Fused Glass: Exploring Frit, Powders and Enamel Paint

Instructor: Jennifer Olauson
Mondays 5:30-8:30pm
5 weeks: January 19 to February 23 (no class February 16)
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.
Please note that enamel paint must be purchased from the instructor.
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.