A wide range of interesting visual elements can be achieved using different fabrication methods. Three are used in several of our Hammerton Studio collections:
- Textured: Sheets of glass are melted onto a hand carved shelf to pick up an organic texture we call ‘Granite’ that’s offered in three colors
- Tack Fused: Small pieces of broken glass (‘frit’) are partially fused onto a base sheet of glass to create a sparkling texture we call ‘Rimelight’
- Fully Fused: Two sheets of glass are completely fused together to create a custom color or visual movement in the material, as seen in our ‘Ivory Wisp’ glass
Each of these fabrication processes typically involves two passes through the kiln. The first pass creates the color or texture, and the second pass creates the shape.
Because glass expands and changes its composition at higher temperatures, kiln-fused glass requires a high level of precision in order to achieve the desired aesthetic characteristics. Firing protocols are equally precise, since each fabrication method requires a unique firing schedule incorporating varying amounts of time at six or more temperature levels.
