 2]. Techniques -- Cutting glass -- Holding the cutter -- Scoring the glass -- Running the score and making the break -- Breaking by hand -- Breaking with tolls -- Scoring and breaking tight curves -- Cutting glass to fit patterns -- Cutting strips, ovals, and circles -- Kiln forming -- Firing schedules -- The stages of a firing -- Kiln-forming techniques -- Slumping -- Draping -- Fusing -- Fire polishing -- Preparations for firing -- Preparing glass -- Preparing kiln shelves -- Preparing molds -- Finishing your fired pieces -- Removing kiln wash -- Polishing -- Sandblasting -- Chemical etching -- Using adhesives -- Drilling holes -- Troubleshooting guide -- Cracks and breaks -- Bubbles -- Devitrification -- Hazing -- [pt. 3]. The projects -- Floral vase and votive -- Faux-weave lattice plate -- Harlequin candle trays -- Iridescent pendant -- Sea-glass wind chimes -- Cast dragonfly paperweights -- Confetti and streamer candy dish -- Pâte de verre sugar square -- Pop art fish clock -- Open pocket vase -- Blue flame hanging panel -- Spring garden birdbath -- Bargello platter -- Checkerboard and checkers -- Orchid melt sculpture -- Cranberry "stone" platter -- Lace wall sconce -- Pattern-bar mirror frame -- Split-leaf philodendron fountain -- Templates -- Acknowledgments -- About the author -- Gallery contributors -- Index.