Fused Glass: Exploring Frit, Powders and Enamel Paint

Instructor: Jennifer Olauson
Fridays 5:30-8:30pm
5 weeks: March 7 to April 4
Location: In-person Williams Building room 117
$260 (includes tool rental fee), $100 glass materials fee (required)
Prerequisite: Intro to Fused Glass

This course provides a creative and hands-on experience with a focus on experimentation with frit, powders and enamel paint and individual artistic growth. By the end, participants will have a collection of unique pieces and the skills to continue exploring fused glass art.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Glass Fusing and working with Glass Powders
  • Overview of fused glass techniques and tools
  • Safety precautions in the glass studio
  • Demonstration: Cutting and layering sheet glass
  • Understanding glass powders: textures, colors, and applications
  • Techniques: Sifting, stenciling, and freeform designs with powders
  • Hands-on activity: Design and create a powder-based art piece, focusing on gradients and texture
Week 2: Using Frit in Glass Art
  • Introduction to frit: coarse, medium, fine, and its effects
  • Demonstration: Combining frit with sheet glass to add dimension and depth
  • Hands-on activity: Design a fused glass coaster or small panel using frit to create a dynamic composition
Week 3: Exploring Glass Enamel Paint
  • Overview of enamel paints for glass: application and firing considerations
  • Techniques: Brushwork, sponging, and layering with enamels
  • Hands-on activity: Create a painted glass art piece, incorporating enamel paints to highlight fine details and artistic expression
Week 4 & 5: Combining Techniques & Final Project
  • Discussion: Integrating powders, frit, and enamels into a cohesive design
  • Demonstration: Layering multiple techniques in a single piece
  • Hands-on activity: Design and create a final project, such as a decorative panel or functional item, utilizing all techniques learned
  • Class wrap-up: Showcase of completed works and feedback session

Supplies

The materials fee includes glass and other materials and the use of tools. Students should also bring:

  • Blank paper
  • Ruler
  • Pencil & eraser
  • 2-3 fine tip colour markers
  • Straight edge scissors
  • Paper towel
  • Glass cleaner
  • Safety glasses
  • N95 face mask (required to work with powders)

* For a brief list of frequently used suppliers, please see Where can I purchase supplies? on our FAQ page.