Glass Workshops – 2006 Falmouth

Workshop 1 (20 March 2006): Beginners Glass Fusing
Glass fusing involves cutting, assembling and heating sheet glass in a kiln to the point where the glass softens and begins, but does not completely melt. The pieces of glass will naturally adhere to each other at the points where they touch. During the workshop you will have the opportunity to experiment with both 2D and 3D glass constructions besides looking at surface applications. An introduction to some of the specialist glass equipment and machinery will be included.

Workshop 2 (21-22 March 2006) Pate de Verre

Pate de verre is a kiln-formed glass technique utilising finely crushed glass frit, sugar-like in consistency, mixed with water and a binding agent, to form a paste which is applied to the surface of a refractory mould. Layers of paste are built up to form a hollow shell. This process offers controlled placement of colour, intricate patterning and detail.

During this two day workshop you will have the opportunity to produce a clay model from which you can take a mould. You will then work directly with the crushed glass to line the inside of your mould preparing it for firing in the kiln.

Workshop 3 (27 March 2006): An introduction to Mould Making for Slumping and Open Casting

This workshop will introduce you to basic mould making recipes so that simple, yet versatile moulds can be produced for two differing Kiln-formed glass processes. It depends what type of glass you place into/over a mould and the temperature to which the kiln is fired as to what the end result will be: Sheet glass can either be slumped into or over a mould in the kiln to create a new form and texture. Gentle, controlled heating of the surface of the sheet glass causes it to soften and deform in the kiln. Alternatively, glass cullet (chunks of broken glass) can be placed into a mould and heated until the glass melts to take on a solid shape (open casting). You will have the opportunity to make models out of a variety of materials, and working on a small scale, be able to begin to explore both processes. It would be beneficial if you had some experience of glass cutting in order to take full advantage of the time available.

Workshop 4 (28-29 March 2006): Lost wax casting

Wax model making opens up a wide range of options for glass casting. If required, the model can be intricate in form and detail, undercut and delicate. Moulds will be taken from wax models, the wax is then steamed out of the mould. The cavity in the mould is filled with glass and fired in a kiln so that the glass melts and takes on the form and detail of the original wax model.

During this workshop you will have the opportunity to translate your ideas or existing models into this versatile material through a series of model and mould making exercises. Moulds can also be taken from ready made objects. The workshop will be introducing you to flexible rubber mould making as well as refractory mould making. There will also be talks on kiln firing programmes.

No previous glass experience is necessary though some understanding of basic model making would be beneficial.
Venue: Glass Studio, Design Centre, Tremough, Penryn, Cornwall
Cost: Workshop1 - £80.00

Workshop 2 - £150.00 (2 day)

Workshop 3 - £80.00

Workshop 4 - £140.00

Costs include the cost of basic materials and include VAT.
Lunches are not included, but Tremough Refectory will be serving throughout the day.

Contact: Vic Machon, Design Centre Bureau Service Co-ordinator, University College Falmouth, Design Centre, Tremough, Penryn, TR10 9EZ. Tel: 01326 370756. E-mail: vic.machon@falmouth.ac.uk
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