Making the Jewellery
Once an order is received the design is interpreted and made by professional Glass Artist Shelagh Swanson. The aim is to provide an accurate as possible representation of your specification*
Sheet glass, accessory glasses (eg frits; small chunks of glass, stringers; thin strands) glass powders and paints are all used in various ways to create each individual piece.
There are two main methods used in making the pendants:
Method 1: 2 Layers of Glass
1. Two pieces of glass are cut to the same size
2. Design elements are placed on top, using accessory glasses or paints.
3. Ceramic fibre paper is placed between the layers to create a hole through which a necklace or choker can be threaded.
4. Pendant is placed in the kiln and fused at around 800 degrees celcius. Exact temperature is dependant on the desired final effect.
Cutting the Glass Piece of fibre paper placed between two layers of glass,
ready to be placed in the kiln and fired.
Method 2: 3 Layers of Glass
1. Two layers of glass are fused together with various pieces of glass, paints, powders to achieve a specific texture. In the examples below paint has been placed between layers of glass to create a swirl effect.
2. Once cool the two layered glass is cut into smaller pieces and placed on top of a seperate piece of glass.
3. A piece of ceramic fibre paper is placed between the two layered piece and the single layer.
4. The pendant is placed in the kiln and fused.
Two layers of glass with red and yellow paint fused Cutting the glass
between layers
Another piece of glass is cut to form the back. From top: Clear layer, paint layer, clear layer, yellow layer
Ready for firing with ceramic paper inserted to create a hole
After firing all pieces are cleaned and, if appropriate, polished.
*Due to the organic nature of the glass some some colour or pattern variation may occur. When an order is received you will receive a confirmation receipt via email which will detail any variations which may be expected to occur before proceeding with the final design.